International Dance Night / Leeuwarden

“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)

“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 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)

"Connect International Groningen really helped me feel at home in the Netherlands. The Culinary Connect class was the first thing I did in Groningen...2 days after I arrived! I also attended the coffee morning every 2 weeks.  I met my best friends at Connect coffee!  Another favorite activity is the Film Club. I am able to see English movies in English and it makes me feel connected to home! I have also participated in some of the specialty events...German dinner and beer tasting and wine and cheese nights!  Connect is such an easy way to make friends, learn more about Groningen, stay active, and go to some really cool places I would have never known about otherwise!  Where else can you go and be surrounded by wonderful people from all over the world?"

Stacia Gorden (USA)