Living and Working in Belgium

A relatively small country bordering on the North Sea, Belgium is the second most densely populated country in Europe.  Internally divided into culturally different regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels Capital, Belgium is also home to a mixture of languages.  Flemish is the predominant language in Flanders, while the majority of people living in Wallonia and Brussels speak French.  An active participant in multi-lateral bodies and home to NATO and the EU, Belgium is a popular location for international assignments.  Knowledge of modern Belgian culture and sensitivity to the complex regional variations in social and business culture is critical for anyone living and working in Belgium.  Failure to understand Belgian culture or adapt to a new experience living and working in Belgium can cause frustration and misunderstanding. 

Communicaid’s Living & Working in Belgium courses are designed to respond to the needs of international assignees by providing practical information and advice on the various aspects of living and working in Belgium.  Completing a Living and Working in Belgium course will also leave you with an understanding of the underlying elements that shape Belgian culture inside and outside the workplace so that you have an improved experience of living and working in Belgium.

Benefits

A Communicaid Living and Working in Belgium course will provide you with:

• A comprehensive insight to Belgium and its historical, social and economic development
• An overview of the regional diversity and language differences of Belgian culture
• Practical strategies to help you understand subtleties of Belgian culture in the workplace and in everyday life
• An understanding of the differences in communication styles and tips for communicating effectively with Belgians
• An awareness of the impact of culture on business practices as well as day to day life
• Strategies to manage and cope with culture shock when living and working in Belgium
• Vital information and tips for surviving the transition into Belgian culture

Who should attend
           
A Communicaid Living and Working in Belgium programme will be of benefit to you if you:

• Are about to relocate to Belgium for business purposes
• Are already living and working in Belgium
• Work on short-term assignments or projects in Belgium
• Travel frequently to Belgium for business purposes

Course Content

All our Living and Working in Belgium training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal/organisational requirements and existing skills set.   A Living and Working in Belgium course typically includes:

• A cultural profile of Belgium including a geopolitical, socioeconomic and historical overview
• Structure of Belgian society and the influence of language, traditions and customs
• Insight into the cultural differences between Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels
• The effect of Belgian culture on society and personal interaction
• Influence of Brussels as the head of the European Union
• Advice for everyday living and working in Belgium
• Belgian etiquette in social and business settings
• Working practices in Belgium: meetings and greetings
• Attitudes and values in Belgian business culture: compromise, egalitarianism and time
• Management, leadership and negotiation styles
• Effective business communication:  choosing the correct language in a multilingual society, formality, levels of directness and non verbal communication
• Tips and strategies for successful living and working in Belgium and how to cope with culture shock

Approach

Living and Working in Belgium courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres in London, Paris, Frankfurt and New York or at your offices in any location worldwide.  We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Living and Working in Belgium course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy (please click here to read more about our approach).

Living and Working in Belgium Course Trainer

Your trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus.  Detailed below is a sample profile of a member of our Belgian cultural training team.

CRM - Belgium expert

BA in French, University College London
MBA, European Business School London
Born in the UK, CRM has over 15 years’ experience living and working in Belgium. 

CRM started her professional career as an Account Executive for a global public relations consultancy in the UK before moving to Belgium where she worked as a Marketing Coordinator for an international corporation based in Brussels.  While in Brussels, CRM also worked as a Contract Manager for a large international organisation where she negotiate contracts with numerous European suppliers.  Her extensive experience in these roles has given CRM a unique insight into Belgian culture and a comprehensive understanding of Belgian business and working practices.

CRM recently returned to the United Kingdom where she now delivers cultural awareness training to international organisations helping them communicate and do business more effectively with Belgians.