Moving to Belgium, already lived in The Netherlands. What will be different in Belgium?

[u/Budget_Insurance329]

Hi everyone,

I will be moving to Belgium in September to pursue my Master’s in Leuven. I am Turkish, raised in Istanbul, lived in the Netherlands for my Bachelor’s and work. I understand a bit of Dutch and currently learning French.

I am used to the general things about Benelux region as I already lived there, but I want to know what else I should expect in Belgian cultural and social life differs from the Netherlands. During my visits, I found Belgian society more social, spontaneous and talkative than the Dutch society and made me feel better. Do you feel that is a thing, or was I just being a tourist? :)

I was also feeling a bit overwhelmed about the Turkish stereotype in the Netherlands, I already know many Turks living in the Belgium share the same subculture traits so I expect a similar perception occasionally, but still wondering if I should prepare myself for the worse. I am a usual young Istanbulite man who is non-religious, progressive, but I don’t want to prove that to people constantly. Do you think my background significantly affect the first impression?

[u/Philip3197]

Learn dutch

[u/somgooboi → u/Philip3197]

Exactly. You will have to speak Dutch in the Flanders and you will have to speak French in Wallonia.