Socializing the Dutch way

Dutch people love clubs. You name it, there’s a club for it in or near your city. Sports clubs are an especially good way to find and meet Dutch people, as Dutch people tend to be very active and, for many, their social lives revolve at least partially around such a club. If, for example, you decide to join a soccer club, the club members may play just for fun, or they may compete with other local club teams.

Membership fees may be low or may be rather high. For specific information about the sports clubs available in your town, go to the municipal information office (gemeente), where a list can be provided for you.

Sports clubs are not just about the sport. Being generally social, clubs may also organize other activities for their members or have a bar where members are expected to volunteer a bit of time to keep it running.

The phenomenon of club activity is certainly not limited to sports however. You can find many clubs that bring together people around the activities or interests that they have in common, such as choir singing, playing bridge, photography, cooking, and so on.

Student associations. If you are doing your work at a university, it is good to be familiar with one particularly popular activity for Dutch students: joining student associations or ‘fraternities’ called studentenverenigingen. Even if not a student yourself, these associations do organize activities for non-members as well around university life, so do not assume they hold nothing of interest to you. These social events can provide great opportunities to meet others at a university.

Meet-the-Dutch. Another way to get to get to know the locals is through International Neighbour Groups and Host Families. International Neighbour Groups are run by Dutch volunteers who help internationals and their families adjust through activities such as “coffee mornings” in someone’s home, or other social activities. Most international education institutes are associated with such a group, as are all but one university, and some of the hogescholen. Host families can be set up through international relations officers, and can offer a pleasant way to get to know some locals through a home-cooked meal or other social events.

Dutch language. It is of course more of a challenge to integrate yourself with the local Dutch community rather than only with the international community. It takes a bit more effort and a bit more bravery, but it is well worth it. There is, of course, the obstacle of language; while almost any Dutch person speaks English fluently (and often many other languages), you will indeed find it hard to break into Dutch social circles if you do not attempt to speak the language. A little effort goes a long way, and it is certainly a great way to learn. So take the initiative and join some local activities. Even if you do not speak Dutch well or at all, if you find an activity that can be followed without understanding everything at first, your efforts will not go unnoticed. You will find plenty of activities to choose from (sports, walking tours, choirs, etc.) and you will surely find that although the locals may be surprised to see you, they will most certainly be welcoming.