We're launching a social onboarding program for newcomers

While thisiseindhoven.com was already your ultimate inspiration guide for Eindhoven, with Homewards we’re taking it a step further. This autumn, we will introduce a special social onboarding program for new residents. How can we help them settle into the city as smoothly as possible? We’re kicking off on October 4th!

Eindhoven has always been a city of newcomers, but in recent years the influx has become undeniable. In 2022, Eindhoven alone welcomed over 20,000 new residents. Just over half of them came from abroad, while the rest were from other Dutch municipalities.

A surge of new faces. We can feel it, we see it, and it calls for a shift in our role as city marketing. Many newcomers are eager to blend in and become part of the local scene, but this isn’t always easy. New residents often struggle to connect with locals and find practical information. They frequently miss out on what’s known as 'low-stake, casual friendships'—those simple, everyday connections that help them feel rooted in the local community.

About the program
Homewards is designed for both international and Dutch newcomers to the Brainport region. Over the course of three months, participants will build new connections and explore the local culture. Building a social network and getting to know the city are crucial for making Eindhoven and the surrounding area feel like home. Through Homewards, we aim to retain talent for the future and strenghten the local community.

The program was created in partnership with newcomers and local organizations. We begin on October 4th with The Welcome Evening. In November, Christine Caviquiolo will lead The Workshop, and we’ll finish the year in December with The Quiz, where locals are more than welcome to join.

But Homewards is more than just a series of events. We think it’s really important to have someone to reach out to with questions. And not just anyone—a real person. Actually, make that two! Meagin van der Westhuizen and Andrea Agudelo are the community managers for the program. They’re the go-to for any questions, offer support, and send out a weekly newsletter packed with tips. But most of all, they’re here to help participants connect with other newcomers and locals.

The first edition is kicking off with 120 participants. Want to join in, or know someone who's just moved here? Check out the program!

Homewards is an initiative by Eindhoven365 in collaboration with Holland Expat Center South and Brainport Development. For the program's development, we teamed up with Expat Spouses Initiative, Studio Sociaal Centraal, and fffunction.studio.