A change in country brings many challenges. Finding a place to live, learning the language and finding out how to navigate life in your new home can all be hard, but what about your new neighbours? An understanding of the nature of the people who you’ve chosen to live next to is, in many ways, just as important as learning the language.
By taking the time to appreciate some uniquely Belgian traits, you’ll certainly make life easier when you move here. You can not only avoid inadvertently causing offense, but also get a head start in making new friends and building your social network.
'It’s important to consider carefully how you provide input and feedback, a poorly judged comment can have a greater impact that you may anticipate. '
To help you on your way, we asked Dave Deruytter of NetExpat for some tips. The NetExpat team specialize in supporting Expats in their new home, including intercultural training and guidance. Let’s take a look at some of the traits that Dave highlighted.
One Country, Two Peoples
Belgium maybe one country on the map, but it certainly two in spirit. To the north you’ll find the Dutch-speaking Flemish, who make up about 59% of the population. But, if you head south, the French-speaking Walloons await you, who make up around 40% of the people. And then of course there is the small pocket of East Belgians (1%) for whom German is the main language.
Whilst the Capital, Brussels, is bilingual, you’ll find that the areas outside are either French or Dutch speaking. This extends to the language of day-to-day life, bureaucracy and even street signs. That said, English is widely spoken in and around Brussels, and that includes in business.
The differences don’t stop there, however, with the two main populations also having distinct identities, traditions and cultures. Though this may sound like a lot of work, it gives you the choice of two different ways of living in one country, just find out which works best for you.
Agreeable Nature
Being a nation of two distinct populations has made most Belgians great at compromise. They understand that in many situations it is important for everyone to meet at a point which everyone finds acceptable, rather than one party overriding the other. This can, however, be a challenge in business, where it may be necessary for one party to take the lead.
You will also find the Belgians a welcoming people. With such a blend of cultures and identities already in one place, locals are accepting and friendly to newcomers. This is especially true for large cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven.
Rough Edges
The Belgian sense of humour is, however, not for those of a delicate disposition. Expats can find Belgians a little unrefined or rough around the edges. They will happily find humour in the misfortune or discomfort of others.
However, be aware that they’re not so quick to laugh at their own bad luck, with many taking offense at being the butt of a joke.
Reserved, and Humble
New arrivals can find Belgians rather uncertain and sensitive. Many will actively avoid conflict, preferring to compromise instead, and criticism can be taken very deeply and personally. This suggests that it’s important to consider carefully how you provide input and feedback, a poorly judged comment can have a greater impact that you may anticipate.
For all their welcoming nature, you will also find that most Belgians are reserved with clear limits on relationships. It’s important not to mistake friendliness for friendship, these are very different things in Belgium. This stems from them being somewhat risk averse, taking a long time to develop the bond of friendship.
Friends to the end
For all of their caution and the time they take to make friendships, what about when you do finally make a friend? Well, you’ll have a friend for life. When the bond is made, you’ll find yourself with a friend who has taken the time to know you and decided to keep you. Belgian friendship is a gift that is earned and never superficial.
If you’re looking at those traits and thinking that they sound just like you, then you’re either Belgian or you have a great chance of fitting in here. However, if not, don’t worry. The team at NetExpat can help.
If you’re moving to Belgium, then we recommend having a chat with them. As part of their intercultural training, they will work with you to see which areas of Belgian culture may be a challenge for you, then equip you to both understand and handle those when you’re here. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, and it takes around a day to complete.
Also, if your company is bringing in Expats to Belgium, you might also want to have a chat with Dave and the team. Their programs can greatly increase the success of your new team members relocations to Belgium.
Share this: 
