Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

Original poster

Brussels - tell me about schools and things

56 replies

schprooz · 06/02/2009 08:00

If we move to Brussels where do I send the kids to school? Does anyone know what the difference is between European Schools 1,2,3 and 4? And what should I do with the 3 year old who's too young for European school? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
corblimeymadam · 07/02/2009 18:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
schprooz · 07/02/2009 18:51

Thanks everyone - maybe we could meet up when I move there!

The boys speak English, Italian and French already, so the language thing isn't a prob. DH will be working at the EU, I'm hoping to have a few years off as sick of juggling. I was thinking of looking for a house in Uccle or Ixelles. I'm applying for the European school 1 in Uccle, but understand that they can admit to a different school if they don't have space. I'm applying to the French lycee as well - does anyone know anything about that (they're in French school at the moment).

Thanks so much for all your kind advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
schprooz · 07/02/2009 18:51

Thanks everyone - maybe we could meet up when I move there!

The boys speak English, Italian and French already, so the language thing isn't a prob. DH will be working at the EU, I'm hoping to have a few years off as sick of juggling. I was thinking of looking for a house in Uccle or Ixelles. I'm applying for the European school 1 in Uccle, but understand that they can admit to a different school if they don't have space. I'm applying to the French lycee as well - does anyone know anything about that (they're in French school at the moment).

Thanks so much for all your kind advice.

OP posts:
PortofinosDHwillDieIfHeForgets · 07/02/2009 19:50

Longtime - I am NOT a SAHM basher! Honest.

RuthChan · 07/02/2009 22:36

Hello!
A living in Brussels thread?!!
Am I too late to join?
Monkeybumsmum just told me about it. [waving emoticon]

Hi longtimeinbrussels
I'm fine thanks.
Thank you for your email the other day. Sorry I haven't replied yet.
We should get together some time soon.

Not sure if I have much to add that's constructive. It sounds like the rest of you have the school's advice just about sewn up.
My DD is only 2, so she goes to a bilingual English/French montessori preschool near where we live in Waterloo.

However, I think a Brussels MNers meeting is a great idea. Wonder if we can all work something out...

marcolini · 07/02/2009 22:51

A coffee at the pain quotidien sometime?

LongtimeinBrussels · 07/02/2009 23:43

Good idea Marcolini (my eldest son was in the same class as a Marcolini boy - I presume you're a chocolate fan or are you a Marcolini yourself?) but which Pain Quotidien?

I'm racking my brains to think of other Belgian MNrs...

PortofinosDHwillDieIfHeForgets · 08/02/2009 01:05

There's Belgo. She lives in a Dutch speaking area somewhere.

monkeybumsmum · 08/02/2009 08:11

Morning - yes, think Belgo's near Leuven somewhere?

Hello Ruthchan [waving back emotion] ds sends love to dd

Hello Marcolini, don't think we've met but I am a HUGE fan Are you in town?

Schprooz, when are you moving over?

Have a good Sunday!

belgo · 08/02/2009 08:17

sorry I don't know anything much about Brussels school, my dc go to the local flemish school. And to add to PerArduaAdNauseum's list:

  1. Don't be surprised when you find slices of ham in your lasagne.
monkeybumsmum · 08/02/2009 08:38

LOL belgo WHY do they do that????

monkeybumsmum · 08/02/2009 08:39

PS Longtime, did ds ever get free chocolates?

belgo · 08/02/2009 10:29
  1. Belgian cappucinos are made with whipped cream, not steam (that's a v. good thing)
marcolini · 08/02/2009 12:35

Not related to Marcolini but just love the earl grey chocs - divine! I do make choc truffles though!

Longtime - bet those party bags were good (for the parents lol)

There must be lots of mumsnetters here.

I just love the whipped cream coffee it certainly sets you up for the day. Had one in Exki the other day.

Original poster
schprooz · 08/02/2009 16:57

Hmmm, cappuccino with whipped cream and lasagne with ham could seriously offend the Italian part of the family. In fact, the mere thought of it makes me homesick for Rome before even leaving.

I think we're coming in August. Must remember to bring coffee machine with cappuccino-making spout.

Do I need to plan things like childrens swimming lessons months in advance, ie before we move? Here if you don't sign them up in May for Sept activities then you miss the boat.

OP posts:
LongtimeinBrussels · 08/02/2009 21:03

No, no free chocolates unfortunately and they were already in secondary so no good party bags either but the annual birthday cake was apparently a real treat!

You should be able to book lessons still in August I should think. On the other hand, if you ever want to sign your children up for holiday activities (of which there are a whole host of choices here), you should do that early as all the best ones get booked up quickly. Still, as you're coming in August, that won't be an immediate problem for you unless you need something for that month.

monkeybumsmum · 09/02/2009 19:28

Longtime - can you email me at [email protected] and I'll let you know what I found out at school today! x

monkeybumsmum · 09/02/2009 19:30

Just re-read that message, and it makes it sound more exciting than it is . It isn't anything exciting, it's just who your friend needs to get in touch with...

PortofinosDHwillDieIfHeForgets · 09/02/2009 19:40

Depends how old your kids are re. swimming. It is generally part of the national curriculum and they will go regularly with the school.

Belgianchocolates · 09/02/2009 19:43

Hmm, what's wrong with ham in your lasagne or chicory on pizza? You English eat chips with everything (even lasagna) that's even worse [Grin]
Sorry I saw Brussels and couldn't resist having a peak. Don't know anything about schools in Brussels though, I was born and bred in Ghent, but live in the UK.

alibubbles · 10/02/2009 09:21

Just when i though DH was home to live for a while he lands a job working in Brussels for 6 months, I shall come out for school hols when I am not working. He is staying at the Conrad Hilton on Avenue Louise, which is fine, but an hotel.He has been used to a lovely flat on the canal in Brum for his last assignment.

Does anyone have any recommendations for any short term lets for flats, serviced apartments , or apart- hotels? He is working for Ideal Standard in the suburbs, not sure where they are, but he has to take a 30 min Metro ride.

Being central is good for the Eurostar, so I think he wants to stay in that area.

Maybe someone would like to come and be treated to a coffee/ chocolate with me at half term, I'd love to meet some MNetters!

marcolini · 10/02/2009 10:31

ali - has a list of appt for short term rent At least the conrad is in a good apart of the city for going out and the weekend.

BonsoirAnna · 10/02/2009 11:54

alibubbles - when I was working in Brussels I stayed in a service flat for a while on Avenue Louise but didn't like it much and changed to the Manos Stéphanie hotel on the Chaussée de Charleroi - much, much nicer, and you can negotiate deals for long term stays.

alibubbles · 10/02/2009 13:02

Marcolini, DH bought me a large box of you this week! Supposed to be the creme de la creme of chocs?

BonsoirAnna, the advantage of the Conrad is that we have stacked up Hilton points at a huge rate, such that we can go to the Maldives again - gratis! I know that the Hilton do apart -hotels, I will have to check them out. The Conrad have given us a long term rate, plus guaranteed upgrade, and suite if available.

I like the look of the hotel you recommend, DH really likes boutique luxury hotels, it may make a change.

Where can I go for lovely markets, small gift shops etc, I will be on my own from 8.00am - 7.00pm, good little places for lunch, nice spa treatments etc?

BonsoirAnna · 10/02/2009 13:11

Buy the Louis Vuitton City Guides and use the guide to Brussels - it's very good. Also the Condé Nast Traveller web site.