Moving to Netherlands Forums

Netherlands Information · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 20 Home Country: netherlands

EXPATRIATE CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

EXPAT ADVICE AND INFORMATION

ACCESS
(The Hague)
Plein 24
2511 CS The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel: 070 3462525
Fax: 070 3561332

(Amsterdam)
Herengracht 472 3rd floor
1017 CA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: 020 4233217

Email: info@access-nl.org
Website: http://www.access-nl.org

ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 to bridge the gap between the international community and English-speaking services available in The Netherlands. We supply free information from our extensive database; offer publications, courses, events, and a professional counselling referral service with about 150 volunteers, a management team, and a board of directors.

Autism Association for Overseas Families (NL)
Contact: mail@aaof.info
Website: www.aaof.info

An English language group serving the international community in the Netherlands, consisting of parents/family members and professionals offering support and information to families of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, living in the Netherlands.

Benelux Adoptive Families Network
Contact: Debbie Driessen, MSW
Email: jmdriessen@tiscali.nl

The Benelux Adoptive Families Network (BAFN) was established in October 2000 by six aspiring American adoptive couples residing in the Netherlands. Its mission - to provide guidance, support, information and education to people dealing with the complex issues of adopting while living abroad. BAFN has become an informal gathering of approximately 35 families whose common interest spans all phases of the adoption process. Some members are just beginning to consider adoption, but haven't yet made that personal decision; some members are in various stages of the "paper chase"; some members are waiting for referrals; others are post-adoptive parents with children (adoptive and/or biological). We also have members that are professionally involved with adoption.

The Hague Support Group
Contact: Cathy Hart 070 317 5101/
Nathalie Gallegos 070 319 3808
Email: (CH) hotcitygirl@hotmail.com; (NG) panat@wanadoo.nl

The Hague Support group is to enable parents of children with special needs to come together informally, exchange ideas and information, to pool resources and to offer each other support. The children all have differing needs be they developmental, medical, physical, educational or emotional. The group can often put families with similar needs in touch with each other. Many members have invaluable experience of how the systems work in Holland and can offer practical advice on how to proceed and succeed in the shortest time possible. The group tries to meet regularly once a month for coffee, chat, and exchange of ideas.

French Accueil (information booklet)
Website: www.lahayeaccueil.com

ACTIVIST AND VOLUNTEER CLUBS

Amnesty International
177 Keizersgracht, Amsterdam
Meetings: First Wednesday of month, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Website: www.amnesty.nl

The human rights group is open to English-speaking newcomers and experienced volunteers and their guests, no reservation required. Each month the group features speakers, film presentations, and discussion of AI activities and issues worldwide, often followed by letter writing, fund raising and public awareness planning. Join the group at amnesty-amsterdam-subscribe@yahoogroups.com for access to the calendar of activities.

Amnesty International
The Hague International
Website: www.xs4all.nl/~coleen/

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBS

IMAGES International Photography Club
Meetings: British Women's Club,
Sociëteit de Witte, 2nd Floor
Plein 24, The Hague
Contact: Kath Lyonette 070 354 5964
Email: images@imagesphotoclub.com
Website: www.ImagesPhotoClub.com

English-speaking, international photography club. This friendly, enthusiastic group of amateur photographers meets regularly in The Hague to exchange ideas and develop new skills. All levels and interests covered. Members also benefit from field trips, exhibitions, workshops and newsletters.

The Decorative and Fine Arts Society
Contact: Linda Deak
Telephone: +31 70 517 9003

An arts club for expats.

Studio Jean Art Lessons
Thomsonlaan 65, The Hague
Tel: Jocelyn 070 3921672
Email: info@studiojean.nl
Website: www.studiojean.nl

Art Lessons Jean gives lessons to not only the international community but also the local residents; a great way to meet like minded people and make social contact in a light hearted way. Her lessons begin with teaching people to draw, quickly progressing to other mediums such as pastel , watercolour, acrylic, oil or pen and ink. Much attention is given to subject matter, design colour and symmetry. Jean believes everyone can learn to draw and paint with the right encouragement and instruction.

