This is a very general inquiry...I'm planning on moving from Montreal to Belgium (Overijse)in 2 years. I wanted to know how long it takes to make and get all important papers, visas, etc... I'll be moving with my wife and 2 daughters who by then will be ages 5 and 7. Is Primary school very expensive?

The Godfather of my younguest girl is from Overijse so I'm sure logisticks won't be much of a problem for me, but I'd like to have a general idea of how it feels to be a Canadian living in Belgium, is it hard to adapt (By the way we all speak french and my wife and I both speak english.

If you have the time, I'd like to read your comments.

Thanks,

MtlPete

Hello,
I guess that variable such as your workplace, environment etc will play a major role. If you think that there was some language problem in Quebec between French and English... you are in for a shock: we are rank amateurs compared to the hostilities between French and Flemmish.
Your kids and the school and other activities associated with them could be a great social breaker. Otherwise don't expect the natural welcome wagon that you might get in Quebec. I am a francophone working in a flemmish area and I have to admit that from numerous different regions where I worked, the Flemmish area is the most unfriendly, cold and closed social environment that I have ever met.
Fortunately for my wife there is a nice and dynamic Canadian Expat association. Any insight information about interesting things to do or discover in the area of Brussels came from this association. Not a single good lead from any of my coworkers. We don't have any kids.
Still I would still have come. It was a interesting experience. It is true that I am here less than 50% of the time. My location here in Brussels is just a home base for assignement in the Middle East and the rest of Europe. I would be glad to give you any more specific info.
Regards,
Paul Picard

Quote:
I Paul,

My name is Julie.I'm canadienne.I recome back to Amsterdam since 6 mois...I have visiting Belgium alot...and my next destination for a long time is Bruxels...Would you know any quebecois to bruxelle.And if the answer is yes...just ask to write me to this site!Take you so much!julie
Hello,
I guess that variable such as your workplace, environment etc will play a major role. If you think that there was some language problem in Quebec between French and English... you are in for a shock: we are rank amateurs compared to the hostilities between French and Flemmish.
Your kids and the school and other activities associated with them could be a great social breaker. Otherwise don't expect the natural welcome wagon that you might get in Quebec. I am a francophone working in a flemmish area and I have to admit that from numerous different regions where I worked, the Flemmish area is the most unfriendly, cold and closed social environment that I have ever met.
Fortunately for my wife there is a nice and dynamic Canadian Expat association. Any insight information about interesting things to do or discover in the area of Brussels came from this association. Not a single good lead from any of my coworkers. We don't have any kids.
Still I would still have come. It was a interesting experience. It is true that I am here less than 50% of the time. My location here in Brussels is just a home base for assignement in the Middle East and the rest of Europe. I would be glad to give you any more specific info.
Regards,
Paul Picard

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Dont be scared. I moved from Mtl to Toronto and that was tough. Then to australia, that was tough then to London and that was the worst! I am on my way to Belgium in the next 3 months and so far it is so easy in relation to relocation in england! Relocation is just tough... but there is alot of support to europe versus to england (which is not included in my term europe as they feel themselves to be different to the continentals...whatever) Despite the english language being similar to everywhere else, it is the most difficult place to adjust to... this comes from an expat group I started a few years back and all agreed. From where I sit... belgium will not be so bad. You will be able to enjoy visiting so many countries in a short period of time. It will be great for the kids to get a little europeanised and exposure to the multitudes of cultures (tolerant or not who cares, as long as they are learning and having fun)(ignore the stupidities of politics... look where it has gotten london recently)I think it will be difficult but you will enjoy it immensely once you accept that europe is not north america and the services and choices are not the same... enjoy it! Have fun and I wish you all the best.

"where I worked, the Flemmish area is the most unfriendly, cold and closed social environment that I have ever met.
"

aaah, but it's good for productivity, right?

;-)

"...aaah, but it's good for productivity, right?"

I thought their birthrate was low ...

Quote:
Bonjour
Je note que votre prénom est français..vous êtes québécoise?
Je cherche des amies ici sur Bruxelles.
Je suis de Montréal et mon mari est venu travailler à Waterloo (25 min au sud de Bruxelles) Je suis sur la commune d'Ixelles.
Je ne travaille pas et cela fait 3 mois que je suis ici. On a un apart depuis le 14 févirer...et toutes les démarches administratives faitent...j aimerais sortir dans la journée et voir du monde...qui sourit pardi<img src="../images/emoticons/yalaugh.gif">))

<a href="mailto:sophie_peloquin@hotmail.com" Target="_BLANK">sophie_peloquin@hotmail.com</a>

Au plaisir!!!
Quote:
I Paul,

My name is Julie.I'm canadienne.I recome back to Amsterdam since 6 mois...I have visiting Belgium alot...and my next destination for a long time is Bruxels...Would you know any quebecois to bruxelle.And if the answer is yes...just ask to write me to this site!Take you so much!julie
Hello,
I guess that variable such as your workplace, environment etc will play a major role. If you think that there was some language problem in Quebec between French and English... you are in for a shock: we are rank amateurs compared to the hostilities between French and Flemmish.
Your kids and the school and other activities associated with them could be a great social breaker. Otherwise don't expect the natural welcome wagon that you might get in Quebec. I am a francophone working in a flemmish area and I have to admit that from numerous different regions where I worked, the Flemmish area is the most unfriendly, cold and closed social environment that I have ever met.
Fortunately for my wife there is a nice and dynamic Canadian Expat association. Any insight information about interesting things to do or discover in the area of Brussels came from this association. Not a single good lead from any of my coworkers. We don't have any kids.
Still I would still have come. It was a interesting experience. It is true that I am here less than 50% of the time. My location here in Brussels is just a home base for assignement in the Middle East and the rest of Europe. I would be glad to give you any more specific info.
Regards,
Paul Picard

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