I'm a Canadian citizen being offered a 2 year assignment in Brussels, Belgium. I have a family of a wife and 2 children under 4 y/o. Can you get by with English only? ... any unthinkables I should know about?
2007-09-04 04:30:54 · 4 answers · asked by BASSEMYOUSSEF 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Belgium
Now days almost everywhere you go they speak English so don't worry, and enjoy your assignment in Brussels. You will feel right at home in no time.
2007-09-04 08:44:51 · answer #1 · answered by bornfree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you accept the job/posting, make sure the pay is based on the cost of living in Brussels, (or at least on the value of the Euro rather than the Canadian $) many people in Europe on USA$ pay are in difficulties because of the exchange rate.
I do not think there will be difficulties for your children as there are many children of the people working for Europe and Embassies who are also English only.
Brussels is about the most multi-language city I have ever been, maybe in the Western world.
2007-09-04 09:34:52 · answer #2 · answered by Willeke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't live in Belgium but I just got back from a week there. Yes, you can get by just fine with English. The further north you go towards Oostende, Brugge, Gent the more English you will hear. The opposite is true in the south but it is still spoken enough for you to get by.
To be honest with you, I was totally surprised by how friendly the people were and how easy it was to get around.
Do be aware of the exchange rate and the reliance on bicycles and public transportation. It is a bit different than the southern U.S..
2007-09-07 13:20:08 · answer #3 · answered by joker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brussels is a cool and beautiful city, don't worry u will be just fine
2007-09-04 11:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by Hell Raiser 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