CITY CLUBS

Leiden Expats Club
E-mail address : Leidenexpats@yahoogroups.com
Web site : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Leidenexpats/

MEETinEINDHOVEN
Website: http://www.meetin.org/city/MEETinEINDHOVEN/Index.cfm

The MEETinEINDHOVEN group's primary focus is to provide a relaxed, 'non-pickup-scene' social environment for people to enjoy without paying membership fees. If you just moved to Eindhoven or if you have lived here for a while, this group can be a great way to meet new people in the area. Join us for happy hours, camping, hiking, clubbing, art gallery tours, barbecues, ski trips and many other social events around the Eindhoven area. MEETin.org is 100% free and 100% volunteers.

FOOD AND WINE CLUBS

Cooking Dutch
Contact: Suzanne Hettenvan
Email: dutchcooking@hettenvan.com
Website: www.home.wanadoo.nl/hetten/

Cooking Dutch members consist of women and men in the Netherlands and in the US. We all enjoy cooking but found cooking in a new country difficult. We help each other with finding items for cooking and baking, what substitutes to use, and exchange recipes. The group was originally started for those of us who live in the NL, but we've grown to include members in the US.

Vitis Amsterdamensis Wine Club
Location: Amsterdam
Website: www.vawc.squarespace.com
Email: vawc@wanadoo.nl

Vitis Amsterdamensis is an English speaking, friendly and informal wine tasting group from in and around the Amsterdam area. The club is a group of wine enthusiasts and have no commercial connections. It meets once a month, each tasting has a theme and is organised by one of the group members. Occasionally the club visits wine merchants and once a quarter it organises a Wine and Dine evening. New members welcome.

EDUCATIONAL CLUBS

Toastmasters Club
Hilton Hotel, Apollolaan 138, Amsterdam
Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month (except for holidays)
Time: 6.45-8.30pm
Email: amsterdamtoastmasters@yahoo.com
Website: www.toastmasters.nl

Toastmasters is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the public speaking an leadership skills of its members. The organisation is built-up by local clubs consisting of 20-50 persons who meet regularly. During these meetings members perform different public speaking activities: prepared or unprepared speeches or evaluations of other members speeches, thus creating a mutually supportive environment that enables members to steadily improve their public speaking and presentation skills. Our club is open to everyone who has a reasonable command of English and is over 18 years of age.

FAMILY CLUBS

Almere Baby Club for Dutch & English
Parkwijk Buurtcentrum
Haagbeukweg 42
1326 CP Almere Stad
Tel: 036 – 5375538
Email: Almere_ABCDE@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.parkwijkalmere.nl/abcde

ABCDE is a playgroup for children from 0 – 4 years of age who speak English and/or Dutch at home. The aim is to bring together pre-school children and give them an opportunity to play with other children and to learn and develop their language skills in a friendly and playful environment. This is all under the supervision of the parents (a great way of making new friends and talking to other mums & dads). We have our own playroom with lots of toys for the kids to play with and we meet every Monday morning from 9:00 till 11:30 at the Parkwijk Buurtcentrum. There is a basic format of allowing the children to play, reading a story or singing and having some juice and fruits. Afterwards there is a group clear up session. The group is run on a voluntary basis, so everybody can contribute to make this successful and enjoyable. Any skills in crafts, singing, playing musical instruments, baby gym, etc. are more than welcome. The cost per morning is EUR 1,50 (per family).

Various groups in The Hague
Church lounge
St John and St Philips
Ary van der Spuyweg, 2585 JA The Hague
Times: See below
Website: www.greatexpectations.nl

Bumps & Baby Group
An English-speaking informal group for pregnant women and parents with babies not yet walking. Held every Friday morning from 10.30 - 12.30 pm in the of St John and St Philips. Email Tina at tina@greatexpectations.nl.

Baby Music Group
For young babies 3 months to 18 months and their parents. Every Wednesday morning from 10.45 until 11.45am. Same address as above. Contact Monique Gielbert at Moniquegielbert@hotmail.com.

Parent and Toddler Group
Also at the same address above every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 9.30 - 11.00am. Plenty of space to run around, puzzles, books, cars and bikes, free play with a cup of coffee for parent or carer. Cookies and drinks for the little uns. Contact the church office for more details 070 3555339 or see website stjohn-stphilip.org.

