A Guide for Expats to Networking in Brussels

Networking Options in Brussels

English-speaking Gay Group (EGG) – Holds parties each month for English-speaking gays and lesbians of all nationalities. Telephone: 025374704.
Friends International – Social group for 40-60 yr old people looking to meet other people. Schuitenlaan 39, Tervuren 3080. Telephone: 010650117. Website: http://friendsinternational.site90.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Spouse Trailing Under Duress Successfully (STUDS) – Male social group comprised of husbands/partners in Brussels because of partner’s work. Telephone: 026492604. Website: http://www.belgiumstuds.com/
Toastmasters – Club for people to meet and train their public speaking and leadership skills. Several locations in Brussels.
Viewfinders – Photography club speaking English with monthly meetings and other activities. Meetings at the Swedish Church, Avenue des Gaulois 35, 1040 Etterbeek. Website: http://www.viewfinders.be/
Women’s International Club of Brussels – Organization for women to meet for cultural exchange and socializing in an informal environment. Website: http://www.wicbrussels.com/

British Chamber of Commerce – Providing networking and promoting business between the UK and Belgium and provides advice on starting businesses in Belgium for members. Boulevard Saint-Michel 41, Brussels 1040. Telephone: 024000000. Website: http://www.britcham.be/
Brussels Business Over Breakfast Club – Informal business networking group meeting twice a month over breakfast bringing together people looking to increase or start their own businesses. Telephone: 02476579399.
Irish Business and Employees Association – Represents interests of members at the European Union level to benefit Irish businesses. Avenue de Cortenbergh 89, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 025123333.

Au Pairs Club – Club for English-speaking au pairs meeting once a month to socialize. Rue Archimede 67, Brussels 1040. Telephone: 027673391.
Caledonian Association of Brussels – Club for Scottish people or people with an interest in Scotland. Website: http://www.calsoc.be/index.html
Canadian Women’s Club of Brussels – Organizes Canadian get-togethers and is also active in the community. Telephone: 023743702.
New Zealanders in Belgium – New Zealander/New Zealander connected social networking group.
South African Club – Social club for South Africans and friends of southern Africa keeping people in touch and organizing events. Rotselaerlaan 73, Tervuren 3080. Telephone: 027820598.

Rotary Club Brussels – Dutch/English-speaking Rotary Club, helping the disadvantaged.
Lions Club of Brussels Heraldic – Club with various nationalities whose emphasis is on helping the less fortunate. Telephone: 026409207. Website: http://www.lionsheraldic.net/

Sept Fontaines – Private golf club just outside the city requiring membership. Chaussee d’Alsemberg 1021, Braine l’Alleud 1420. Telephone: 023530346. Website: http://www.golf7fontaines.be/index.php?dsp=history

- - Royal Brussels Cricket Club – Located around 15kms outside Brussels, with the best cricket facilities in Brussels, many people meet and make important contacts here through mutual ex-pat exchange. http://www.rbcc.be/
  - British United Football Club – Football club boasting 4 men´s teams, a ladies team, and a veteran´s team where there are many ex-pats. http://www.bufc.org/

01	Learn French or Dutch, especially if you are coming long-term. If you have children this is even more important and will assist them to integrate.
02	Learn the Belgian rules of the road as they are a little different to other places and can be complicated.
03	Join expat groups by all means but remember that Belgians do exist too, and many expats make the mistake of never getting to know them properly.
04	Make the most of summer. Winters are wet, cold and gloomy and involve largely indoor activities.
05	Bring as many personal documents as possible (birth, driving, examination certificates), they will help in many different bureaucratic situations.