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 Dutch and English and are happy to meet you.

Let our buddies show you around 

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

Then it is important that you get to know the city and the people well. The Stadslabs introduced the buddy system. As an newcomer, you can sign up for a local buddy, who will help you to get to know the city.

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

Sign up for a buddy

How does the buddy system work?

When you decide to move to Sittard-Geleen for work, it’s a big step. 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!

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

Your selected buddy receives a request and makes an appointment with you 

You will be paired with your buddy for 3 months, or as much shorter or longer as necessary

Meet our buddies

Wouter van den Berg

Wouter van den Berg

General Manager at Yparex

I am a Dutch national, living in Sittard, and working on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. I moved here a whopping 25 years ago and still not bored.

Levina Raven

Levina Raven

Communications Consultant

Hi! My name is Levina, I live in Sittard with my two kids, I love writing, reading, and exploring new cultures. I speak English, Dutch and French.

Annemiek Mooij

Annemiek Mooij

Operational Sales Manager

I’m Annemiek and I easily make contact with people in my environment. I like socializing, and my family and friends are very important to me. 

Joop Petit

Joop Petit

Social Entrepreneur & Sustainable Architect

Noah Vladimir Hirsch Trembovolsky

Noah Vladimir Hirsch Trembovolsky

Entrepreneur, expat & father

I am a father, entrepreneur, and expat. Born in  Belarus, spent half of my life in  Russia followed by a relocation to Sittard.

Ellen van Brandenburg

Ellen van Brandenburg

Manager Daily Support Fertilizers

My name is Ellen and I am originally from Gelderland and  studied in Eindhoven. For my work I ended up in Limburg and I now live in Geleen for seven years.

Björn van Sloun

Björn van Sloun

Coördinator supply chain raw materials & purchase requisition

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

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 since 2003. She only left 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.

Sign up for a local 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