International Playgroup Amsterdam
Contact: Jennifer Logger
Tel: 020 638 3887
Email: jenniferlogger@hotmail.com

A playgroup for moms and/or dads with children aged 0-4 years (expectant parents are also welcome). A group that focuses on providing an opportunity for our unique children of various backgrounds to play together, inside or out depending on the weather. This also allows parents to meet, share experiences and a cup of coffee. The playgroup meets every Sunday in a Peuterspeelzaal (pre-school) in the centre of Amsterdam.

PlayDay
Schollenbrugstaat 10
1091 EZ Amsterdam
Email: info@playday.nl
Website: www.playday.nl
Contact: Sue-Lane Wood
Tel: 0628888965

Geared towards (international) families, PlayDay offers a safe, fun environment for parents and children to meet and play together. At PlayDay children can explore four distinct playscapes or participate in art, song and movement classes while parents join in or meet over a cup of coffee. Whether it's structured classes or free play, PlayDay offers families time to come together while promoting individual play or interaction with other children. PlayDay's specially designed play corners include a soft infant explore corner, a quiet area, active play area featuring a large indoor castle for children to climb and explore and a role-playing section. As of 14 January, PlayDay will be open from 10 am-4 pm Monday-Friday continuing its current format of open play everyday. Exciting new toys will be in place.

BWC mums and tots group
Contact: Louise Franklin
Email: Loody14@hotmail.com

This is a sub group of the British Womens Club of the Hague. A group of mums get together each Thursday - with regular weekly activities plus a number of extra activities throughout summer. Some of these activities include picnics, outings, toddler songs and music, mums and tots tennis, Mums and Dads nights out, and more.

Having Fun, Speaking English
Information: Jennifer Walker 020 6383887
jenniferwalker@chello.nl

Having Fun, Speaking English Amsterdam is an international play and activity group based in Amsterdam, for children between 5-9 years and their parents. The aim is to create an English-speaking environment that stimulates a natural use of English through play, activities and interaction. This monthly group is intended to provide a supportive environment for (bilingual) children and their families who are interested in further developing/maintaining their English-speaking skills but who might not have regular contact with other English-speaking children. The group is open to any family who wishes to be exposed to the English language in an international family environment. Please join our e-group to stay informed on group activities: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kids_english_amsterdam/

International Children & Parents Club (I.C.P.C.)
Email: ICPCinfo@zonnet.nl
Website: www.icpc.info

A club for English speaking people, their partners and children, of all nationalities in Gorinchem and surrounding areas. The aim is to to arrange social and cultural activities for both children and adults; support and aid the integration process in the Netherlands and provide members with useful links and resources. In addition, a regular newsletter is sent to members by post.

InTouch
Rotterdam
Email: info@intouchnl.com
Website: www.intouchnl.com

InTouch is an informal, child-friendly group that aims to help
English-speaking women meet people and make friends in and around the Rotterdam area. A quarterly newsletter helps keep members in touch with local activities and general information. Our activities include the
following: child-friendly coffee mornings, a mother and toddler group
(meeting every Tuesday morning), a book club, a gourmet club, a tennis club, festive children’s parties, and other social events.

Peuterspeelzaal De Robbeburg
Jekerstraat 84, Amsterdam
Contact: Antonia Walker
Email: toni_tim@wanadoo.nl
Website: http://www.robbeburg.com/

The aim of De Robbeburg is to give pre-school child(ren) the opportunity to play with other children, learn to share, develop and learn under supervision of the parent. This will help prepare the children for nursery school. Monday-Friday mornings is for English speaking groups. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons is Japanese speaking and Wednesday afternoon is a Scandanavian group.

Voorschoten Parent and Toddler Group
Moeder Gods Church
Baron Schimmelpenninck v.d Oyelaan; Voorschoten
Contact - caroline carrick - +31 (0) 70
Tel: 511 4491/31 (0) 628 171 431
Website: www.geocities.com/toddlergroup

An English speaking baby and toddler group held on Tuesdays from
9.30am to 11.30am. Come along for a coffee or a chat and to let your children play and meet other kids.

