Successtory
An internship abroad is an adventure for many students, but for Emma Kuipers, it became a new mission. The fourth-year Tourism Management student at HZ, originally from Zimbabwe, came into contact with Madeira Friends, a vibrant international community, while on Madeira. What started as a tip from another intern quickly grew into a passion. She helped organize events and supported the growing community of digital nomads and expats on the island.
Madeira Friends: A Global Meeting Place
During the pandemic, Madeira's popularity as a haven for digital nomads exploded. Thanks to clever marketing and strong content about the island, it became the world’s first official Digital Nomad Village. Madeira Friends played a large part in this, by offering newcomers a warm welcome and introducing them to the community.
The appeal of Madeira Friends lies in its unparalleled diversity. Every month, 100 to 200 new people join, all in search of connection and adventure. For every imaginable activity, there’s a WhatsApp group, and a weekly community lunch is organized. "You don’t have to worry about being alone," Emma says.
A Growing Challenge & an Innovative Solution
A major challenge Emma noticed was the constant influx of highly skilled people—some staying briefly, others for years—without an efficient way to connect them. "We never really knew who was here or what skills and interests they had," she explains. Her solution? A digital platform powered by AI to map the community’s skills, interests, and hobbies. This tool will help connect people with local businesses, fellow professionals, and tailored activities, fostering deeper engagement between locals and internationals. As the project creator and facilitator, Emma is now leveraging talent within the Madeira Friends network to bring this vision to life.
From Madeira to Zeeland: Can It Work Here?
Inspired by her experiences in Madeira, Emma dreams of building a similar community in Zeeland, starting in Vlissingen. "When I arrived in Zeeland, I felt welcome, but I also noticed that you really have to put effort into building a social network," she says. She sees great potential—with a university, a growing group of working internationals, and international students, there is a clear demand for a stronger community. "With more networking opportunities and events, we can create an international scene where people truly feel at home."
First Steps Towards a Thriving International Community
After graduating in June, Emma plans to focus on strengthening the international community in Zeeland. "I want to organize meetups, work-related events, and social gatherings," she says with determination. "Not just for internationals, but also to connect them with local residents. That way, we strengthen each other."
To make her vision a reality, Emma is seeking collaboration with existing organizations such as Zeeland International Center). "By bringing networks together and actively inviting people, we can build a vibrant community."
With her experience and passion, Emma hopes to create an environment where internationals feel welcome and connected—just like in Madeira.
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