
Get started with your life in the North
Welcome to the Northern Netherlands! Discover everything you need to know to make this beautiful region your new home.
Opening hours
Monday till Thursday from 9:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
Interview With Karen Prowse
IWCN Celebrates Its 9th Anniversary
On November 3rd 2023, the IWCN is celebrating its 9th anniversary! For the past nine years, the IWCN has been a staple in the North and its home city of Groningen. For thousands of internationals, we’ve been a lifeline for settling in the North.
Reflecting on IWCN’s past nine years, we sat down Operations Manager Karen Prowse.

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News from the North

Free movie screening at Forum gets sold out
Tickets to an international film to be screened at Groningen’s Forum this week have sold out. Forum will be participating in European Cinema Night 2023, an EU programme supported by Creative Europe MEDIA and Europa Cinemas. This initiative aims to bring Europe closer to its citizens by celebrating the richness and diversity of European film […]

Groningen – Bremen train connection to be modernized and expanded
The official start of construction for the modernization and expansion of the Wunderline, the train connection between Groningen and Bremen, was given on Friday, December 1. The connection will be optimized through rail improvements and the construction of the new Friesenbrücke railway bridge over the Ems river. The Wunderline will stimulate rail traffic between the […]

Groningen secures position as top student city for 2023
Groningen, the biggest city in the north of the Netherlands, has been named one of the top student cities in the world for 2023 by The Campus Advisor, a leading platform recognized for its thorough student reviews and rankings. This prestigious recognition highlights Groningen’s unique blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and a high quality […]
About us
About Us
Feel at home in the North in just a few steps
We understand there are many things to take care of when getting settled in a new country.
That’s why it’s our mission to provide a welcoming space where you can take care of everything at one convenient location.

20+
3
35,000+
We helped 35,000+ international people
“I have lived in several countries (USA, Germany, Russia, Egypt) but I have to say that I have had the best experience at the Welcome Center in Groningen. Thank you again!”
“How happy it makes me to learn that the flowers got there and that they brightened up everyone’s day! This was my goal.
You guys work hard, and I wanted to make sure you guys know that your work is meaningful and very well appreciated in the city.”
“I would recommend the IWCN for new Internationals, who would like help finding their feet, but also for those who have been in the Northern Netherlands, as the information on offer is very extensive!”
“The idea to have such an office to welcome foreigners is a formidable one and this is a good tangible result. I wish there had been such an office, and people like you, 13 years ago when we arrived. It would probably have made our lives so much better, especially the first years!”