Francophone World Expats

**From Strangers to Friends – Community Dinner 🍽️** Join us for a special edition of *From Strangers to Friends*: a cozy community dinner where expats and locals come together to share food, stories, and meaningful conversations. Entrance is free, simply bring a dish from your country to share with the group. After you sign up, we’ll briefly coordinate who brings what so we don’t end up with only desserts 😉. Please bring a small note with the ingredients of your dish so everyone knows what they are eating. If you have any dietary restrictions, let me know. Come alone if you like, many people do! Or bring a friend! You’ll leave with new connections and great conversations. During the dinner, question cards will be on the tables to spark deeper and more interesting discussions. 📍 **Location:** Café Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem 🚶 **Distance:** 7-minute walk from Velperpoort station 🕕 **Gathering:** 18:00 🍽️ **Dinner starts:** 18:30 **Entrance:** Bring a dish to share. Curious what our events look like? Check the photo albums in this group (visible on desktop).

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: Joe Speedboot **Language**: Dutch **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 96 min **Director**: Sam de Jong **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-joe-speedboot/ **Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-joe-speedboot/ **Synopsis**: Sam de Jong (*Met Mes*) ventures into a punky and energetic film adaptation of Tommy Wieringa’s bestseller. After a bizarre accident leaves Fransje Hermans confined to a wheelchair, he seems doomed to spend his days in the sleepy village of Lomark. But then Joe Speedboot arrives. Fransje can no longer move or speak as a result of his accident, and with only one functioning arm, his life seems hopeless. This changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with the charismatic and reckless newcomer Joe. Will Joe help Fransje realize his passionate dreams and satisfy his desire for the enchanting PJ, or is he just another project for the adventure-seeking Joe? **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

Welcome to our Volleyball community !! 🏐🎉 We are a community of volleyball enthusiasts who want to enjoy the game, improve their skills, and meet new friends. Our open play sessions offer a friendly, social environment where everyone can get some practice and have fun. Our sessions consist of mixed level play, however basic/intermediate volleyball knowledge is mandatory. We try to have a balanced levels per team to ensure smooth play. If you aren’t familiar with basic volleyball rules and have no experience, sorry to say, but it's not your group. ❗❗ Meetup recently pops up their subscription option after you click on RSVP— you can dismiss it by clicking the "X" in the top left corner. ✅ RSVP & Attendance Attendance is limited to 14 people. If the RSVP list is full, join the waiting list—cancellations happen frequently. If the event appears full on the Meetup app, try using a web browser instead. ❌Cancellations & Refunds cancellation prior to 24h before the event, can be refunded. Can’t make it? Update your RSVP to "Not Going" ASAP so someone else can take your spot. 👟 What to Bring For your own safety and comfort, wear sport shoes and clothing (no street shoes—must change into sport shoes) and bring deodorant for ours. 💸 Payment & Contribution (€6.00 per person) Payment must be made in advance via Tikkie (payment link will be added in comments). Please only pay once you are added to the going list. In case you do not meet the payment deadline, you may be moved to the not going list. Looking forward to seeing you on the court! 🏐🔥 Let’s play, have fun, and make new friends!

Wil je beter begrijpen hoe moderne cybersecurityoplossingen werken en hoe Zero Trust, detectietechnologie en AI concreet worden toegepast door **Fortinet**? Tijdens deze kennissessie op **18 maart** nemen experts Mario Maas en Eric van Alebeek je mee in de belangrijkste ontwikkelingen binnen het Fortinet‑portfolio, praktisch, inhoudelijk en direct toepasbaar. Zij laten zien hoe Fortinet technologie inzet in de praktijk: van detectiesystemen tot door AI versterkte beveiliging die verweven zit door de hele Security Fabric. **Agenda:** * Introductie + update Fortinet \- Detectie systemen: FortiDeceptor en Mail Workspace * Zero Trust (ZTNA/SASE) * Fortinet AI toepassingen *Het programma zal deze avond als volgt zijn:* * Vanaf 17.15 u: inloop * Rond 17.30/18.00 u: eten * 18.30 u: start kennissessie * 20.00 u: afsluiting We zien jullie graag dan!

