Volunteering in the Netherlands

When internationals relocate, they find themselves in a new place, knowing few people and, in some cases, with some extra time on their hands. It can often be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone in a new place, but volunteering in the Netherlands is a great way to get involved and give a helping hand. It is also an ideal means to immerse yourself in Dutch culture and meet new people with similar interests.

No Dutch Required and Minimal Commitments

The Netherlands is the perfect place for internationals looking to get involved with volunteering as there is an abundance of opportunities requiring little or no Dutch language skills. However, you still may be apprehensive to sign up as you may be unsure of the commitment you can dedicate. Not to worry, many volunteering opportunities are flexible and require no fixed commitment, merely signing up on the days and times you can. In the end, any help is better than no help as all.

Wide Range of Options in Many Cities

The great thing about volunteering is that there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in helping educate the underprivileged, lending a listening ear to the elderly, or whether you enjoy the environment and animals, sports, or food preparation, all the major Dutch cities provide numerous ways to get involved as a volunteer. The Netherlands is also full of NGOs, cultural organizations, festivals, fairs, and educational institutions who all frequently look for volunteers.

Don’t know how to get involved? No worries! Expat Republic has put together a list of the various volunteer opportunities. These can be both country-wide, but we’ve also provided some city-specific links for Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven to help you take the first steps into volunteering in the Netherlands. Remember, there are any number of further resources you can check including Facebook Groups, Meetups, and Redditt threads that cover volunteering in the Netherlands as well.

Amsterdam

From volunteering in shop fronts to raise money for refugees to jewelry making and other craft activities with the elderly, Amsterdam is full of opportunities to get involved and make a difference. For those more comfortable around food, there is meal preparation for low or no income earners in the local community as well as packing boxes at the Food Bank. There is the possibility to assist with literacy and education through homework classes and also the opportunity to aid in teaching children of all ages various sports and games with the main focus being inclusion and having fun.

Here’s where to go:

Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers a diverse range of volunteering activities. Examples include packing birthday boxes to brighten the special day of underprivileged children, helping with the cultivation of fruit and vegetables to provide healthy food for those in need, dancing and walking around the city with the elderly and yoga with the homeless.

None of these activities require a fixed-term commitment so you can participate and lend a hand whenever it fits with your schedule. There are also opportunities to assist at the evening school for the mentally disabled and for film fanatics, the International Film Festival of Rotterdam annually seeks volunteers to help out in the box office and backstage. Keep in mind many of the volunteer services listed for Amsterdam offer country-wide opportunities also. Just filter them according to your city and find the perfect match!

Here’s where to go:

The Hague

For animal lovers, The Hague is a good place for animal-loving volunteering in the Netherlands. Examples include dog training volunteers and urban farm assistance for children as they visit, learn about, and touch the animals.

There is also a consistent need for photographers and website builders. Opportunities for volunteers to help with sorting and keeping shelves stocked at the Give-Away shop for the underprivileged and those willing to help out with fundraising activities.

Also, just as in the other cities, there is a demand for volunteers to keep the elderly company by taking them for walks, serving them food and keeping them company. You’ll also be able to prepare food for those living below the poverty line.

If you’re interested in getting involved with helping the international community, then ACCESS is the place to go. They have a number of open positions and although it’s volunteer and you’ll get a nifty title. Great for the CV if you’re accompanying a spouse.

Here’s where to go:

Utrecht

Utrecht is the perfect place for sporty volunteers. Why not play table tennis or assist as a football trainer for people with disabilities? Or if you prefer the pool there are opportunities to take women and children swimming. There is a demand for people to organise activities and events at the shelter for refugees. You can also prepare food for the elderly.

If you’d like to assist kids with their homework, then Utrecht has some options. If you prefer being outside, then you can aid with playground maintenance, gardening, and painting. As for the cat people among the expat community, there is also the need for volunteer feline foster carers.

Here’s where to go:

Eindhoven

For the linguists, the Eindhoven community is looking for people to run various language courses, including English and Spanish. Instead, if you have a green thumb, you can offer a hand cultivating fruit and vegetables for the Eindhoven Food Bank. Why not share your passion for sport with someone old and lonely and watch a soccer match with the elderly? It’s as simple as turning on a T.V., making a cup of coffee and chatting about the game. And if you’re already Dutch enough to know your way around a bicycle, help out in teaching refugees how to fix bikes.

Here’s where to go:

Eindhoven Doet for Volunteers

So, what are you waiting for? It’s as simple as clicking on one of the links provided and signing up. Make a difference in your new neighborhood, get involved and make friends along the way.

Please keep in mind that if you are volunteering, you will need to make sure your residence status allows it.