FAQs about IHL and our events
Got a question about IHL, getting involved or how our events work? Check out our FAQs page to explore some of the questions we hear the most.
About International House Leuven & Our Services
What is International House Leuven (IHL)?
IHL is an information and community center that helps internationals get settled, find work, and build meaningful lives in and around Leuven. Our mission is to create a region where people from all over the world can live and work happily, whether you've just arrived or have been here for years.
We do two main things: we inform and we connect. Our team provides clear, practical information (in English) about daily life in Belgium and the ups and downs of international life; and we also organize almost daily events that encourage local understanding, professional growth, and a sociable community.
Most of the team are internationals themselves, so understand what it’s like to move to a new place, and our authentic Leuvenaar is a fountain of knowledge about local life (and Belgian paperwork!)
Who can use the services of International House Leuven?
IHL is open to:
- Anyone who is in or coming to the region to live and work - the labels people choose vary: internationals, expats, knowledge workers, economic migrants, recent graduates, jobseekers, researchers, employees, families... the list goes on! 😊
- Employers hiring international talent
- Local residents interested in connecting with an international community. (So yes, Belgians are very welcome too!)
Our sister organization De Nomade has specialist services for displaced people.
Where is International House Leuven located?
We work across two locations and are also out and about a lot. Many events take place around town. Make sure you check your event listing, or meeting request carefully before coming to one of our locations. In general:
- For events at the International House: IHL, Tiensevest 60, 3000 Leuven
- For Tuesday consultations: &Station 10:00-16:00 Bondgenotenlaan 103, 3000 Leuven
What services does International House Leuven offer?
We provide a wide range of services, including:
- Welcome & orientation sessions for new arrivals
- Career events for highly skilled jobseekers (accompanying partners, recent graduates etc)
- Social events incl. coffee mornings, game nights, book clubs and more
- 1-2-1 support to talk through questions, challenges and changes
- Information sessions about housing, administration, and life in Leuven
Ambassador program to pair a Leuvenaar with someone who’s new in town
- Guidance, information and support for employers working with international talent
Does IHL provide one-on-one support or consultations?
Yes.
But: we provide information so you can do things yourself, we don’t do them for you.
We will help you with any questions you have about life in and around Leuven or even if you're just considering moving to the region. Our info hub is a great place to get some answers, which we will be happy to elaborate on in a meeting.
Every Tuesday we have open consultations to answer any questions you have about life in and around Leuven. No appointment needed, stop by between 10.00-16.00.
Can't make it into Leuven? Or prefer a specific slot? No problem, you can book an online consultation too.
Does International House Leuven offer out‑of‑hours support?
No.
We are a small team, and our services operate during regular office hours (Mon-Fri; 10am-16.00). While we do our best to support the international community, we cannot provide emergency assistance or support outside of working hours.
If you have an urgent issue, please refer to official emergency or municipal services, depending on the situation.
Do I need to be a member to participate?
No.
We are open to all and do not operate a membership model. So, you can come along, with no strings attached! Most of our services and events are open to all living in the wider Leuven region (and Vlaams Brabant as a whole).
Most activities require pre-registration and some target specific audiences (e.g., jobseekers, newly arrived internationals).
Is there a cost to attend International House Leuven activities?
Our services are free-to-access due to funding and support from stad Leuven, imec, KU Leuven, Leuven Mindgate and the Flemish Government.
Many of our activities are free. Some workshops or special events may have a small fee to cover materials and speakers, or to discourage no shows. Costs will always be clearly mentioned on the event page.
Does IHL help with housing?
We provide information and guidance on housing, typical rental processes, and what to expect — but we do not act as a rental agency.
Can I volunteer with International House Leuven?
Yes!
We welcome volunteers who want to contribute to our community programs and events. You can learn more about our community and how to volunteer.
Why is English your working language?
English is our working language because it allows internationals to get help immediately when they arrive in Leuven, even before they start learning Dutch.
Most internationals coming to our region for work already speak English when they move here, so using English ensures that:
- newcomers can access essential information right away,
- we can support people during their first weeks and months of settling in,
- no one is excluded while they are still learning the local language.
We encourage everyone to learn Dutch once they’ve settled, and we are point people toward local language-learning opportunities.
About Our Events and How They Work
Do I have to register for an event?
Yes.
Each event has a registration link — usually (but not always) through MeetUp* for social events, and Eventbrite for career or informational sessions.
We require registration so we know how many people are attending, can prepare materials or catering, and can ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
If you can no longer attend, we kindly ask that you deregister so someone else can take your spot.
*Meet Up will try to make you subscribe, but you can close the pop-up and register for our events with a free account.
I’m on the waitlist. Can I come anyway?
No.
We set attendance limits based on the venue, the event format, and the capacity our hosts can manage. For social events on MeetUp, you can add yourself to the waitlist, and try posting a comment on the event wall to see if someone is giving up their place, but please only attend once you officially move from Waitlist → Going.
Why do event spaces fill up so quickly?
Our community is large and active, and many of our events are designed to be small-scale to encourage interaction and connection. We regularly review demand to add more sessions where possible.
Are events suitable for children?
We have some events specifically for parents that are designed to be child-friendly, and there are many other events where you are welcome to bring your children, but they may not be designed for kids, e.g. a coffee morning.
We find that some parents bring their kids to all kinds of social activities, while others prefer not to. If in doubt, either ask the event host (via MeetUp) or drop us an email: internationalhouse@leuven.be
For events at the IHL event space, we have colouring pencils and booklets, but no dedicated play corner. There’s a big flight of stairs to enter the building, so you might need to ask for help carrying a stroller up.
Is the IHL event space accessible?
Unfortunately not. Our venue is an Art Deco building from the 1930s and does not meet modern accessibility standards. The event space is on the first floor, accessible only via a steep staircase, and there is no elevator, no accessible toilet, and the building is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. We also do not have accessibility technology such as hearing loops.
We want to be as inclusive as possible, so please contact us in advance and we’ll see what is possible, or advise you about alternative events and formats.
Are events free?
Most social and community events are free. However, certain workshops or professional sessions may require a small payment. Any costs will be visible on the event page.
If the event takes place in a bar, coffee shop or other commercial venue then you’ll be expected to buy a drink or a snack while there.
Can I bring a friend or family member to an event?
In most cases, yes — as long as they also register (for events on MeetUp you can easily add more to your own registration).
Please check the event description, as some activities have limited spaces or are targeted at a specific group (e.g., newcomers, jobseekers, internationals only).
Please keep your registration up to date, and free up spots if you or your tag-alongs can’t make it.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cannot attend, please cancel your registration as early as possible so someone on the waitlist can take your place.
For some events (usually with experts) we operate a no-show fee. We will charge a fee when you register for an event and refund it (minus processing fees) if you come. Please check the event details carefully to avoid being charged.
Are events photographed or filmed?
Some events may include photography or video for communication, marketing and reporting purposes.
We always inform attendees in advance, and you may opt out on arrival or offer to take the group photo so you aren’t in it! 😊
If you have any concerns, please speak to your event host(s).
Can I propose or co-organise an event with IHL?
Absolutely! We welcome collaborations with internationals, cultural groups, and local partners.
To make a suggestion, please check out our volunteering page and complete a form.
Do events always take place at the International House building?
Not always. Depending on the activity, we may host events:
- In the IHL building
- At local partner venues
- At cultural or community spaces in Leuven
Venue details are always provided on the event page – keep a careful eye on them. Sometimes for social events, there might be a last-minute change if a venue is unavailable.
I haven't found an answer to my question...
Don't hesitate to contact us! We'll try to get back to you as soon as possible.