STUDS (Spouses Trailing Under Duress Successfully) BRUSSELS is a casual, multinational group of males, English speaking but with many members from non-English-speaking countries. Although the group started as a meeting point for trailing spouses who were in Belgium because of their wives' jobs, it has become more of a “social connection” which is now attracting even those individuals who do not consider themselves to be “joiners”. Although not an organisation in the formal sense of the word – there is no constitution, by-laws or committees – STUDS does hold regular meetings, such as a weekly brunch (every Friday at Le Baron, Place Dumont, Brussels), a monthly luncheon, poker nights, day trips and a winter ball.

The primary benefits of the organisation are socialising in English, exchanging hints on the ins and outs of living in Belgium, and the opportunity to make friends outside your normal circle of acquaintances. Ages range from 30 to 70, with the group’s interests being equally wide spread. For those members experiencing their first time as a trailing spouse, STUDS provides an affinity group of kindred souls. Others have been in Brussels for 15 years or more, while many alumni are scattered around the world but still keep in touch.

The group recently started a BELGIUMSTUDS blog http://belgiumstuds.blogspot.com to keep people updated on activities, news, and events, where you can post items of interest to the group and provoke discussion.