Welcome to the North
We are here to support international newcomers in smoothly transitioning to living, working, and settling in the beautiful region of the Northern Netherlands.
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 09:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
Our latest blog post
IWCN Connect Open Weeks: Explore Our Events for Free!
New events every week
International Spouses Networking. In collaboration with Make it in the North
Sneek City Tour
New! Intercultural Afternoon Groningen
TaxSavers Webinar: Mastering VAT and Income Tax for Freelancers (ZZP)
Coffee Morning for Internationals Leeuwarden
Welcome Walks | Helpman
Language Centre | Dutch general skills courses level 0 to C1
New! Single Parents Meet-Up
Join our events!
News from the North
Groningen to get its first female mayor
Groningen is set to have its first female mayor. Mirjam van t’ Veld, the former mayor of Amstelveen, will become the province’s acting mayor until a new mayor is elected. It’s also the first time someone from the CDA has held the position. Van t’ Veld is a well-rounded leader in both public administration as […]
NIMBYism, rising rents, and the student housing crisis
Despite government initiatives aimed at increasing the supply of student housing, a growing shortage is forcing many students into a precarious housing situation, according to a new report from real estate services firm CBRE. While recent government data and studies from organizations like Kences suggest that the relative shortage of student housing will decrease in […]
University of the North and European Hyperloop Center sign letter of intent
The University of the North and the European Hyperloop Centre (EHC) signed a declaration of intent to mark their collaboration to exchange and promote knowledge at different educational levels. In a statement, the University of Groningen, which along with other educational institutions forms the University of the North said that the declaration of intent means […]
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!”