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

Hello again lovely people, on Wednesday we will be meeting at the colorful and friendly Cafe Kalff 🏳️‍🌈 Come join us for some drinks, meet new people, chat and socialise to your hearts content! We will be there from at least 21:00-23:00 and will possibly stay later if the group does. We may also head across the canal to Bodytalk later in the evening to dance 💃🏻 This meetup is for people to make new friends in our beautiful community, so don’t be afraid to join if you don’t know anyone. We are a friendly bunch! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @utrechtlgbt Looking forward to seeing you all you soon! *****IMPORTANT CORONA INFORMATION***** * Do not come to this event if you have Coronavirus symptoms, even if you you are fully vaccinated! * Please be mindful and respectful of other peoples boundaries. * The most important thing is that we keep each other safe! ************************************ ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

Are you an **expat** in **Utrecht** and do you want to **learn how to swim?** Look no further! Dive into **personalized swimming lessons** with **Your Personal Swim Coach**. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced swimmer seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches offer **tailored sessions** that fit your needs. **De Kwakel** is a great pool close to the city center, has free parking, and is easy to reach by bus. It's an **amazing learning environment!** **Don't wait any longer:** **[Sign up for a Try Out Lesson!](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/product/try-out-adult-swimming-lesson/)** Want to learn more first? Go to our **[website](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)** or **[schedule a call!](https://calendly.com/ypsc/new-meeting)**

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**Join us for Social Drinks for Expats & Locals!** Now is the time to connect with new people and enjoy a great evening out! 🍷 We’re excited to invite you to Social Drinks for Expats & Locals. Expect a night filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and relaxed conversations in a friendly and welcoming setting. **What to expect** * A lively and inclusive atmosphere to enjoy good company. * Conversations with a diverse mix of locals and internationals. * A laid-back evening of cultural exchange, friendships, and fun. **Who should join** * **Expats** looking to expand their social circle and meet like-minded people. * **Locals** eager to share their culture and connect with an international crowd. * **Anyone** looking for a relaxed, social evening filled with great energy and good vibes. Don't miss out - **RSVP now** and join us for an unforgettable evening! Join the WhatsApp group: brand.page/expatslocalswhatsapp Follow us on Instagram: brand.page/expatslocalsinstagram Become a Welcomer: https://www.expatslocals.com/become-a-welcomer

Come over to the Ducosim game fair in Amersfoort. For a small fee (or become a member) many publishers are ready to demo their published games. Next to that you can meet up and network with game designers, playtest their games and bring what you are working on and put it on the table. More details: https://www.ducosim.nl/

**This event has two meetup spots: Arnhem station (9:30) and 's-Hertogenbosch (10:40)!** Welcome to the page of the Maastricht & Valkenburg daytrip. On the first day of spring, we like to welcome you to a trip to the very southern edge of the Netherlands: home to the picturesque city of Maastricht, and the river valley town of Valkenburg. The plan goes as follows: * 9:30 Meetup Arnhem CS, next to Burger King * 9:53 Train to 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) * 10:40 Transfer in Den Bosch, second meetup point * 11:08 Train to Maastricht * 12:33 Arrive in Maastricht Those who do not want to go to Valkenburg can stay in Maastricht * 12:41 13-minute train to Valkenburg * ±15:40 Train back to Maastricht * 18:29 Train to Den Bosch * 19:53 2/32 min. transfer in Den Bosch * 20:37/21:07 Arrive in Arnhem While these times are mostly fixed, train disruptions may force us to change the plan. Were they to happen, all changes will be announced in the discussion chat of this event page. **Meetup in Arnhem & Den Bosch** The two meetup places are in Arnhem Centraal Station, next to the Burger King at 9:30, and at 's-Hertogenbosch station on platform 7a at 10:40. If you want to join at another location, like on the train or in Maastricht, please let us know in advance. These are also the places where the group splits and disbands at the end of the day, but of course you may leave the group at any time you like. Please sign up by RSVP on Meetup or via [Google Forms](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2g-H1CVAJrpTD-T0ELzcqoDOmggzyB4bm3lIOqqRRnf0s9Q/viewform?usp=header). We will all travel by using our own OV-Chipkaart or bank card. Tip: if you don't have an NS subscription or the *studentenreisproduct* you can buy train tickets (usually at a discount if you buy it days in advance) on [ns.nl](ns.nl/en) or the NS app. **Payment** In order to keep our Meetup-page active, everyone joining the event will be asked to pay a 2 euro contribution. The payment will be handled via Tikkie, and is refundable if you cancel before Wed March 18th 10:00 - and in any case if we cancel or postpone the event of course. We hope to see you there!

