Coffee Morning in Leeuwarden

“Since I came to the Netherlands over a year ago, Connect International has helped me a lot. It is very hard being a newcomer in a foreign country. I remember myself lonely and borderline depressed before I started to attend Connect events and socialize there. I got to know my first friends in the Netherlands and it was such a relief. I realized that I was not alone, there were many people who had been in the same situation and it was normal to experience all this. Besides the fun, I learned some basic information about life in this country. How to travel by train and pay less, how to deal with Dutch health care system, how to understand taxes, etc. My first steps in Dutch language were made in ‘Dutch Conversation Fun’ club. Thanks to Janny, I could learn and improve my Dutch. It was also a nice way to spend an afternoon in a friendly atmosphere. There were plenty of exciting events organized by Connect, such as the Mystery Tour: Discover the secrets of Groningen, Culinary Workshops, and many more international gatherings. All these made my time much more enjoyable. I am very grateful to Connect International for making me feel welcome in a new country. I am sure that the friends I made here will be my friends for life no matter where we end up.”

Nina Tseven (Belarus)

"I moved to Leeuwarden in 2013. It was difficult to find an international group in this area. A friend recommended Connect International, and I have been attending the Coffee Morning every two weeks, in Groningen. I have been fortunate to make new friends, and learn about different events and worshops, organised by Connect. They are a very friendly and welcoming group."

Nicki Lashley (UK)

“Moving from Amsterdam to Groningen and leaving work was a big change for me. I was very lucky to meet Nina at our Dutch course. Thanks to her, I got introduced to Connect International. I remember my first Coffee Morning with Connect. I was very surprised to find out that there were so many expats in such a small city and many felt exactly like me in many ways. I started to attend Coffee Mornings, Culinary Club, and Dutch Conversation Club. Not only have I made many great friends through Connect, but I have also improved my Dutch (thanks to Janny), and learned several international recipes (thanks to Adeline). Being a member of Connect International was a great opportunity for me, and I will miss it greatly here in Nijmegen.”

Burcu Inanc van der Meulen (Turkey)

"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)