The launch
The launch of International Zeeland Newcomers Center was successful! The launch took place with a webinar on Monday October 26th. From the 143 registrations counting 40 nationailities, 100 persons were present and logged in. A good number of people!
Nynke van der Ploeg, Director of Toonbeeld, moderated the program. With the assistance of LEF Marketing, ‘Stal 13’ in Terneuzen was converted into a TV studio and the audience was invited to follow the journey from being international going national into the Netherlands and Zeeland.
Greg Shapiro, Comedian, American, Dutchman and famous from the TV program Lüback on Sunday was the first speaker to put the Netherlands & Zeeland on the map. In a cheerful way he performed in which environment you end up as an international and how integration works being the newcomer! The next performance was presented by
Ingmar van Leerzem, Sr. Account Specialist Manpower. The Expat Center Zeeland and partner Manpower have started together the program Spousal Support. It is meant for partners of the international employees who have come to live here. The program is developed to make a foreign CV and foreign work experiences more in line with Dutch work opportunities and to introduce the Dutch labor market. Every talent is an opportunity. Robert Vroegindeweij, Director Music School Zeeland was the last speaker and he took the audience into the cultural music world. Zeeland is a province with character. This also applies to the culture of Zeeland. Music & Culture express meeting, connection and surprise, everywhere and for everyone. Culture contributes to the quality of life and to the economy in Zeeland and motivates people to live and work here. Also Toonbeeld in Terneuzen has various programs for international children and families.
During the Q & A session questions were asked such as internationalization of schools and housing. Items which have our attention. Lastly, a welcome video from the 3 mayors of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen completed the program. The mayors have invited the audience for a physical meet & greet in the future and finished with the message:
‘if you have a question, knock on the door of the Expat Center Zeeland’.
Looking back with a good feeling, we are up and running to further establish the platform International Zeeland Newcomers center!