Expectations

Living abroad in Belgium will be different, and it's crucial for you to start expecting that Belgium will be different. Simply anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help better prepare you for life abroad in Belgium. The single most import thing to remember is to be flexible. You will no doubt have to adapt to new things you encounter in Belgium.

You should learn to expect the unexpected. Accept the fact that everything in Belgium will not be same as it here in the United States. The following are some very general and basic things to which you are probably accustomed in the United States, but may be very different in Belgium:

• Routines and Schedules: Your routine will change once you get to Belgium. Not only might you be dealing with a time difference upon arrival, but many Belgians also may have a unique work, or after-work, schedule. You may have a long afternoon break between classes so that you can prepare and eat lunch at home. You may return to class late in the afternoon and have classes until later at night. You may eat lunch and dinner earlier or later than you are accustomed to doing. You will also have to adapt your routine to bus and metro schedules and to your roommates' schedules. There are countless ways in which your routine in Belgium can be different from your routine in the United States.
• Facilities: Facilities may be modern or rundown, working or out of order, clean or dirty. Basically, you take what you get and deal with it. You have to be your own judge of when facilities like hospitals, restaurants, beaches, public transportation, apartments, or even phone booths are in safe, working condition. In many cases, especially in poorer areas of Belgium, you may have to lower your standards a bit and accept what's available to you. Facilities do not have to be new to be useful or safe.
• Modern Conveniences: In Belgian supermarkets, you probably will not be able to find certain favorite food items you always eat in the United States. Just because you can't find something you're looking for in Belgium, doesn't mean Belgium lacks anything. You should not expect to find the same foods in restaurants or supermarkets, the same fast food chains or name brand items, the same style or sizes of clothing and shoes, etc. Other modern conveniences like ATM machines, hair dryers, cell-phone reception, Internet hook-ups and microwaves may not be available. In short, if you can't have or find everything you want; you will have to compromise.

• Bathrooms and Toilets: You may very likely find things are different even in Belgian bathrooms. The idea of a western toilet with a porcelain bowl and a seat is not universal. Bathroom facilities abroad can literally be holes in the floor, outhouses, or non-existent. Bidets are common, especially in Europe. Toilet paper is often not available, or not commonly used. You may always want to carry a pocket pack of tissues with you just in case. Sinks and running water for you to wash your face and hands or brush your teeth may or may not be an option. If sink water is an option, be sure to ask if you can drink it or brush your teeth with it. Showers may also be different in Belgium, as some cultures prefer to bathe in a tub or other water source instead. Hand-held water sprayers may replace U.S. style fixed showerheads.

• Co-ed Living: If you are not comfortable with living with the opposite sex, make sure to make your wishes known before you are assigned housing, or before you place an ad for a roommate. Otherwise, you may be assigned to live in a co-ed dorm, or find that your roommates are of the opposite sex.