Connecting Worlds

“I came to live here in Leeuwarden approximately 2 years ago.  I had heard about Connect International while I was following a Dutch language course at Groningen University. I made use of the excellent helpdesk at the Groningen office. As a British National I wanted to clarify some issues regarding my status post Brexit!. Within hours the Connect office had contacted the Dutch Immigration Office and reassured me about my situation. Sadly because I live in Leeuwarden I did not make use of the social elements of Connect which took place mainly in Groningen. So when I learned about the Leeuwarden branch I immediately began attending the Friday and Sunday coffee mornings. These provide a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and to share information and the occasional worry. Everyone is made to feel welcome and discussions range free and wide. I have got to know a range of interesting and friendly people from all over the world, via Connect International Leeuwarden. I have also learnt about many of the social and cultural activities taking place in this great town. If you have recently come to live in Friesland, I can recommend Connect International Leeuwarden as a terrific means of quickly settling in and getting to know a range of people who can offer support and advice.”

Alan Herbert (UK)

"There I was, sat in my Dutch house, after having fetched my children from their Dutch school, waiting for my Dutch husband to come home, feeling very integrated. And yet... Wouldn’t it be lovely to meet some other expats, speak English again, not feel so foreign, even just now and then? A quick internet search led me straight to Connect International. After a few false starts, I made it to a Connect Coffee Morning in Groningen. I received a warm welcome and was delighted to hear there was a Book Club, right here on my doorstep! We discuss the books in English, the discussions can become lively and are always interesting, and it is a good place to share our expat experiences too."

Alexandra van den Doel (UK)

"My husband and I moved to Groningen in the beginning of September 2016. International Welcome Center North was one of the first places we went to get help with all the paperwork and settling-in. We became members of Connect International and now we get a weekly newsletter by e-mail about the next week's events in the area. I have attended Culinary Club and Coffee Morning and have met many new friends. I've met people in the same situation: being in a new country without knowing anyone. I've found the events of Connect International really helpful to meet new people and to try something different."

Outi Heikka (Finland)

"I moved to the Netherlands in 2010 to join my Dutch boyfriend (now husband). After nearly two years of trying to integrate into Dutch society I hit a low point, feeling lonely and isolated. That was when I learnt about Connect International and signed up to be a member. I started by attending the Coffee Mornings, then volunteered to help set up the Crafts Club and gave a few workshops about building WordPress websites (as I work as a freelance web developer). Connect (and its members) gave me friendship and support at a time when I needed it, and I hope to do the same for others in a similar position."

Stephanie Fermor (UK)