Meet Reinier: host of the Philosophy Club & Afterwork Drinks

Meet Reinier, originally from the Netherlands now living in Belgium since 1984. He created the IHL band that you can see playing at a variety of IHL events. He also helps run the Philosophy Club & Afterwork Drinks at IHL. You'll also occasionally see him volunteering at Babbel. He's a real Jack of all trades!

By
International House Leuven
5 August 2025

Get to know Reinier

Name: Reinier
Pronouns: He/him
Country of Origin: The Netherlands
Time in Belgium: Since 1984
Countries Lived In: The Netherlands and Belgium
Activity: IHL Band founder and member, After-Work Drink Host, Tuesday Night Philosophy Club Host, Babbel moderator
Languages: Dutch, French, English, German
Favourite thing from home country: Broodje kroket
Favourite thing about Belgium/Flemish life: The Belgian way of life in general
Loves: Music, Aviation, Space, Food, Nature / Wildlife
Ask me about: Music, gigs, etc.

Reinier moved from Holland to Belgium for his studies and never went back.

He moved to Leuven in 2022 and has been an active member of the IHL community since. Reinier founded the IHL Band and started the Bi-Weekly afterwork drinks and the Tuesday Night Philosophy Club. He is also an on and off moderator for Babbel since the beginning.

Reinier is currently working as Head of Sales for a Telco company.

Learn about Philosophy Club & After-work Drinks

Philosophy Club

This group is all about creating a relaxed, welcoming space where we can explore meaningful questions together. No lectures, no gatekeeping, just a chance to hear different perspectives, share your own, and maybe walk away with a few new ideas (or at least a better question than the one you started with).

No philosophy background required, just an open mind and a willingness to chat (or just listen). Each session loosely centers on a topic picked by the group from suggestions we all pitch in (via a dedicated WhatsApp group). Themes can range from love and hate, to society and politics, family and friendship, harmony and conflict, and beyond.

After-Work Drinks

Looking for a casual after-work activity to meet other internationals (and locals) in Leuven? Our volunteer Reinier will be there to welcome you for an evening of great conversation and delicious Belgian beer (or another drink of your choosing).

Would you like to join the group?

Keep an eye on our events page to find out when the next gathering will take place.

Reinier's advice to internationals

If you want to have a good time in Belgium, don’t wait for things to happen but: Get Off Your Ass.

GOYA, Get Off Your Ass, if you want to get things done.
July, 2025

Quickfire Quiz

Waffles or chocolate?

Both, but not Chocolate Waffles

Best thing about Leuven?

Small, green and with an international vibe

What motivates you?

Bringing people together

Early bird or night owl?

Evening Skylark

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert

One word your friends would use to describe you?

Reliable

Would you like to volunteer too? Check out the options!
Something wrong or unclear on this page? Let us know.
This page was last updated on: 5 August 2025