Twee ensembles bundelen hun krachten in een uniek muzikaal project. Kamerkoor het **Schütz Ensemble** o.l.v. Jelle Leistra en **Gitaarorkest Guitarrísimo** o.l.v. Peter Constant nemen je mee op een muzikale reis over zee en land, met als kloppend hart het indrukwekkende tweeluik *Tales of Wind and Sail*. De rijke klanken van het Schütz Ensemble en het warme, gelaagde gitaargeluid van Gitaarorkest Guitarrísimo smelten samen tot een muzikale vertelling. *Tales of Wind and Sail* is een ode aan de zee, de wind, de vrijheid en de menselijke daadkracht, in 2021 geschreven door de Australische componist Richard Charlton. Op 21 maart 2026 zal de feestelijke Almeerse première te horen zal zijn, omlijst door een kleurrijk en gevarieerd programma voor koor en gitaarorkest. Met solisten Marion Schaap (octaafgitaar), Marlou Stift en Ilse Hoekstra (gitaar) en percussionist Sybren Schaake (Koninklijk Conservatorium). **Locatie, Tijd & kaartverkoop** Concert: zaterdag 21 maart, 20.00-21.45 Levend Waterkerk Almere, Parkwijklaan 44, Almere Toegang: €15,00 (tot 18 jaar €5) Bestel je kaarten per email: entreekaarten.schutzensemble@gmail.com *Kaarten zijn ook verkrijgbaar aan de deur*

Join a casual online hour to share you, your brand and business, and learn more about other business owners, locally and globally. Join and share your brand, products/services, and about you. Expand your visibility. Every session will close with gratitude and a mini creative activity, so have a pen and paper, tablet, or something available with which to write/create/draw. **RSVP here via EventBrite: [Event link](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/you-and-your-brand-a-casual-networking-hour-tickets-1984283125243?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** *-* *The only requirements are a minimum age of 18 years old,* *and at least three attendees to make it a worthwhile hour for everyone.*

