Articles relating to Other cities

Antwerp, Brussels, Featured, Other cities

Make spousal support part of the relocation package

Offering spousal support as part of the relocation package is an important element to keep in mind as an international employer. You want to keep your transferee happy while moving to a new country with his family and should therefore pay attention to the wellbeing of his family as a part of the relocation package.

 A family relocation can only be successful if the spouse and children of the transferee are happy.

Many employers do forget the importance of an employee’s family and focus on the employee only. Recently, however, there has been an increase in the number of failed relocations, because of failure to look at the family. As a result, employees get divorced or look for other jobs back in their home country and return back home. As a good employer you want to avoid this.

Expat Relocation Belgium can provide the following services in relation to families so a successful relocation can be guaranteed:

  • When the spouse is eligible to work, our team can provide assistance in finding a job, within the company of the transferee or on the local job market (assistance with local habits, analysis of the CV and review, help drafting a local CV, etc..)
  • As a part of integration we can also introduce the family to local expat communities, schools, local play-groups – not only groups in English but if there are for instance a Spanish local group requested by the family we can help the family finding the local groups. A lot can be found on the Internet, but not everything is listed or reliable; a local destination consultant can help you find the perfect fit and save the family a lot of time.
  • In addition, we provide families with an overview of the nearest hospitals, doctors in case of an emergency. This is essential information that should be provided well before it is urgently needed, especially if the family doesn’t speak the local language and often forgotten by relocation companies as basic information.
  • Finally, we provide follow-up sessions in order to check progress and we provide coaching when needed.

Contact us if you would like to receive more information.

Coast, Other cities

Knokke: the Belgian Coast

When you need a break from the city and you want some fresh air or to relax at the beach on a sunny day, it’s a short ride from anywhere in Belgium to the coast, for instance to Knokke.

From Easter onwards, beach bars with sun beds are installed on the beach and attract many people for a day or a weekend. You can also go for a long walk or biking tour in ‘het Zwin’, a large nature reserve. You can easily rent bikes in Knokke so you don’t need to bring your bike along. If you want to try the famous Belgian waffles and your children want to burn some energy on the playground, Marie Siska (www.siska-marie.com) is highly recommended.

In the evening, there are many nice restaurants, with plenty of choice for food, from ‘moules frites’ (mussels with fries) to steak. You will always find good food in good servings in Belgium.

And if you are still up for more you can check out the Knokke nightlife. You can go to the casino, the Kitsch Club, Knokke Out or for instance The Pharmacy, Knokke’s newest cocktail bar.

During summer many events take place in Knokke, such as the Scapa Beach Polo and BBQ, Nacht Van t’ Zoute, Zoute Rally and so much more. Knokke is definitely a recommended destination during the summer.

Where to stay?
If you want to stay for the weekend or for a summer holiday, there are many hotels and B&B’s you can choose from.

How to get there?
From Antwerp: Knokke is 91 km away from Antwerp. You can take the express road by car (1h – 1h15) or you can take the train (2h).
From Brussels: Knokke is 110 km away from Brussels. By car, it’s a 1h20-1h40 drive, taking the E40 and the express road. You can also take the train (1h40).