Information Center

Important Information and Links

One of our key priorities is to supply practical and up-to-date information in English on living and working in the Northern Netherlands to the international expat community. To ensure that information is communicated quickly and efficiently to its target audience, we use a variety of tools and channels.

Our Information Center (scroll down to find it) is a database of the companies and organizations that you need to know about and the links to their websites in English (if possible). For even more online resources we recommend visiting the IWCN website.
Our user-friendly calendar has a clear overview of all the Connect events planned for the current month and for near future.
To find back all the issues of our own “Connections” magazine (and later E-zine), we invite you to visit the archive. Available to view in digital format from Spring 2006 through the end of 2016, the Connections offers an invaluable collection of interviews, articles, advice columns for newcomers, profiles of local businesses and reviews. Every issue you can read online, download or print off your own copy.
As we have stopped the production of the Connections in 2017, we are excited to welcome you to our newest project – Connect International Blog. We will continue sharing our experiences with you, but now – in a new format. So, please visit our Blog and let us know what you think!
To reward our members for their support and commitment, every week we make a selection of the most interesting events and activities in the three northern provinces, translate all that information into English and send it out together with the newsletter containing the most relevant news (such as international vacancies in the North, changes in the local law, etc.) directly to their e-mail boxes. We are proud to continually receive positive feedback about our Weekly Tips.
Another benefit our members enjoy is free digital access to the detailed Information Booklets covering a variety of topics about living in the Netherlands, such as “Having a baby in the Northern Netherlands”, “Finding your way around the healthcare system in the Northern Netherlands”, “Working and Studying in the Northern Netherlands”, etc.
On our Facebook page we share not only best of the best of all mentioned above, but also entertaining facts, funny images, educative infographics, must-visit events and many more – all related to the expat life in the Northern Netherlands. “Like” Connect International on Facebook to stay tuned!
Last, but not least, our international staff are always happy to share with you not only their knowledge, but also their personal experiences, proven-to-work life-hacks and trusted contacts. Come visit us in our office, give us a call or send us an e-mail - we are there for you!

General information:

Northern Netherlands Groups & Clubs:

Health Information:

Transportation:

Pet Information:

Movement of Pets to or within the EU

Raising Children:

Nomad Parents

Embassies / Consulates in the Netherlands:

Embassies Abroad

Company comparison sites: for Energy, Insurances, Health Care, Utilities, TV/Internet/Telephone

Working in the Netherlands:

International Schools Groningen - Portal

International Schools Groningen

International Primary Schools (Northern Netherlands):

GSV International Primary School, Groningen

International Secondary Schools (Northern Netherlands):

International School Groningen, Haren

Universities with international programs (Northern Netherlands):

"It was difficult coming from Japan to the Netherlands for the first time, but Connect International helped my husband and I settle in quickly. We had many general questions about living in Groningen and the Netherlands, as well as more specific ones related to the filing of taxes, contracts, company cars, buying a house and so on. These were answered quickly and I was even provided with links to appropriate websites and organizations that specialize in such matters. I joined coffee mornings regularly which enabled me to meet various people from all over the world and, even though I no longer live in Groningen, we still keep in touch. Connect also organize meetings and events with specific themes which are excellent for getting to know the local culture and again, meeting people! Running an aromatherapy salon in Groningen was an experience I will never forget and I will treasure those memories. I was saddened to close my salon in Japan because of our moving overseas and I needed courage to do the same thing again in The Netherlands. However, through joining the events and meeting new people, I was really inspired and I was able to tackle challenges head on. Thank you so much Connect International!"

Yumiko Connah (Japan)

“I came to live here in Leeuwarden approximately 2 years ago. I had heard about Connect International while I was following a Dutch language course at Groningen University. I made use of the excellent helpdesk at the Groningen office. As a British National I wanted to clarify some issues regarding my status post Brexit!. Within hours the Connect office had contacted the Dutch Immigration Office and reassured me about my situation. Sadly because I live in Leeuwarden I did not make use of the social elements of Connect which took place mainly in Groningen. So when I learned about the Leeuwarden branch I immediately began attending the Friday and Sunday coffee mornings. These provide a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and to share information and the occasional worry. Everyone is made to feel welcome and discussions range free and wide. I have got to know a range of interesting and friendly people from all over the world, via Connect International Leeuwarden. I have also learnt about many of the social and cultural activities taking place in this great town. If you have recently come to live in Friesland, I can recommend Connect International Leeuwarden as a terrific means of quickly settling in and getting to know a range of people who can offer support and advice.”

Alan Herbert (UK)

"My husband and I moved to Groningen in the beginning of September 2016. International Welcome Center North was one of the first places we went to get help with all the paperwork and settling-in. We became members of Connect International and now we get a weekly newsletter by e-mail about the next week's events in the area. I have attended Culinary Club and Coffee Morning and have met many new friends. I've met people in the same situation: being in a new country without knowing anyone. I've found the events of Connect International really helpful to meet new people and to try something different."

Outi Heikka (Finland)

Information Center

Important Information and Links

Contact Connect