topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

Learning with the International Primary Curriculum

Remote training for expatriates

Should our kids go native too?

Pre-school activities in Belgium

How expats are learning the local lingo

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2103.3 0.66
DAX 6317.79 0.51
IBEX 30 6528.5 1.37
CAC 40 3029.02 0.86
FTSE 100 5332.76 1.26
AEX 291.6 0.84
DJIA 12496.15 -0.05
Nasdaq 2850.12 0.39
FTSE MIB 12994.76 0.26
TSX Composite 11564.8 0.99
ASX 4106.2 -0.31
Hang seng 18666.4 -0.64
Straits Times 2779.53 -0.03
ISEQ 20 495.18 1.03
You are here: Home Life in Lifestyle Introducing Lifestyle in Belgium

Lifestyle

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


12/04/2011Introducing Lifestyle in Belgium

Introducing Lifestyle in Belgium Here's an introduction to Expatica's Lifestyle section for Belgium.

First coined in 1929 by an Austrian psychologist, the term ‘lifestyle' reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group, which includes social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. Being an expat, of course, is a lifestyle in and of itself. Expatica's lifestyle section has all the articles you need when it comes to sculpting the expat life that's best for you.

Expat lifestyle: The chameleon
Expat life engenders an international outlook coupled with an ability to blend relatively ‘seamlessly' into other cultures. "Members" of the expat culture club are hard to spot; after all, expat living is an experience, not an identity.  Living this kind of lifestyle can be a bit overwhelming at times, and that’s why we’ve put together a host of articles to help you make expat life work--from dating to clubs to home living, Expatica Belgium offers tips, tricks and expert advice.

Moreover, your lifestyle as an expat might also encompass children, and Expatica offers plenty of help with keeping the family climate healthy and positive. According to recent research, third culture kids (TCKs, or children who have grown up living abroad) "hide themselves in an attempt to blend in to constantly changing surroundings." Life as an expat can be just as challenging for children as for adults! And don't be surprised if you find repatriating the most difficult piece of all for your kids. Here at Expatica, we help you make expat life more enjoyable and comfortable for your TCK's present and future. And don’t forget to read accounts of former expats who explain why the expat life was good for their kids.

Fashion and décor
Another aspect of “lifestyle” encompasses shopping and fashion. How you shop and what you buy certainly helps to define your ‘image', and expats will be influenced by what's on offer in their new countries no matter how much they resist. Articles like how to look slimmer in your clothes, dressing across cultures and shopping in Belgium keep you up to date with the latest fashion.

The right décor makes your home away from home that much more comfortable. And when it's time to head home, many ex-expats find themselves decorating their homes with memories and keepsakes of the land they left.



Making 'green' choices
Green living is a lifestyle and organic clothing is coming of age. Organic, recycled 'recessionista chic' has hit Berlin’s catwalks, and across Europe "eco-friendly" can only add value to a label. The Sunbeams team offers tips on which waste goes where in Belgium?  And when it comes to entertaining, benefit from one of our reader’s tips on how to throw a garden party. Lifestyle article 'Beat the crunch: Make it and mend it' offers tips on making good use of the things we would normally throw away.

Media, relationships and networking
Flirting across cultures may require a change of approach, and in the era of text messaging and social networking that approach has changed even further. Read ‘Love in the age of Facebook' and ‘Breaking up in the time of Twitter' for insight into the world of online dating,

What is love? The marketplace of Eros examines this age-old question in the light of the modern world. Join Expatica Belgium’s dating site to increase your chances of meeting like-minded internationals. Or connect with other expats in the Expatica forums, and keep your eye out for Expatica events.

Finally, check out our listings of groups and clubs to find expats like you. And remember to enjoy this experience of life abroad -- a once in a lifetime opportunity!


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Life in essentials
Life in expert Q&A
ask your question
Life in A-Z listings
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Community Noticeboard Belgium

Holiday appartment for rent @Côte d´Azur (French Riviera)

American in Belgium

BUY NOVELTY DRIVING LICENSE,ID CARD, PASSPORT

Discuss Belgian Culture

BUY NOVELTY DRIVING LICENSE,ID CARD, PASSPORT

Belgian News

BUY NOVELTY DRIVING LICENSE,ID CARD, PASSPORT

Community Noticeboard Belgium

BUY NOVELTY DRIVING LICENSE,ID CARD, PASSPORT

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Looking for work in Belgium

Looking for work in Belgium

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.

Learning to cope with life abroad

Learning to cope with life abroad

The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.