Life in Belgium - Zosia Brown '95

We are delighted to share a new addition to our Global Lives feature, for a light and fun exploration of living and working in different cultures and countries. This time we are heading back to Europe!

Let's visit Belgium with Zosia Brown class of 1995 as our guide:

Zosia Brown '95 enjoying a typical Belgian meal

Mount Holyoke alum Zosia Brown shares her experiences in Belgium where she has been living for over a decade and has recently started leading the local MHC alum community.

1) Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m originally from Maine, lived in Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington DC before moving to Europe. I love reading, cooking and traveling. I’ve been fortunate to be a stay-at-home parent for the last 17 years and consider myself a professional volunteer, giving my time to both schools and community organizations.

2) What first brought you to Belgium and what made you stay?

I moved to Belgium because of my husband’s job. We were supposed to stay for 3 years but we are now at year 13 and counting.

3) How did your MHC experience help shape your life or dreams?

MHC opened my eyes to the world around me and gave me an appreciation for other cultures and traditions. I never imagined that I would be making a country other than the US my home, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It has been wonderful raising my son in an international environment that I never really experienced until I was at MHC.

4) You have just been appointed to represent Belgian alums in MHEAC: what are your plans and objectives for this role?

There is a growing number of alums here in Belgium and I’d like to see us gather for traditional MHC events such as Mountain Day and Founders Day.  There are also many Seven Sisters alums here and it would be great to connect with them as well.

5) What’s something surprising or special about living in Belgium that people might not expect?

Belgium is really the crossroads of Europe and has always held a role on the world stage. It is currently home to NATO, the EU Commission and global NGOs. It is really an international country who still takes pride in their history. I was a history major at Mount Holyoke and still get a thrill about visiting the historic places I read about in class.

Belgium is also officially a tri-lingual country with French spoken in Wallonia, Flemish in Flanders and German in the small German-speaking region in the far east of the country.  Ride the train or drive on the highway and you immediately know when you have moved from one region to the next as the announcements and signage immediately changes.  Food sold in each region must be labeled according to the local language. And approximately 60% of Belgians are also fluent in English, making this a truly linguistically diverse country.

6) Favorite local tradition, food, or custom you love?

Belgium is famous for chocolate, beer and moules frites (mussels and fries).  Belgium also has over 125 Michelin starred restaurants.  Belgium is a country where you can definitely eat well.

Belgian waffles are a true delicacy

7) What’s a “typical day” like for you — and what part of it feels extra Belgian?

 I am a dedicated and very busy volunteer, and most days I am active in some capacity, often it is in my son’s international school where I organize events. I also help new families integrate into the community, facilitating English language conversation groups for non-native speakers English speaking NATO spouses, a distinctive community here in Belgium. I also read to the elderly at a local senior center and I am a board member at a local international women’s club. In my spare time I take Spanish lessons and participate in two local bookclubs - one in English and one in French. I am now very much looking forward to being more active within the MHC European alum community!

8) What’s one small thing about daily life there that you truly appreciate?

The warmth of the Belgian people. Whether you are walking down the street or entering a shop, Belgians always greet you warmly and wish you nice day.

9) What are your three top reasons for staying in Belgium?

Belgium is a great place to raise a family. The culture is very family-friendly and the pace is slower than the US. There is so much history here; my morning walks take me through the historic battlefields of Waterloo. Belgium is also a great jumping off point for exploring the rest of Europe. Two hours by car, train or plane brings you to all corners of Europe.

10) Do you miss anything from your home country?

It is hard being so far from family. However, they love to travel so visit regularly.

11) Do you have a special tip for alums who wish to visit Belgium?

Get out of Brussels and Bruges! Both are great cities but it is the smaller towns that make Belgium special. Belgium has beautiful beaches and mountains that are off the traditional tourist paths and well worth exploring.

Belgian beaches are full of surprises

Answers collated and edited by Silvia Maulini '80 

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