Looking out of the window while the plane was landing, I still remember how fast my heart was beating: Yes! Finally, I made it to Belgium, the land of my dreams, where I can live a decent life and explore a thriving job market.
I will never forget 2021, the year I decided to leave Palestine, leaving behind my job, my home, my memories, my friends and most importantly myself to move to Belgium. The violent Israëli occupation, which later turned into the genocide we all witness today, forced me to walk away and never look back. Yet, back then, many people thought it was the stupidest decision a person like me, who worked in a prestigious job, could make. They advised me to wait, but for how long? People in Palestine have been living a never-ending nightmare for the last 76 years. Their souls are crushed as they fight for survival. That’s why I had no doubt that leaving Palestine was the best decision, albeit difficult, to gain freedom and start a new chapter in my life. I never hesitated, not even once.
As an Emirati-born person who had lived in Egypt and Palestine for a long time, I was confident that I could fit into any country, as I always had. Why would it be different this time? But Belgium is different, at least for me. Perhaps it was because of the language barrier, or maybe the social norms and customs made me feel so foreign; I wasn’t sure back then. All I know is that I really wish someone had prepared me for what I was about to go through; three years later, I want to be that person for you.
In this blogpost, I will share 5 insights that would have made my transition much easier.
1. Lost In Translation
Since I first arrived in Belgium, I have had a strong desire to make friends with those around me, especially my neighbours. Why not? I’ve always lived in a tight-knit community where friends and neighbours are no less than family. Unfortunately, I was shocked when I realised that Belgian culture is quite different and more reserved. Belgians don’t have the same customs as Arabs do, like welcoming new neighbours, inviting them in for coffee or starting a new conversation. For someone who was raised on Arabic proverbs like “Choose your neighbours before choosing your home,” this was really frustrating. This made me think that maybe I was not welcome here; luckily, I quickly learned more about Belgians in Dutch class. They may seem cold at first, but once trust is built, their respect and friendship become deep and everlasting. Their reserved nature is not personal; it’s just a part of their culture.
Lesson 1: People here in Belgium are respectful and polite, but it really takes time to build deeper relationships. So, take it easy, don’t rush - and don’t take it personal!
2. Paperwork: Belgium’s obsession
To start a new life in Belgium, I first had to get some key documents like a residence card, work permit, health insurance card, a driving licence, etc. I really wish someone had told me that it is completely normal for administrative matters to take a lot of time, as they involve several steps and appointments. Having no clue about these procedures made the process really stressful and frustrating.
Lesson 2: Be mentally prepared for these challenges. Stay patient and seek support from others who have gone through the same process. You can for example join Facebook groups like « Expats in Belgium », « Arabs in Belgium », or « Belgians and Arabs » where people help each other with valuable information. There are also forums like « Expatica » that offer practical information for newcomers about residency permits, healthcare, employment and more. Lastly, Co-Searching organises monthly co-workings for jobseekers, in English, where people from all around the world help each other figure out their next career moves in Belgium.
3. The language barrier
Before moving to Belgium, I was confident that it would be easy for someone like me who speaks good English to quickly integrate and easily find a job - a great job actually. Why not? I speak one of the most important languages in the world, right?
But here is the truth: I live in a French-speaking city where English doesn’t even help me go to the supermarket or get to know my neighbours. I realised that I had to learn one of the local languages so I could break the ice with the people here and show respect for their culture, so I signed up for French classes at ‘promotion sociale’ schools and I also explored online Dutch courses through KISP.
Lesson 3: Lower your ego, do some research about the country you are planning to settle in and LEARN its language for sure. This can have a huge impact on your life, starting from accessing services to making friends and of course, finding a job. You have various options: online classes at local schools like ‘Les écoles de Promotion Sociale’ or CVO schools; online courses with KISP, CVO or Wallangues; universities and language institutes like Université de Liege or KU Leuven; as well as VDAB/ FOREM, which offer courses especially for job seekers.
4. Moving around as a Hijabi
Growing up in Egypt, I remember loving the idea of being different, whether through my clothing or the way I spoke. I always wore clothes that reflected my personality, not caring about following trends. I also enjoyed blending Arabic with English in my conversations as a way of being cool. I believed that standing out was what made people want to get to know you. But after moving to Belgium as a hijabi, I felt uncomfortable being visibly different, especially in smaller towns. Curious glances and stares were common and sometimes annoying. Beyond these looks, I soon faced other challenges: my hijab made it harder for me to be seen as an effective person here. I love Belgium, and I’m eager to integrate into Belgian society, but how could that happen when the hijab is often perceived as a barrier?
Lesson 4: There will be times when doors seem closed, but you can build bridges through your character and persistence. Start your journey of integration by seeking opportunities in volunteering, social work, freelancing, and even digital marketing, etc.
5. Identity or Integration?
I still remember the first time I told my friends about my intention to move to Belgium. They didn’t welcome the idea at all, claiming that it would be impossible for me to integrate into Belgian society while also preserving my Egyptian identity. But as someone who loves challenges, I decided to take the risk.
Luckily, what I discovered was the complete opposite of what my friends were expecting. Integrating into Belgian society while maintaining my Egyptian identity is not contradictory at all. For example, I can participate in local Belgian festivals like Carnival, Brussels Flower Carpet and other regional events while also celebrating my own traditions like Eid and Sham EL Nessim with my Belgian friends. I also can enjoy their local food like frites and waffles, while sharing my traditional meals like koshari and molokhia with them.
Lesson 5: You can embrace Belgian culture while staying true to your roots. Don’t let others’ experiences and expectations discourage you from creating your own path.
Moving to Belgium has been a great journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and surprises, but also with great opportunities to connect with people, share my culture and build a new life. However, my journey is not over yet; I’m still at the beginning. My biggest challenge right now is to find a job that aligns with my skills and experiences. Hopefully, as I continue to improve my French, this mission will become much easier. Any lessons to share with me? ;)
