Welcome to Brabant

ABOUT THE EXPAT CENTER

Holland Expat Center South is a one-stop shop for expats living and working in Brabant. Our mission is to promote and support international companies, highly skilled migrants, scientific researchers, and EU citizens by offering a fast and easy procedure for formalities, and providing information about the region.

At Holland Expat Center South, internationals can obtain information, as well as arrange the formal procedures regarding settlement in the Netherlands, including the municipal basic administration and residence documents. This applies to internationals living and/or working in one of the participating municipalities.

The Expat Center also provides regional information, and organizes events for the international community. These services are available free of charge, to every international living in the region.

Holland Expat Center South is a joint initiative of the participating municipalities, the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND), and the province of Noord-Brabant.

THE CORONA PORTAL FOR BRABANT

The Corona Portal provides the non-Dutch speaking community in Brabant with links to the latest COVID-19 information and official resources in the Netherlands. The portal also shares ideas and tips on how to be socially safe whilst remaining connected to others.

This portal is a joint initiative of the Municipality of Eindhoven (Holland Expat Center South), Brainport Eindhoven, TU/e, Fontys and High Tech Campus Eindhoven, in collaboration with Expat Spouses Initiative and Eindhoven365.

For more information, go to:

www.hollandexpatcenter.com/corona-portal/

by Mira

Mira Dreessen Project Manager at Brainport Development

Studying in a foreign country can be daunting at times. Next to being challenged by your study, you are also setting up your own life, away from family and friends. Believe me, I've been there, and I too took on the challenge to make the Netherlands my new home. And to this day, I do not regret it, so I'd like to share my tips:

1. LEARN CONVERSATIONAL DUTCH

Invest a bit of your time to learn some Dutch phrases as conversation starters. See it as some form of respect towards the culture you chose to mingle with and the Dutch will appreciate it very much! In social settings as well as work life.

2. MINGLE WITH LOCALS AND OTHER INTERNATIONALS

In the Netherlands it is not uncommon to live on the university campus, but to rent an accommodation that's situated in the city, among the locals. Keep an open mind and you will experience that others will react the same. I've had great experiences with previous neighbours and spontaneous shared street dinners.

3. JOIN THE 'VRIJMIBO'

Vrijmibo is a Dutch abbreviation for the famous friday afternoon drinks after study/work. Make sure you visit a cafe around 4:30pm on a Friday, order your favourite beverage and enjoy. It's a great way to start the weekend. Some study associations hold them on Thursday.

4. IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP

Hopefully, this guide provides you with some relevant tips and tricks. However, sometimes you’d like to ask a question in person, and the Holland Expat Center will be an excellent contact.

WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS!

The Netherlands has always been an outward looking nation. Its coastal location and proud seafaring tradition have ensured that Dutch navigators and adventurers have been featured prominently throughout history in international exploration, colonisation and trade. This has given the country a role in international affairs that is disproportionate to its size, and has resulted in a cosmopolitan outlook and entrepreneurial attitude. The Dutch people have also developed a taste for the exotic, and have embraced foreign cultures while maintaining their own unique identity.