Hello all, I am contemplating a job offer that would have me working in Mons. I will be living by myself and would prefer to live outside of Mons. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.
frasg
I will be working at SHAPE.
Nov 13, 2016 21:22
J
SHAPE ought to have a relocation officer who can help you...
Nov 13, 2016 23:36
CC_R
Ultimately making a social life is possible anywhere if one finds the right avenue to go. Belgium is small its possible to get around easily outside of rush hours. Trains do run on time as a rule. If you're young and single a good way to practice French and meet the locals. I don't know the area well but I'm sure there are other young people who want to meet up and do social activity everywhere. My friends daughter whose English speaking originallyand came in her later teens met the love of her life here and now lives in Luxembourg and works in French speaking company
Nov 14, 2016 07:43
Mikek1300gt
I don't know on what basis you would be employed at SHAPE, but something to consider now is the way the USA treats it's expats. The ever increasing numbers renouncing or returning to the USA are doing so for good reason, despite some on this site thinking I have lost my mind over FATCA. Nope, I'm quite sane. It's the US tax system and FATCA that are insane.
Nov 14, 2016 09:15
R.Harris
Mons itself is a very pleasant city with plenty to do. Why not just live there? within Mons itself there are plenty of houses with gardens if that's what you are looking for.
Nov 14, 2016 13:48
kasseistamper
When considering your commute, you should be aware of the price of fuel here.
Obviously the basic price fluctuates and varies slightly in different areas and so does the dollar/euro exchange rate but, currently, fuel here is close to 2.5 times what you will pay in the US.
Nov 14, 2016 15:13
anon
As other have noted, SHAPE is not actually in Mons itself, it's to the north in a relatively suburban area.
I've got no personal knowledge of how SHAPE works, but personally I would recommend asking the HR people for assistance. They've been moving lots of international military and civilians into and out of the area for 40 years. If they can't help you, then come back here.
Nov 14, 2016 17:17
frasg
I colleague living in the area now told me it was very small and quiet without much of a social scene. Turns out he was speaking about the SHAPE area and not the surrounding Mons. I am hoping to venture out later this month on a week journey to check out the areas myself. I appreciate all input. There have been invaluable for my research on this location and job offer.
Cheers,
Frasg
Nov 14, 2016 23:08
KJo
Even though this post is almost a year old--- FRASG, can you tell me how your year has been? I am in a very similar with moving to Mons.
I will be working at SHAPE.
SHAPE ought to have a relocation officer who can help you...
Ultimately making a social life is possible anywhere if one finds the right avenue to go. Belgium is small its possible to get around easily outside of rush hours. Trains do run on time as a rule. If you're young and single a good way to practice French and meet the locals. I don't know the area well but I'm sure there are other young people who want to meet up and do social activity everywhere. My friends daughter whose English speaking originallyand came in her later teens met the love of her life here and now lives in Luxembourg and works in French speaking company
I don't know on what basis you would be employed at SHAPE, but something to consider now is the way the USA treats it's expats. The ever increasing numbers renouncing or returning to the USA are doing so for good reason, despite some on this site thinking I have lost my mind over FATCA. Nope, I'm quite sane. It's the US tax system and FATCA that are insane.
Mons itself is a very pleasant city with plenty to do. Why not just live there? within Mons itself there are plenty of houses with gardens if that's what you are looking for.
When considering your commute, you should be aware of the price of fuel here.
Obviously the basic price fluctuates and varies slightly in different areas and so does the dollar/euro exchange rate but, currently, fuel here is close to 2.5 times what you will pay in the US.
As other have noted, SHAPE is not actually in Mons itself, it's to the north in a relatively suburban area.
I've got no personal knowledge of how SHAPE works, but personally I would recommend asking the HR people for assistance. They've been moving lots of international military and civilians into and out of the area for 40 years. If they can't help you, then come back here.
I colleague living in the area now told me it was very small and quiet without much of a social scene. Turns out he was speaking about the SHAPE area and not the surrounding Mons. I am hoping to venture out later this month on a week journey to check out the areas myself. I appreciate all input. There have been invaluable for my research on this location and job offer.
Cheers,
Frasg
Even though this post is almost a year old--- FRASG, can you tell me how your year has been? I am in a very similar with moving to Mons.
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