Hi

My name is Dom, I'm Belgian, living in Belgium.

I currently attend English training courses ; "conversation table" style and last week I had a big argument with our teacher about American expats living in Belgium (those of Nato and other expats). What our teacher told us was a caricature - negative one - and students would make an opinion on false information.

It's a common belief that, in my country, American expats generally live in Waterloo ; which is not entirely false but they also live in other areas of our country.

The teacher told us her husband has been working with American expats and that those expats buy brand new furniture, including wash machine, dish washer, etc. in the USA before moving overseas where they won't be buying nothing.

At first sight, it's also false as I personally think Americans eat and drink and then shop in my country, otherwise they would die of starvation!

Buying in the USA and moving everything abroad is quite expensive. Ok. However, I would like to learn why they buy in the US at the risk of ending up paying too much for things they could find here for a lower price. There is surely a logical reason.

The second stupid thing she told us is that American expats travel to America to see the doctor while Belgium has the most powerful social security system of the world. Is it true? Is it related to the terms of their health insurance?

Also, I don't remember the forum where I've read this, but I remember some US expats told that Big Brother always knows what Americans are doing, how much they earn and, even while they're abroad, Americans still pay taxes in the USA.

Is it true?

If it is, that's for sure the reason why they don't get access to our social security system.

I really need accurate information as I decided to tell the truth about it at our next course (tomorrow). I don't like poeple giving false information and pushing others to hate someone because of ignorance.

Thanks in advance for the replies, if per chance I get some.

And feel free to ask anything you want about life in Belgium, I'll be happy to share my thoughts with you as well as improving my English!

Have a great week,
Dom.