Norma Juarez Collazo

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Norma came to Leuven in 2008 to reunite with her husband. Leuven is full of good vibes and great schools. These are some of the reasons why she pursued a PhD in Educational Sciences here. Once she graduated, Norma joined UCLL as a lecturer and as a coach. After more than 10 years in Leuven, she thinks of herself as a ‘MexiLeuvenaar’.

Norma at a glance

Length of time in the Leuven Region: +/- 11 years
Reason for coming to Leuven: Her Dutch husband
Favorite spot in Leuven: Many! For breakfast: Nosh and Bar Stan; For Lunch: La Frasca and Thai House; For Dinner: Peperoncino and Zarza; For cocktails/drinks: Bar Louis and Savoye
Favorite phrase in Dutch: Gratis

1. Study Dutch once you land. This is the best way to adjust faster and feel more comfortable with your surroundings, even if you are just staying for a little while.
2. Be open to cultural differences. Comparing does not work, instead identify how others are different and embrace it –at least try.
3. Adapt to the new culture. Do not expect things to work the way you are used to. This is another country.
4. Study Dutch as soon as you can. Did she already mention this? Well that is how important it is!

Want to know more about what you saw in Norma's video or have read about here? Check out these links

• Find out more about UCLL's international connections and offerings.
• You can also find out more about working for UCLL.
• Norma mentions the language schools as well as the universities in Leuven. You can check out more here.
• In the second half of the video, we see Norma and her husband enjoying some of Leuven's many great bars and restaurants. She starts with a tasting at Angel's Share and they have dinner at Bar Louis