New in town?

Did you recently arrive in Sittard-Geleen for work? Or are you ready to settle here for a few years or the long term?

Let our buddies guide you! We speak multiple Languages and are happy to meet you.

Let our buddies show you around

Are you eager to explore the city and connect with its residents? Stadslabs has introduced an exciting initiative – the buddy system.

As a newcomer, you have the opportunity to sign up for a local buddy who will not only help you discover the ins and outs of the city but also assist you in the process of settling into the Netherlands.

Your buddy is always ready to answer questions and to provide support in handling personal matters, ensuring a smoother integration into your new community

“A buddy helps you find your way around the city.”

Sign up for a buddy

How does the buddy system work?

It’s a big step when you decide to move to Sittard-Geleen for work. Also, it is a wonderful opportunity: the Netherlands is a great base to discover Europe. We have a cycling culture and a healthy work-life balance. But moving is also exciting, especially when you travel alone. There are so many things to think about.

The buddy system will help you get on your way!

Browse through our buddy list and choose a buddy you would like to connect with

Complete the form to request your chosen buddy, your selected buddy receives a request and makes an appointment with you

You will be paired with your buddy for 3 months, or as long as necessary

Meet our buddies

Wouter van den Berg

Wouter van den Berg

General Manager at Yparex

Wouter, A Dutch national, residing in Sittard and employed at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, has been living in the area for a remarkable 25 years and still finds it captivating. 

Levina Raven

Levina Raven

Communications Consultant

Levina, a resident of Sittard and lives with her two children. She has a passion for writing, reading, and discovering new cultures. 

Björn van Sloun

Björn van Sloun

Coördinator supply chain raw materials & purchase requisition

Björn, a true local living in Sittard now for 10 years. In my spare time I love sports, socializing, music, cooking and reading.

Joop Petit

Joop Petit

Social Entrepreneur & Sustainable Architect

Noah Vladimir Hirsch Trembovolsky

Noah Vladimir Hirsch Trembovolsky

Entrepreneur, expat & father

Noah, a father, entrepreneur, and expat. Born in Belarus, he spent half of his life in Russia before relocating to Sittard.

Ellen van Brandenburg

Ellen van Brandenburg

Manager Daily Support Fertilizers

Her name is Ellen, originally hailing from Gelderland, where she studied in Eindhoven. Her career led her to Limburg, and she has been residing in Geleen for seven years.
Claire Lahaye

Claire Lahaye

Programme Organiser EIPA

Claire, born and raised in Geleen, is a proud inhabitant of Sittard. She enjoys the city and loves to share what she knows about the city.

 

Kimberley van der Heijden

Kimberley van der Heijden

Expert in Consumer Psychology

Kimberley likes to travel and explore new cultures. She is born and raised in Sittard-Geleen and looking forward to meeting you.
Debbie van Cleef

Debbie van Cleef

Virtual Professional and Business Owner VA for Adventure

Debbie has been living in Limburg since birth and Sittard has been her home from 2003 until 2024 and she now lives in Voerendaal. She left Limburg for six months to do a work placement in London, UK.

Anna-Chiara Pani

Anna-Chiara Pani

Event & Communication Consultant

Anna-Chiara, born and raised in the city center, is a proud inhabitant of Sittard. She enjoys the city and loves to share what she knows about the city.
Ian Grace

Ian Grace

Technical Sales Manager

Ian moved to the Netherlands from the Chester (UK) in 1993. He is Dutch for about 5 years because of Brexit, but considers himself European.
Nikolai Bredelev

Nikolai Bredelev

Nikolai has been doing business in the Netherlands for 15 years. He moved to Limburg in 2023 and is eager to share his experience and tips.

Join us!

Join us!

Do you want to become a buddy?

Read more about us in the media

From DSM to Brightlands

Interview with Wouter

Buddy System

City Lab Sittard-Geleen

Buddy Project Sittard-Geleen

Interview with noah and Ellen
Open chat
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