Connect International is growing and changing

As 2016 draws to a close, we would like to make our Stichting Connect International members aware of some exciting upcoming changes to Connect International. In addition to providing information and support to internationals in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, and organizing events and activities to connect them to the region, Connect International has also offered relocation services to companies and organizations to assist their employees with moving and settling into the Netherlands. As of 1 January 2017, the commercial relocation services formerly provided by Stichting Connect International will be offered by a new organization, Connect Relocation v.o.f. run by the same great relocation team. More information about Connect Relocation v.o.f. can be found on their new website (live as of 1 January 2017): www.connect-relocation.com

Why the change? Two years ago, the International Welcome Center North (IWCN, www.iwcn.nl) opened its doors, and Stichting Connect International was and still is one of the four founding parties, along with the Municipality of Groningen, the University of Groningen and the IND. Connect International contributed its (then) 18 years of experience with internationals to the information and referral services for the IWCN, and to offering a broad range of events and activities for the international community in the northern three provinces. During this time, the relocation services continued to operate successfully as a part of Connect International but did not fall under the umbrella of the IWCN. Now the Connect Board of Directors feel that the time is right to spin off the relocation services so that the focus of Stichting Connect International can more fully align with the goals of the IWCN, and Connect Relocation v.o.f. can continue to grow and expand as a separate commercial service.

Stichting Connect International will still continue to provide information and referrals and organize events, and will also offer a new Personal Advice service to its members and companies. This two-hour paid service offers individual information and advice specific to the needs of the client on any of a wide variety of topics concerning coming to live or work in the Netherlands. The client chooses which specific topics he or she is interested in learning more about and is also free to ask any questions he or she may have in a private setting. The advice can be accomplished by e-mail, in person, or via Skype, either before or after arrival in the Netherlands, depending on the wishes of the client, and can be used over a 3-month period.

A renewed website for Connect International will be live in January 2017, and can still be found at www.connect-int.org. We can be reached by telephone at: 050 367 7197. And our visiting address will also be our new postal address:
Connect International
Gedempte Zuiderdiep 98
9711 HL Groningen