Decoding Flanders
Have you ever wondered why life in Flanders feels the way it does? Why some habits, traditions, or attitudes seem puzzling at first sight? Or perhaps you’ve heard a few stereotypes or stories about the Flemish and want to know what’s true, what’s myth, and what lies in between?
About the workshop
This interactive 2-hour workshop is designed especially for newcomers, expats, and internationals living in Flanders. Together, we’ll explore the cultural codes that shape daily life here, drawing on insights from intercultural thinkers like Geert Hofstede and Richard Lewis. Along the way, we’ll:
- Unpack Flemish cultural patterns and communication styles
- Explore common stereotypes – are they grounded in reality?
- Debunk some persistent historical myths
- Share personal experiences of living and working in Flanders
- Create a safe space for those “I always wanted to ask, but didn’t dare” questions
Whether you’re fresh off the plane or have been here a little while, this is your chance to better understand your new environment – and connect with others on the same journey.
Join us for a lively, welcoming session that will leave you with fresh insights, more confidence, and maybe even a few good laughs about life in Flanders!
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is mainly geared toward internationals in Leuven. Whether you’re fresh off the plane or have been here a little while, this is your chance to better understand your new environment – and connect with others on the same journey.
When & Where
| Saturday, March 21 | 14:00-16:00 |
Where: International House Leuven (Tiensevest 60)
Registration
Registration is required.
About the speaker - Gunilla de Graef
For over 20 years now, diversity and inclusion have been the central themes in my professional activities. As a staff member of several centers of expertise, I have been able to develop my thinking and working around difference in all possible directions. Sometimes with a focus on cultural diversity, other times aimed at diversity in a broad sense. I have supervised dozens of trainings and workshops, for the most diverse target groups and in very different contexts. I have coordinated practice-based research, worked out methodologies, developed competence frameworks, supported expertise sharing, built networks. All assignments from which I drew much inspiration and motivation.
Because I was active not only as a trainer but also as a consultant and researcher, I practiced myself in always thinking along two tracks: that of practical implementation and that of the vision, the policy that sets a framework around that concrete implementation. When thinking about methodologies, approaches, learning tools, I was inspired by literature, but especially by the skill and commitment of colleagues and people in the field. In addition, regular participation in domestic and foreign study days, conferences and colloquia helped me to draw out my own action framework for a powerful diversity policy. At the same time, I was also able to develop a good view of the activities of other actors in the field of diversity, both nationally and internationally.