Navigating the social landscape as an expat in the Netherlands can be challenging!
Where do you start and how do you start meeting new people? Especially with a busy schedule this can be difficult.Making new friends is important to make you feel at home in your new country. Meeting new people and making new friends should be a lot easier! And we are here to help! Here are 20 Effective Ways to Make Friends as an Expat in The Netherlands.
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Join a Sports Club: Engage in physical activities to bond with others over shared interests often times, this is a cornerstone of building friendships.
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Utilize Online Meetup's: Discover groups tailored to your interests and hobbies, or create your own to connect with like-minded individuals. Although we prefer IRL activities ;)
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Explore Facebook Events: Stay updated on local gatherings and social happenings to meet new people and expand your network.
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Initiate Your Own Club: Take the lead in organizing activities or gatherings centered around your passions to connect with others who share similar interests.
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Enroll in Hobby Classes: Explore new skills and hobbies while meeting people outside your usual social circles.
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Engage in International Groups: Tap into the expat community and connect with others who understand the challenges and experiences of living abroad.
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Learn Dutch: Join language classes to immerse yourself in the local culture and create connections with your classmates.
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Build Relationships at Work: Cultivate friendships with colleagues through shared experiences and after-work socializing.
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Plan Social Outings in Advance: Embrace the Dutch approach to scheduling and plan gatherings well in advance to accommodate busy schedules.
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Embrace Direct Communication: Be straightforward and honest in your interactions to create genuine connections with others.
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Seek Introductions: Don't hesitate to ask mutual acquaintances for introductions to potential friends who share your interests.
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Explore Friendship Apps: Use social apps to meet new people and expand your social circle. Or a better alternative to mindless swiping: try out After5Alike for personalized and curated meetings with someone Alike.
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Try meeting with other couples: If you are in a relationship, try meeting through the friends of your SO. Connect with other couples through your SO. This might be a good way to find other female friends.
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Attend Borrels: Join social gatherings and networking events to mingle with locals and fellow expats in a relaxed setting.
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Join Study Associations: Get involved in academic and social events organized by study associations to meet peers with similar academic interests.
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Engage with Student Associations: Explore the vibrant student culture and join clubs or organizations to connect with like-minded individuals.
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Participate in International Communities: Join global communities for women working and traveling abroad to connect with fellow female expats.
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Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills to local organizations and initiatives to meet kind-hearted individuals and make a positive impact.
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Utilize Online Communities: Join online platforms like Discord or Reddit to connect with people sharing similar interests and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Meet up with other like-minded women through After5: all you need to do is to Take your Seat and you will be connecting with other ambitious, like-minded women in your city! If you prefer connecting one-on-one, try out After5Alike.
By embracing these strategies, you'll find yourself immersed in a supportive social network that enriches your experience as an expat in the Netherlands. Cheers to new beginnings and lasting friendships!
*image via Pinterest