Refugees & locals

Refugees have few opportunities to come into contact with Dutch natives in a welcoming social environment. Learning the Dutch language, culture and integrating in the Dutch society and labor market can therefore take a lot of time. 
Refugee Start Force creates social and professional networks between refugees and locals. It’s our aim to facilitate connections between people, create networks and help refugees to realize their ambitions and integrate more quickly into the Dutch society and labour market.

We believe that one simple cup of coffee can be basis for the key piece of information
that makes a real difference in the life of a refugee!

Help refugees online

  • Introduce yourself, meet people and make friends
  • Ask questions and get help from others
  • Share your knowledge and help others
  • Find other refugees who already successfully established themselves in The Netherlands
  • Learn about the Dutch society and culture
  • Integrate more quickly into the Dutch society.

Meet for a coffee

  • Introduce yourself, meet people and make friends with locals
  • Ask questions and get help from others
  • Share your knowledge with other members
  • Find other refugees who already successfully established themselves in The Netherlands
  • Learn about the Dutch society and culture
  • Integrate more quickly into the Dutch society.

Organize a meeting or event

  • Organize meet, greet and eat events where refugees can meet locals, expand their networks and have in-depth discussions about the Dutch society and social subjects
  • Invite others to help you organizing meeting and events
  • Introduce refugees to your city and The Netherlands
  • Invite refugees and visit a concert, museum or festival
  • Invite others for a dinner or lunch, cook together and learn new recipes

Become a mentor or buddy

  • Help refugees to integrate in the Dutch society and labour market
  • Help refugees with questions and (administrative) issues they experience
  • Promote cultural exchange and understanding about the Dutch culture
  • Local students become a buddy with refugee students and those who want to study
  • Become a language buddy and help refugees to learn Dutch (and maybe learn some Arabic yourself)