Amsterdam Kickstart for Expats | Mini-Meetup With Local Expert

Moving to Amsterdam can look exciting and successful on the outside, a new job, a new apartment, a fresh start. But once the practicalities are arranged and your calendar fills up, something can still feel missing. The city is full of options, information, and endless possibilities, yet it’s hard to know where to begin or how to build a life that truly fits you.

This session is for expats who don’t just want to live in Amsterdam (or Amstelveen), but want to feel at home here, connected to the culture, inspired by the city, and surrounded by meaningful relationships. We transform Amsterdam from a grey map into a vibrant place full of opportunities, experiences, and real connection.

How it works

We meet in an inspiring local café or bar in Amsterdam. You receive clear, structured insight into how the city works, from neighborhoods and culture to subcultures, events, media, and communities. Everything is tailored to your interests.

This is not a generic city tour or information overload. It’s a focused, honest conversation with a local expert who helps you see where and how to connect.

The group is intentionally small and has a size of max. 3 participants.

You receive curated recommendations and practical resources to start taking action immediately. You leave with clarity, direction, and concrete next steps to build your life here.

Details

• Duration: 120 minutes
• Group size: 3 participants (intentionally small)
• Location: Kanarie Club (Amsterdam Oud-West)
• Refreshment at own cost

About Emma MSc, your local city expert

I was born in Amstelveen and live in Amsterdam (Oud-West). Seeing the disconnect between locals and expats, and the high levels of loneliness, makes me committed to helping people feel connected and at home. It’s also something I missed myself while living abroad.

Reviews

“I loved her energy—she is inspiring, and passionate about what she’s building.” - Camelia

“Would highly recommend to any expect who feels a bit lonely or lost in Amsterdam! Or to anyone who wants to connect with other people on a deeper level than just having drinks!” - Arthur

“I can highly recommend her if you are looking for curated advice on everything you can possibly think of in Amsterdam.” - Martijn

“She’s not only incredibly reliable but also has a great sense for what’s new, fun and worth discovering.“ - Anne

Info: Start the session by getting to know each other. Share your background, interests, and what brought you to Amsterdam. This helps tailor the session to your needs and ensures a personal, relevant experience.

Info: Learn about Amsterdam’s history, current trends, neighborhoods, and cultural highlights, including subcultures and hidden gems that most newcomers don’t discover on their own.

Info: Receive tailored recommendations for your lifestyle and passions. From events, local hotspots, and cultural activities to media, subscriptions, and courses, this segment focuses on what will make Amsterdam feel like your city.

Info: End the session with a Q&A, a summary of key insights, and clear next steps. Leave the session with practical tips, curated resources, and a roadmap to start building your social network and sense of belonging in Amsterdam.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Emma | Urban Kickstart