GAY AND LESBIAN CLUBS

Lesbian Community in The Hague
Tel: 070 326 80 09
Email: ilfeld@bart.nl
Website: www.listening-in.com/LCthehague/index.html

An informal group of English-speaking women-identified women, meeting in The Hague for discussion and shared meals. The members are middle-aged professionals who want to socialize with other lesbians, but aren't interested in the bar scene. The goal is over time is to build women's community based on common interests and friendships.

Love Exiles Foundation / Stichting Love Exiles
Email: exiles@xs4all.nl
Website: www.loveexiles.org

The Love Exiles Foundation educates the public about immigration issues facing same-sex couples and provides support and outreach to bi-national same-sex couples. The local group in the Netherlands organizes regular social events and provides a support network for same-sex couples who have moved or are planning to move to the Netherlands.

Women Out
Email: womenout@yahoo.com
Website: www.womenout.net

Gaymix COC Rotterdam
Website: www.cocrotterdam.nl/werkg.html

Special group focusing on lesbian women and gay men coming from outside Dutch culture; offers help, support and assistance; and has a dance and café night.

Gay Swim Amsterdam
Tel: 06-2417 3268
Email: gayswimadam@hotmail.com
Website: www.gayswimamsterdam.nl

The best way to get to know us is to come and swim. To participate in training sessions, come to the swimming clubs' entrance of the Sloterparkbad (President Allendelaan 2, within easy reach of the last stop of tram lines 13 and 14). Be there a good quarter of an hour before starting time. One of the welcoming committee will tell you everything there is to know about GSA. For your first visit to our training a contribution of EUR 3 will be asked.

Yahoo group for gay people
Web address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/netherlands-gay-visitors/

LANGUAGE CLUBS

Accueil des Francophones de La Haye
Tel: +31 70 365 0563

English Speaking Ladies Club
Contact: Christine Brooker
Te: 029 756 5274
Email: eslcsite@yahoo.com
Website: www.geocities.com/eslcsite

An international club offering friendship, information and advice when needed to all English speaking foreign ladies living in Holland. The club has members from Australia, South Africa, Iraq and of course the U.K. and Ireland to mention just a few. There are monthly meetings, coffee mornings, a bridge club and other social activities.

Lorre Language Clubs
Voorburg and Wassenaar
www.lorrelanguageclubs.nl

Since early 2003 LORRE LANGUAGE CLUBS organises clubs in which non-Dutch children (ages 4 – 11) are taught the Dutch language. In a fun way – not only extremely useful, but also an asset for their communication skills and very good for their self-confidence!
The clubs are held in Voorburg (Wijkcenter Oranjehoek, Oranje Nassaustr 1, corner Oosteinde) on Monday and in Wassenaar (Van Heeckerenhuis - opposite Cultural Centre De Warenar) on Tuesday, always after school. Voorschoten and The Hague will follow soon (depending on demand). Maximum number of children in a club is 10.

Dutch Voorburg Monday
Voorschoten to be fixed
Wassenaar to be fixed

English Bloemendaal Tuesday – Thursday
Bussum Monday - Friday
Heemstede Monday – Thursday
Oegstgeest Thursday
Oudewater to be fixed
Rotterdam Monday - Tuesday
The Hague to be fixed
Voorburg Tuesday
Voorschoten Friday
Wassenaar Monday – Tuesday
Zoeterwoude Tuesday

French Oegstgeest Monday
Voorburg Monday
Wassenaar Thursday

Spanish Rotterdam Monday - Wednesday
Voorburg Wednesday

Chinese (Mandarin) The Hague starting soon
Voorburg starting soon
Wassenaar starting soon

LITERARY CLUBS

Reading Circle Eindhoven
Email: readingcircle4@hotmail.com
Website: www.tcw.nl/rce

A reading circle for modern english (language) literature starting in the region of Eindhoven. The clubs objective is to stimulate interest in modern english literature, wherever that might originate; Britain, America or the former colonies. By reading and discussing the books we have chosen we hope to improve the members enjoyment, knowledge and understanding of what they are reading. Members will almost certainly be introduced to new writers. Perhaps even venture into new genre's. That will be the choice of the members themselves.