Meet Kasia: host of the 40+ Ladies group

Meet Kasia - host of the vibrant 40+ ladies IHL group. Originally from Poland, she started this bustling group that meets a few times a month to try new things: food, drinks, karaoke or even spa days - the sky's the limit with this group!

International House Leuven

27 June 2025

Get to know Kasia

Name: Kasia Dembowska
Pronouns: She/her
Country of Origin: Poland
Time in Belgium: Since 2009, Leuven since 2018
Countries Lived In: 5 (Poland, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta)
Activity: 40+ Ladies IHL group
Languages: Polish, English, Dutch, French
Favourite thing from home country: Polish hospitality and Polish lake district
Favourite thing about Belgium/Flemish life: Belgian fries

Kasia brings a warm, welcoming spirit to everything she does. Originally from Poland, she’s called Belgium home since 2009 and is a proud Leuven local. With a passion for travel and cross-cultural connection, Kasia believes every culture holds lessons that can enrich our wellbeing.

We are from different walks of life, but we have one thing in common, we’re all from different countries. With our group, we have fun, combat loneliness and can go through difficult things together.

February, 2025

Her advice to internationals

Learn the local culture, stay authentic to yourself and definitely go to the summer festivals.

How Kasia volunteers at IHL

In 2024, she started the 40+ Ladies IHL group, creating a dedicated space for international women over 40 to connect, share, and feel at home in Leuven. What began as an idea quickly became a thriving community—with over 70 members and 15 meaningful events in just five months. Kasia creates a strong sense of belonging and friendship, making her a cornerstone of the IHL community.

Together, the 40+ ladies have gone on spa days, eaten dinner out on the town, met up in the park and sung their hearts out during karaoke. The group continues to find fun ways to connect with each other regularly.

At Expatival 2025, Kasia also shared some of her cultural heritage by running a workshop on the traditional art of paper cutouts, dating back to the XIX century. The cutouts were originally used to replace curtains and decorate windows in country houses. This tradition has faded away after its golden age, however the modern Polish culture is inspired by the traditional patterns which are still visible in clothes, bags, furniture, textiles etc.