What to Expect
Is this like a company mentor program?
Not quite.
While a company mentor might help a new employee learn the ropes at work, a Welcome Host will focus more on helping Newcomers feel at home. Think: local tips, where to get great coffee, how to navigate Belgian quirks, and simply having a connection to turn to while navigating moving abroad.
Welcome Hosts are not meant to be your personal assistant or an expert in admin, but they are someone who's been there, done that — and is happy to help Newcomers find their feet.
How Do You Get Paired?
Our matching system to pair newcomers with a welcome host has a very human element to it, as in, a wonderful human does it! Sophie Rottiers, who manages the program, takes careful consideration when making pairs.
Here's a little bit of Sophie's background:
She's a Belgian who has lived abroad and experienced first hand what it's like to live outside of one's home country. She's been in Leuven since 2014 and has found a love for the Saturday morning market in Brusselsetraat where you can find lots of delightful food stands.
Sophie's favorite thing about the international community is how it's like the ultimate global potluck! You've got people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own unique stories to the table, all in search of that special sense of belonging away from home. She loves listening to their adventures, immersing herself in different cultures, and giving a warm welcome to all the newbies in our city.
That's a bit about Sophie, now back to how you get paired with a welcome host and newcomer:
When you fill in the form to join the program as a Welcome Host or Newcomer, you'll include details about your interests, background, worklife, family life, etc. Sohpie takes these things into acount and pairs people with someone she thinks will be a good fit. Her success rate is fairly impressive. As of June 2025, the program has had 177 people enrolled and around 50 pairs have been matched since the start of the program in 2023.
Activities in the Ambassador Program
In addition to one-on-one meetups between Welcome Hosts and Newcomers, International House Leuven also organizes exclusive events just for Ambassador Program participants.
These gatherings are a great way to relax, have fun, and connect with others who are also settling into life in Belgium. Past events have included summer potlucks, holiday crafting sessions, game nights, and other casual get-togethers designed to build community and create lasting connections.
Whether you’re looking to make new friends, learn about local traditions, or just enjoy a good time in good company, there’s something for everyone
Ready to Join?
If you’re already convinced, you can jump ahead and apply below — either as a Newcomer or a Welcome Host. Not sure yet? Keep reading to see what’s in it for each role!
Why Join As a Welcome Host?
Besides the fun (which we can almost guarantee), being a Welcome Host means you’ll get to meet fellow internationals and locals who are passionate about building a welcoming, globally-minded Leuven.
You’ll:
- Connect with people from all over the world living and working in the region
- Be a part of a tight knit international community and form lasting connections
- Contribute to activities that support the international community
- And — of course — enjoy that unique blend of professional and social life that makes Leuven so special
And yes, you’ll be recognized for your efforts as part of the program. It’s a great way to give back, grow your own network, and have fun doing it.
Want to Be a Welcome Host?
Great! Here’s what you need:
- You live in the greater Leuven area
- You’re happy to commit to supporting a newcomer for about 6 months
- You enjoy meeting people and sharing your knowledge of the city
- You can be local, Belgian, or international — as long as you’ve got a soft spot for Leuven
A Welcome Host is someone who enjoys helping others settle in, is open to cultural exchange, and is willing to share their own story and tips along the way. If that sounds like you, just fill out the Welcome Host Application Form below, and we’ll be in touch soon.
Why Join As a Newcomer?
Moving to a new country is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. The mix of curiosity, uncertainty, and culture shock (illustrated in the image below) is completely normal, but it’s not something you have to navigate alone.
When you join the Ambassador Program, you’ll be matched with a Welcome Host — someone who understands the ups and downs of settling into life abroad. Whether it’s your first time living in Belgium or you’ve moved around before, having a local connection can make all the difference.
By joining, you’ll:
- Get friendly, personal support from someone who’s been in your shoes
- Gain insights into local life that go beyond official paperwork
- Start building a welcoming network in the Leuven area right away
Ready to join the program as a newcomer?
If you’ve recently arrived in Leuven (within the last 6 months) and plan to stay for at least a year, we’d love to match you with a Welcome Host!
👉 Simply fill out the Newcomer Form below, and we’ll be in touch soon to get you started.
P.S. Not sure if you're a Newcomer or more of a Host? No worries — just send us an email at internationalhouseleuven@leuven.be with a few details about yourself, and we’ll help you find the best fit.
Joining the Ambassador Program Can Actually Improve Your Wellbeing
Building community is one of the most important steps in feeling truly at home in a new place. At International House Leuven, we often hear how challenging it can be to adjust when you’re far from familiar faces, routines, and comforts.
That’s exactly why the Welcome Ambassador Program exists — to create meaningful connections and make the transition to life in Leuven a little easier, and a lot more personal.
Studies show that forming social connections doesn’t just ease the stress of moving — it actually boosts happiness and well-being. We’ve seen firsthand how a friendly chat, a shared coffee, or a helpful tip can turn someone’s whole experience around.
So whether you're new in town or someone who wants to give others a warm welcome, we hope you’ll join us and become part of this growing, supportive, and truly wonderful community.
