An Island Girl Living in Belgium: Culture Shock, Food, and Life Abroad.

Growing up on King Island, with a population of around 1,500 people and just 1,000 km² of land, I was used to a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle. But living remotely never dampened my desire to travel. Now, after nearly three years of living in Belgium, I can truly see how differently I was raised—and why adjusting to life abroad hasn’t always been easy.

Moving from Australia to Belgium: A Big Life Change

In mid-2023, Yentl decided to move back home to Belgium from Australia and invited me to join him. I had always dreamed of living in Europe, so I didn’t hesitate. Looking back, I realize I underestimated just how challenging the transition would be.

The cultural differences between Australia and Belgium are significant. I arrived with very little understanding of daily Belgian life beyond what I’d been told. For Yentl, these differences weren’t as noticeable—he grew up here. For me, everything felt new.

Belgian Winters vs Australian Climate

One of the biggest adjustments has been the weather. Belgian winters are long, grey, cold, and dark. Coming from King Island, I was used to wind and rain, but not the persistent lack of sunlight.

There are weeks where the sun barely appears. Vitamin D and vitamin C supplements have become essential parts of my routine. During my first winter, seasonal depression hit hard. Working a 9-to-5 meant going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark.

Then summer arrives, and everything feels better—until it disappears again. In Belgium, it often feels like people are just waiting all year for those 6–8 weeks of good weather.

Food Culture Shock: Australia vs Belgium

Another major surprise was the difference in food culture.

On King Island, most meals were based on whole foods—fresh meat, vegetables, and homemade dishes. While treats like chocolate were always part of life, cooking from scratch was the norm.

In Belgium, I’ve found that processed and convenience foods are far more common. Ready-made meals, frozen options, and ultra-processed foods seem to be a staple for many people I’ve met. Even basic ingredients, like minced meat, often contain additives.

I still prefer buying whole ingredients and cooking from scratch, but this often draws comments because it’s not as common. One of my earliest experiences here was being served canned hotdogs—something I had never encountered before.

That said, Belgium absolutely excels at one thing: chocolate. Belgian chocolate is on another level compared to Australia.

Making Friends in Belgium as an Expat

Perhaps the most challenging part of living in Belgium has been building a social circle.

In my experience, many Belgians form their close friendships during school or university and don’t actively seek new ones later in life. While people are polite and friendly, forming deeper connections can be difficult.

Most of the friends I’ve made here are fellow expats or people who have lived abroad themselves. There are exceptions, of course, but overall, social circles feel more closed compared to the openness I experienced in Australia.

Final Thoughts on Living Abroad in Belgium

Living abroad has been an incredible experience, but it’s not without its challenges. From adjusting to the weather and food culture to navigating social life, moving to Belgium has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected.

If you’re thinking about moving to Belgium—or anywhere abroad—it’s worth being prepared for both the highs and the lows.

Have you experienced culture shock while living overseas? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

---

Are you enjoying following our blogs and vlogs? Please let us know in the comments below! If you need help or have questions about exploring this fantastic world, check out our travel guides or contact us through the contact page. We are happy to help with all your travel needs and questions!

To keep up-to-date with future adventures and travel guides, follow us on Facebook or just simply check this website regularly. We can’t build this platform without our readers, so we thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for many more adventures to come!