June 9, 2010 7:37:51 PM CEST
Hi,
Welcome to Antwerp!
There are loads of English native-speakers here in Antwerp and the surrounding area - and many of us have been here for several years! I'm from Leicestershire, UK, married to a Belgian and have been here since 2002. A lot of the networking is done via clubs and societies!
If you are interested in theatre then the British-American Theatre Society (BATS)
http://www.batsantwerp.be/ has a social gathering every first Friday evening of the month at Paardemaarkt 111 in Antwerp. It is very informal and very friendly.
There are several other expat societies, it just depends what your interests are; the Antwerp British Community Association, the Antwerp British and International Women, the Antwerp Fine Art Society (ADFAS), Royal British Legion (Antwerp), Mission to Seafarers, Antwerp Anglican Church in the Grétrystraat etc. etc. (I've probably forgotten some!) - there is also a great English restaurant in the centre of Antwerp called "The Eat House" - just off the Groenplaats, next to the Brabo car park. Ilse & Clive are wonderful - and they are child-friendly. Our daughter is two and they were so sweet to her. :-)
Have a look in the Expatica Survival - Groups and Clubs section and do a search for Antwerp!! When I first came in 2002 it seemed as if everything and everyone was in Brussels, but that's honestly not the case!
Please let me know if you want more info on the expat community here in Antwerp!
:-)
Hope to hear from you soon!
