Job and house sorted? Now feel like a local with Koentact’s free e-book!
House? Check. Job? Check. Feeling like a local? ...Ehh. You’ve landed in the Netherlands, but haven’t quite arrived. You’ve got a place to live, a job to go to, maybe even a go-to snack at Albert Heijn. But still, something feels... off. It's as if you’re watching Dutch life happen from the sidelines instead of being part of it.
You’re not the only one. Many internationals feel the same. And even some Dutch people say they feel less connected than before, especially in cities like Amsterdam, where the population becomes more international every year.
In the Dutch media and in Amsterdam’s city council, one question keeps coming back: how do we stay connected in a country that’s changing so quickly? Should expats be asked to take an integration exam, to be made to learn the language and the culture?
It’s a fair discussion, but one thing is clear: connection doesn’t come from rules alone. It’s something we build together. And that starts by getting to know each other, with curiosity, effort and a little courage. So, how do you get to know the Dutch? How do you move from settled to truly feeling at home?
How to feel thuis
To guide you through this process, Koentact Dutch Language School has created a free e-book for you. It’s written to help take that next step: to go beyond surviving and start connecting more deeply. With people, with place and with culture.
This is not a guide about how to find a job or a house. It’s about what comes after that moment. When you want more than just functioning. When you’re ready to feel thuis.
The e-book is practical and warm, built on Koentact Dutch Language School’s 15+ years of experience helping newcomers connect in the Netherlands. It’s not a manual. It’s an invitation.
What can I expect from this e-book?
In the book, you’ll find:
- Playful tips to make Dutch friends (even without an invitation)
- Small cultural secrets (like why Dutch people love their agenda so much)
- Friendly questions to ask locals
- Short Dutch lessons you can use today
The book is built around five key themes:
- Friendship and free time
- Exploring your surroundings
- Understanding Dutch culture
- Learning the language
- Giving back through volunteering
Why is this guide different?
The Feel at Home guide is unique because Koentact believes language is about connection, not perfection. That it’s better to speak a little Dutch than to stay silent. That friendships begin with small questions. And that the street, the café, or the food bank kitchen can teach you more Dutch than any textbook.
If you’re ready to go beyond “getting by” and take a step toward real connection, this guide is for you. Download your free e-book and turn your “ehh” into an enthusiastic: Ik heb er zin in!