Donderdag 19 maart duiken we weer met onze collega Laravel enthousiastelingen de techniek in! De Dutch Laravel Foundation organiseert, zoals jullie van ons gewend zijn, wederom een inspirerende Laravel Meetup! **Locatie** Dit keer zijn we te gast bij DIJ te Apeldoorn: DIJ Roggestraat 111 7311 CC Apeldoorn **Talks** ***Live demo NativePHP (door Shane Rosenthal, NativePHP)*** Shane Rosenthal zelf zal ons meer vertellen over alle grote ontwikkelingen op het gebied van NativePHP. ***Manage private packages with Pricore (door Maarten Bode, Zonneplan)*** Private PHP-packages beheren klinkt simpel. Satis die vastloopt, tokens die rondslingeren, geen zicht op wie toegang heeft. In deze talk laat Maarten zien hoe Pricore als open-source Laravel-app private package management weer overzichtelijk maakt. ***Teach AI your package (door Mario Aquino, Easi)*** Wat als AI jouw package écht begrijpt? Ontdek hoe je skills en guidelines meelevert via Laravel Boost. ***Keep out the vibe-coders: hoe lever je consequent veilige Laravel apps? (door Martijn van de Wetering, CBYTE Digital)*** In een wereld van snel ontwikkelende technologie speelt security een steeds belangrijkere rol. Maar waar moet je rekening mee houden, en hoe maak je het jezelf makkelijker? ***Inertia 3, Inertia UI updates en life @ Laravel (door Pascal Baljet, Laravel)*** Op Laracon EU is weer een hoop moois aangekondigd, waaronder Inertia 3. Pascal praat ons bij over de nieuwste ontwikkelingen rond Inertia en Inertia UI, en vertelt ook over zijn overstap naar Laravel sinds de laatste keer dat we hem spraken. **Programma** 18.00 - Inloop en iets te eten 18.50 - Welkom 19.00 - Live demo NativePHP (Shane Rosenthal, NativePHP) 19.30 - Manage Private Packages with Pricore (Maarten Bode, Zonneplan) 19.45 - Teach AI your package (door Mario Aquino, Easi) 20.00 - Keep out the vibe-coders (door Martijn van de Wetering, CBYTE Digital) 20.15 - Korte pauze 20.30 - I*nertia 3, Inertia UI updates en life @ Laravel (door* Pascal Baljet, Laravel) 21.15 - Social **Deelname** Wil je ook graag aanwezig zijn? Aanmelden kan nu al! Meld je direct via Meetup aan voor dit niet te missen event! Lidmaatschap van de Dutch Laravel Foundation is **niet** vereist! **Tot slot** Mochten er nog vragen bestaan dan beantwoorden we die natuurlijk graag! **We zien jullie donderdag 19 maart!**

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Friday Night French Conversation Hour Bonjour tout le monde! (English Below) Je vous propose une soirée, ce vendredi qui vient, à l'hôtel Junto à Columbus. 19hr. 20 Mars (Vendredi) 2026. C'est très bien située avec de l'espace extérieur et intérieur, un feu, un café (cafe se ferme à 19h; arrivez tot si ca vous interesse), un resto, et un bar. Le parking est payé est juste en face au musée des sciences COSI. Il y'en a aussi dans les rues mais un peu plus loin. Vous n'êtes pas obligé d'acheter quelque chose, car l'ensemble de l'espace c'est vraiment un grand lobby et de l'hôtel, mais c'est cool. J'ai parlé avec le management et ils sont ravis de nous accueillir, mais il n'y a pas de place particulière réservé pour nous. Ce sera à partir de 19h jusqu'à ? Moi, je suis Brandon. J'aimerais que ce soit un évènement mensuel et si l'espace ne vous convient pas, on peut discuter d'autres options. Je vais porter une casquette bleue et blanche qui dit "Québec." Venez nombreux! A tres bientot \-\-\-\- Hello everyone! It’s been a long time since we’ve had a Friday night French meetup. I suggest that we meet at the Junto Hotel in Columbus this coming Friday, 20 March (friday) 2026 at 7PM. There’s a great spot with both outdoor and indoor areas, a café (which closes at 7 p.m., come a bit early if that interests you), a restaurant, and a bar. Parking is paid and is located right across from the science museum called COSI. There is additional free and paid street parking around at varying distances. It’s a bit expensive, but you don’t have to buy anything since the area is really just a large hotel lobby. It's nice though. I spoke with management, and they’re happy to welcome us, though there’s no specific space reserved just for us. It’ll start at 7 p.m. and go until whenever. I’d like this to become a monthly event, and if this space doesn’t suit us well, we can discuss other options. Speaking and understanding French well is ideal but there may be learners there as well. I’m Brandon. I’ll be wearing a blue and white cap that says “Québec.” Come find us.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Buongiorno! Director Gianfranco Rosi's newest documentary is out: Pompei: Below the Clouds. The Gateway is screening it this weekend. Andiamo alle 4.30pm venerdi' sera! I'll be there at 4.20 in the lobby. It's happy hour pricing so tickets should be only $7,75 Ecco il link: https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/pompei-below-the-clouds-2026/

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)