ACCESS NL > ACCESS Partners > Living in the Netherlands
Living in the Netherlands
Meeting new people in a new city or finding new interests is not an easy task. Fortunately, our partners help expats to find easy ways to build social life and make friends. There are many expat, international clubs and associations to join, become a member of. Contacting our Partners can help you to meet people with whom you have a shared experience, interests, language and who are in the same situation as yourself. On below listed websites you will find other answers to the questions you have, make networks and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating your host country. Some of our Partners provide online resources, radio and news outlets that will help you to get to know what is in the Dutch spotlight right now.
Endurance is synonymous with The American Book Center (ABC). Since the early 1970’s, ABC has been a fiercely independent and family-owned bookshop with stores in Amsterdam, The Hague, Leidschendam, and a pop-up store in Amstelveen. Their international team of booksellers makes great customer service their first priority.
With half a century of staff and experience, ABC has been a survivor amid a highly volatile financial environment (prior to corona times), the technical revolution which has changed the way literature is consumed (Kindle, Audible, etc.) and a tremendous rise in online shopping.
ABC were one of the first bookstores to go online in the nineties. More recently, they acquired “Betty” – an Espresso Book Machine (EBM) – which allows the centre to provide a print-on-demand service, giving the local community an easily accessible hub for self-publishing.
Community focus is of essential importance to ABC. They have lots of fantastic events across their shops: regular open-mic sessions, book talks, signings, trade-in days, and blogs to keep their customers engaged. Added to this is a focus on diversity, allowing ABC to also speak to a younger generation with pop-up stores at events like Comic Con, as well as offering an increasing selection of Young Adult (YA) literature, Manga and BookTok hits.
Check out what is happening in their shops and online!
The Amsterdam International Community (AIC) is a space created for inspiration, connection, and a sense of belonging with people. We organize various social events, information sessions, share tips to support you in enjoying living in this cosmopolitan city.
We are open-minded and here to share who we are, and create valuable connections while having fun! Join us to become part of a vibrant network of people! Whether you are an expat, Dutch who’s internationally oriented, or a visitor. Great, everybody is welcome!
Amsterdam Mamas is a non-profit organisation that provides information and support to the international community by connecting parents and parents-to-be both online and offline.
In cooperation with European Commission, Bright Future develops international non-formal educational youth projects for young people from the Netherlands and neighbouring countries with special attention to the youth with health disabilities, fewer opportunities, youth from socially and economically damaged layers.
Broadcast Amsterdam is a new non-profit English language media organisation providing accessible English language information and lifestyle content for all of Amsterdam. In 2018, Broadcast Amsterdam starts an English language radio station for Amsterdam.
Meet women from all over the world (literally), and find your place with us here, amongst friendly faces.
Dutch news in English for internationals
Your voice in the Netherlands
Empower Amsterdam in a non-profit organisation providing free coaching support and guidance for unemployed international professionals based in the Netherlands.
ESN The Hague is a section of the biggest and oldest student networks in Europe: Erasmus Student Network! With over 20.000 members spread over most European countries, ESN provides a home away from home for international and homecoming students, almost everywhere they go in Europe.
Expat Republic is a leading media company aimed at improving and enriching the lives of expatriates living in The Netherlands. They frequently organise events and seminars as well as provide a myriad of useful, engaging and fun information. Find out how they can help tell your story to a huge international, diverse and dynamic community.
Essential information about living in the Netherlands.
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Expatriate Archive Centre
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FIGT (Families in Global Transition)
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I am not a Tourist (Fairs and Events for the International Community)
The Expatriate Archive Centre preserves the life stories of expats worldwide, for research and for the future. New contributions are welcome, in any language and from any country.
“I am not a tourist” organizes fairs and events in the Netherlands to serve the international community living, working and studying in the Netherlands.
The online media platform offering up-to-date information, news, housing & career services, lifestyle tips and events for all internationals in the Netherlands. Now also in Germany IamExpat.de.
International Locals website is focused on entertaining, informing and assisting expats and internationals living in Amsterdam.
Kalpanarts is the dance company of Kalpana Raghuraman (artistic director & choreographer) and Gysèle ter Berg (business director & artistic associate). At its origin it aims to address social and engaging topics. Kalpanarts is a contemporary dance company with a multi-ethnic cast and following. By bringing Indian dance forms together with urban and contemporary dance, Kalpanarts creates a dance language that transcends genres. Like a heartbeat, there is always a strong rhythmic element in the work. Characteristic is the use of footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions. The company is actively involved in making dance accessible to a non-hearing public, by providing special sensory belts, within the Dance on Mute initiative. Since 2015 Kalpanarts has created stunning choreographies and spectacles ranging from duets to larger company works, often with live music, in theaters across the Netherlands.
M-space is a graphic design studio based in The Hague. It is made up of Maartje Schuurmans, Marcel van den Berg and Marek Moggré. As a collective we combine our individual craft and experience to communicate our clients’ message: capturing the essence in image and form.
“We work with our clients, listening to your story to create a visual identity which reflects who you are – and resonates with your clients. The compass in this process: your core values, what your clients can expect from you. When what you stand for aligns with how you are seen – trustworthiness is enhanced. And that is what we strive to offer our clients by adding an artistic flare to your house-style and visual identity.”
Production & promotion of English language theatre in the Netherlands.
Daily English news and views for the International community in The Hague region. Organiser of “Feel at Home – The International Community Fair”.
Quarterly English-language magazine and books for expatriates living in the Netherlands.