Belong NL

29/08/2026

Learning Dutch gets a lot easier when you actually have people to practice it on, mistakes and all.

Our Saturday Dutch Conversation Café is back on September 5, 3:00-5:00pm — a relaxed, welcoming space to meet people and use whatever Dutch you've got, however little that is. All levels welcome, including "I know four words and I'm terrified to use them."

Come as you are. Details at https://belongnl.org/events/.

23/08/2026

Moving to a new country is hard enough on its own. Doing it while also holding down work, family, and yourself can feel like a weight you're carrying by yourself.

On August 30, 1:00-4:00pm, we're hosting Fearless & Unstoppable, a Women Only Circle — a safe space to share, listen, and just be honest for a few hours. No agenda beyond real conversation and real connection.

This isn't a networking event. It's a room where nobody has to explain themselves before they're understood.

Spots are limited — register at belongnl.org/events/.

When did you last have a conversation where you didn't have to perform anything? I'd love to know.

22/08/2026

If you're raising kids here and the school system doesn't look anything like the one you grew up with, you're not the only one confused by it.

This Tuesday, August 25, 7:00-8:30pm, we're running a free online webinar: Understanding the Dutch Education System. We'll walk through the school levels, the advice moments that shape a child's path, the different learning routes, and how secondary school choices actually get made.

Free, online, 90 minutes — built for parents who'd rather understand the system before they're standing inside a decision they don't fully get yet.

Register at belongnl.org/events/.

Which part of Dutch schooling still confuses you most? Tell me in the comments.

24/07/2026

TONIGHT: Friday Night Drinks with the international community.

Our friends at IAC are hosting Friday Night Drinks tonight at Bierfabriek Almere — a relaxed evening to meet people, reconnect, and start the weekend.

🕐 From 20:00 | 📍 Koetsierbaan 2, Almere
Register here - https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/international-almere-community-friday-night-drinks-tickets-1991447926356?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

All are welcome!

22/07/2026

Tag an international parent who needs to see this 👇

Every week we hear from international parents who are overwhelmed by the Dutch school system.

Which school type is right for my child's age and level?
Do they need to speak Dutch to enroll?
What about transition support?

Our free School Path Quiz walks you through it and gives you a personalized recommendation at the end.

Takes about 3 minutes. Share it with anyone who could use it.

https://belongnl.org/school-path-quiz/

17/07/2026

A story from our community that stayed with me 💙

A family moved to Almere for a job. Both parents working. No network. By October, the mother was asking whether they should go back.

They found BELONG NL through a school. Within six weeks, they'd been to two events, met three other families, had their GP sorted.

They're still here.

Integration isn't a program. It's a series of small things going right. [Some details changed to protect privacy.]

16/07/2026

Grateful today. Almere City Marketing featured the two guides we built for internationals here in Almere, work that started because I needed this myself when I first arrived. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us along the way.

Nieuwe Engelstalige gidsen maken Almere toegankelijker voor internationals 9 juli 2026 | | | Almere is een internationale stad met ruim 25.000 inwoners uit meer dan 150 landen. Voor veel nieuwkomers zijn de eerste maanden een zoektocht. Hoe werkt de Nederlandse gezondheidszorg? Waar schrijf je je in...

14/07/2026

Something for international parents that isn't well-known enough:

Something a lot of international parents don't realize until their child is already in the classroom.

Nieuwkomersonderwijs gets your child through the door. But once they transition into a regular Dutch school, the support doesn't automatically continue.

You can ask for extra Dutch language support, a phased transition, or regular check-ins on how your child is settling in socially. Most schools offer it. Most parents never think to ask.
You are allowed to ask. Schools are there to help when a parent takes the lead.

Share this with any international parent who might need it.

10/07/2026

Quick tip for new arrivals: register with your GP as soon as you can.

Something a lot of internationals don't realise until it's too late: GPs in Almere operate by catchment area and popular practices fill up fast.

You'll need: a BSN, proof of address, and your health insurance details.

The longer you wait, the more limited your options. Tag a friend who's recently arrived! 👇

07/07/2026

Not sure which school is right for your child in the Netherlands?

One of the most stressful parts of moving to the Netherlands as an international family is figuring out the school system.

International school? Dutch public school? Bilingual? Primary or secondary?

We built a free quiz to help you work it out in just a few minutes.

Answer a few questions about your family's situation and get a personalized school path recommendation.

Free. In English. No signup needed.

Link in comments 👇

https://belongnl.org/school-path-quiz/