Workshops
From Flemish to immigration to the mental toll of being an international - at Expatival we'll talk about all the things you rarely find written down, but make living in Leuven that much easier!
More details coming soon, and changes possible, so keep an eye on this page!

Learn Chinese Calligraphy
Learn about the art of Chinese calligraphy
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 1
Traditional Polish Paper Cutouts
Try your hand at traditional polish paper cutouts under the watchful eye of IHL regular Kasia
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 1
Intro to
Bharathanatyam Dance
Explore rhythm and expression in this traditional Indian artform!
Start time
11:00
Location
Classroom 1
History of Eurovision - A Bizarre Cultural Phenomenon
Discover what makes the bizarre cultural phenomenon of Eurovision so special.
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 1
Time for Polka - Musical workshop with Jiří Slavík
Learn about Czech music and the Polka.
Start time
13:00
Location
Classroom 1
What Public Services Can Do For You
Learn what the city services can do for you.
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 1
Housing Hacks and Unspoken Norms
How should you introduce yourself to neighbors, and how can you optimize your utility bills?
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 2
How to Become a Belgian Citizen
Learn about different options for citizenship and the do's and don'ts for becoming Belgian.
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 2
What Recruiters Look For in Potential Hires
Finding work can be hard - Marie-Aimée will host a panel discussion with local recruiters to find out just what they are looking for
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 2
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Health Insurance Fund
Learn about what different health insurances can offer you, some may surprise you!
Start time
13:00
Location
Classroom 2
Buying a house: how to get mortgages and insurances
Expert guidance on buying property and choosing the right mortgage and insurances in Belgium, especially for expats.
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 2
Human Chapters: Parent Tip Swap
Join us for short chats where international parents exchange their best insights on raising kids in this vibrant city.
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 3
Share to care – navigating life as an international parent
Come together to share your experiences as international parents, the good, the bad, the lonely, the frustrating and everything in between.
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 3
Having a baby in Belgium
Discover how pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care are supported in Flanders with practical tips and insights from a local midwife.
Start time
11:00
Location
Classroom 3
Demystifying the Flemish Secondary School System
The Flemish education system can seem daunting as an Expat. Join Aron from the education department at the city in their workshop to learn more about the ins and outs of this topic.
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 3
Busting Myths about Raising Multilingual Kids
In the super-diverse world in which our children are growing up, multilingualism is both an asset and a challenge. Join us to discuss it all.
Start time
13:00
Location
Classroom 3
Childcare Resources in Leuven
Discover childcare options in and around Leuven
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 3
Human Chapters: Exploring Cultures, Traditions, and Travel tips
Join us to exchange cultural insights, travel stories and customs from around the world
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 4
Lost In Translation: Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication
Learn about cultural differences with communication and how to navigate conversations.
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 4
Navigating Intercultural Encounters
Learn what it's like to feel cultural shock while living abroad.
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 4
Vlamingen in de Wereld: Learn About Living Abroad
Discover what it's like to live abroad and how you could do it too
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 4
Beginner Bike First-Aid
Do you want to learn to do this or do you need tips? The law, tires, brakes, lighting, gears, maintenance and lubrication. In this useful workshop you will get more information about it. Tailor-made for beginners!
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 5
Being Yourself in Dutch - Learn Spoken Flemish
Find out how to make the leap from textbook to informal Flemish chat when you're a beginner
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 5
Tips for Communicating Clearly with Language Learners
In this workshop, you will be introduced to a variety of practical tips and strategies for communicating effectively with language learners.
Start time
11:00
Location
Classroom 5
Dutch conversation group with Leuven Language Buddies
A Dutch conversation group!
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 5
Samen Lezen
Based on a number of excerpts and guided by targeted questions, we will engage in a conversation together.
Start time
13:00
Location
Classroom 5
Learning Dutch through Song
Get a taste of Samen Zingen and everything else WISPER has to offer at this workshop!
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 5
A Taste of Belgian History: Exploring the Past in an Hour
Get to know more about Belgian history and ask all your questions about our intriguing country
Start time
08:00
Location
Classroom 6
Bring Your Neighborhood to Life: Get Funding for Local Projects
Gather your neighbours - from streetart, to neighborhood cookbooks, benches and raised flower beds the city has funding to make it happen
Start time
09:00
Location
Classroom 6
Grieving Loss of Identity and Being Far From Home
Moving to a new place can be joyous, and then tough. Come learn how to navigate these feelings.
Start time
12:00
Location
Classroom 6
Discover Fun Activities With Visit Leuven
Learn about all the fun things to do in and around Leuven with the tourism office Visit Leuven.
Start time
13:00
Location
Classroom 6
Hidden Gems and Day Trips in The Province
Vlaams Brabant share tips for exploring the region, beyond the obvious top 10
Start time
14:00
Location
Classroom 6
Immigration Consultations
FULL! Get a free immigration consultation (deposit required)
Start time
08:00
Location
Event HQ
Coffee Morning with International House Leuven
Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and great company in our cozy IHL event space.
Start time
08:00
Location
IHL Space
Human Chapters: Share your passion (or obsession!)
Meet people with special insights into all kinds subjects
Start time
09:00
Location
IHL Space
Philosophy Club
Come discuss philosophy and get at taste of the IHL's Philosophy Club.
Start time
12:00
Location
IHL Space
Mini Book Clubs
Get a sneak peak at 1 of our regular book clubs: Sci-Fi Leuven or Written by Women
Start time
13:00
Location
IHL Space
Board Games Mini
Join the regular IHL volunteers for a taste of the IHL game nights!
Start time
14:00
Location
IHL Space
Photobooth
Get your picture taken at our Expatival photobooth!
Start time
08:00
Location
Infohall
7-second CV Reviews
Worried about sending off your CV to recruiters in Belgium? Want to get some advice from an experienced job coach? Then drop by the Career Corner in the Info Hall to get advice!
Start time
08:00
Location
Infohall
Facepainting
Come get our face painted by the talented Sarah!
Start time
08:30
Location
Infohall
Professional Headshots for LinkedIn
Get a professional headshot taken that you can use for LinkedIn.
Start time
09:00
Location
Infohall
Elevator Pitch Practice
In this fun, hands-on session, we’ll help you craft a short, snappy pitch that actually sounds like you
Start time
10:30
Location
Infohall
Guided Tour: Queer History of Leuven Walking Tour
Learn about queer history of Leuven on this guided city walk.
Start time
08:00
Location
Meeting Point: Lobby
Guided Tour: History of Leuven Walking Tour
Join a born and raised Leuvenaar for a history walking tour of the city.
Start time
08:00
Location
Meeting Point: Lobby
Guided Tour: An animal on your plate?
During this walk through the city center of Leuven, you will explore how meat production and consumption have evolved over time.
Start time
12:00
Location
Meeting Point: Lobby
Guided tour: Get to know "De Bib" (The Library)
If you are sometimes overwhelmed by going to the library and get lost in all the literature, this tour is the perfect chance to get your bearings for the next time you visit the library.
Start time
13:30
Location
Meeting Point: Lobby
IHL Band Performance
Come listen to the IHL band jam while you eat your lunch
Start time
10:00
Location
Outdoor Courtyard
IHL Band Performance
Come listen to the IHL band jam while we close out another Expatival!
Start time
15:00
Location
Outdoor Courtyard
Kid's Drop-off
Drop off your kiddo while you check out Expatival
Start time
08:00
Location
Top floor