New in town?
Did you recently arrive in Sittard-Geleen for work? And are you ready to get settled here for a few years or the long term?
Expats and Locals Limburg offers a buddy system for personal support. Let our volunteers guide you! They speak multiple languages and are happy to meet you!
Our foundation also organizes a range of social events and activities for expats and internationals. Join our community and meet new friends!
Expats and Locals Limburg
Let’s connect, share stories, and enjoy new experiences
Visit the websites of our partners for more events in the Maastricht Region
Sign up for a buddy
Expats and Locals Limburg offers a buddy support system for newcomers. You can sign up for a local volunteer who will help you discover the city and get settled in The Netherlands, offering support and answering your questions for a smoother integration.
You can submit an online request for buddy support by clicking the button on our home page.
Browse through our buddy list and choose a buddy you would like to connect with
Complete the form to request your buddy, your selected buddy receives a request and makes an appointment with you
You will be matched with your buddy for 3 months, or as long as necessary
Personal stories
Experiences of living and connecting in Limburg
There’s a personal story behind every move. In these community interviews, internationals and expats share their experiences of starting a new life in Southern Limburg. From finding connections to navigating culture and everyday life, each story reflects a different journey, but a shared sense of a new home.
Our Foundation
Our values
Mission
Empowering expats and internationals to integrate smoothly into the local community and make it grow through personalized support and social connections.
Vision
Creating a welcoming and inclusive community for expats and internationals which empowers individuals and transforms our region into a dynamic hub that celebrates cultural richness and diversity.
Empowerment
Providing expats and internationals with the tools, resources, and support needed to actively contribute to the social-cultural and economic life in our region, while fostering diversity and respecting other cultures.
Collaboration
Fostering a community between expats, internationals, organizations and businesses to collectively address challenges and promote growth and development.
Community engagement
Encouraging active involvement in community events, initiatives, and activities to build connections amongst expats, internationals and locals.
Cultural diversity
Celebrating and embracing cultural diversity between expats, internationals and the local community through cultural exchange, learning and appreciation.
New connections, new beginnings
Our buddies are here to help you discover the city and smoothly integrate into your new surroundings. Together, we’ll make your move a warm welcome!
Wouter van den Berg
Wouter, A Dutch national, residing in Sittard and employed at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, has been living in the area for a remarkable 25 years and still finds it captivating.
Noah Vladimir Hirsch Trembovolsky
Noah, a father, entrepreneur, and expat. Born in Belarus, he spent half of his life in Russia before relocating to Sittard.
Debbie van Cleef
Debbie has been living in Limburg since birth and Sittard has been her home from 2003 until 2024 and she now lives in Voerendaal. She left Limburg for six months to do a work placement in London, UK.
Helge Haarig
Helge was born in Germany and has been living in Limburg for almost 40 years, where he also obtained Dutch nationality five years ago. He works as a Global Operations Manager for a Swedish company. In his free time he likes many things including traveling and going to the gym.
Ian Grace
Ian moved to The Netherlands from Chester (UK) in 1993. He now has the Dutch nationality because of Brexit, but considers himself a true European.
Marliene Bos
Marliene has been living in Susteren since 1996, and she supports international students through Zuyd Hogeschool and the Buddy System. With a passion for travel, sports, culture, and music, she connects people and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Bert Kamphuis
Bert is based in Sittard, has an extensive experience in international education and local politics. Since his early retirement in January 2025, he has been involved in the Buddy System Sittard-Geleen, eager to share his expertise in international cooperation and integration of expats and internationals in the region.
Björn van Sloun
Björn, a true local living in Sittard now for 10 years. In his spare time he loves sports, socializing, music, cooking and reading.
Kimberley van der Heijden
Kimberley likes travelling and exploring new cultures. She was born and raised in Sittard-Geleen and is looking forward to meeting you.
Nikolai Bredelev
Nikolai has been doing business in The Netherlands for more than 15 years. He moved to Limburg in 2023 and is eager to share his experience with newcomers.
Iliana Zouma
Iliana moved to Maastricht in 2024 for her Master's studies and is originally from Greece. She loves connecting with people and socializing. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and family, especially over board games, and to create any type of art such as embroidery, knitted projects, or painting.
Ellen van Brandenburg
Ellen is originally from Gelderland, and she studied in Eindhoven. Her professional career led her to Limburg, and she has been residing in Geleen for quite some years now.
Emma Wijnen
Emma works at Fontys International Business School in Venlo where she teaches Marketing and Psychology and coordinates Erasmus+ projects for international students.
Balázs Donát Bessenyei
Donát is originally from Hungary and lived in Budapest for over ten years. He also studied in Karlsruhe, Germany, and now works as a freelance software engineer. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and table sports and likes to give back by supporting others through the Buddy System.
FAQ: Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join events without signing up for a buddy?
Sure. Everyone can join our events — expats, internationals and locals are welcome. You can choose to join events only or sign up for a buddy as well.
Which events do you organise?
We host monthly expat get-togethers, social gatherings, Dutch conversation training, board game evenings, walking tours, pub quizzes and seasonal activities (e.g. family picnics).
How do I join an event?
All our events are listed on Eventbrite. Simply pick the event you like and order a free ticket. Some events have limited spots.
Can I ask for help even if I don’t want a buddy or can’t join events?
Absolutely! Feel free to join our WhatsApp community and reach out if you have questions about living, working or getting settled in South Limburg.
What is Expats and Locals Limburg?
Expats and Locals Limburg connects newcomers, expats and internationals with local residents who help them get settled, build a network and feel at home.
How does the buddy matching work?
After you sign up, we review your preferences and match you with a local buddy or expat buddy who fits your interests and needs. You will receive an email once your match is ready.
Are our services free?
Yes, taking part in our activities and signing up for a buddy is completely free.
Do I need to speak Dutch in order to participate?
No. Our buddies speak English, and our activities are accessible for all language levels.
Partners
