Integrate your family
Work
experiences abroad are not always successful. The adventure sometimes
even ends in divorce. Adaptation problems are the main cause of failed
expeditions. How does your family become a 'happy family' in Belgium?
Partner
The emotional welfare of your partner is decisive for the welfare of your Belgian adventure and … of your relationship. That is why it is very important that your partner is also well-prepared. Certainly if you know that your partner will have more problems to adapt than you.
Maybe she (90% of the partners is a "she") will not find a new job. In that case, she will have to give a completely new meaning to her life. Easier said than done in a country with a different culture and no familiar faces.
You must not forget either that your partner is much more confronted
with the cultural differences. Whereas you can ask advice from
your colleagues, she has to manage everything on her own.
Organizations that provide guidance to partners
- NetExpat, http://www.netexpat.com
This company tries to find work for partners by providing multicultural training, career counselling, administrative guidance and job application training.
Sites that show you and your partner around in Belgium
- http://www.flanders.be
Exploring Flanders. - http://www.belgium.be
Exploring Belgium. - http://www.xpats.com
An site for expats in Belgium, with links to clubs, language courses, news and even a welcome package for newcomers. - http://www.expatsinbrussels.com
This site is aimed at expats living in Brussels or its surroundings. - http://fawco.org
This is an on-line communicty for American women abroad. Also non-Americans are welcome.
Children
of school age
In Belgium every child is entitled to education.
Primary and secondary education are free and there are quite a lot
of social allowances and scholarships.
There are three large educational systems:
- community education,
- free subsidized education,
- the officially subsidized education (community & province).
Education is compulsory from 6 to 18 years in Belgium. Younger children can go to pre-school kindergarten. Primary education is spread over six years, as is secondary education. Secondary education comprises three grades. Each grade consists of two school years. The first year of the first grade is similar for everyone. There are more options form the second year onwards. Secondary education consists of general, technical, art and vocational education. Higher education can be attended in a university or a college of higher education.
Education is compulsory in Belgium, school attendance is not.
http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/english/