Homewards helps internationals and locals find each other

How do you ensure that internationals not only feel welcome, but also truly at home in Brainport?

The Homewards social onboarding program brings together Eindhoven365, Holland Expat Center South, and Brainport Development to help build meaningful, lasting connections between newcomers and locals. 

We spoke with Renske Mehra (Program Manager Homewards, Eindhoven365), Nicole Zwetsloot (Program Manager International Talent, Brainport Development), Noortje Verwiel (Project Lead International Talent, Brainport Development), and participant Ana Pasolea about their experience with Homewards, the impact of the first editions, and what is needed to further grow the program. 

From personal experience to initiative 

Twelve years ago, Renske Mehra moved to Eindhoven. New to the city, new to Brabant. Although she quickly felt at home in her work, she found that building a social network was more difficult than expected. 

“I knew my colleagues, but outside of that, I didn't really know where to start,” she says. That experience formed the seed of Homewards: a program that connects locals and newcomers in an accessible way."

From welcome to home 

Homewards offers a series of three meetings in which people explore the city together, share stories, and make new contacts. In between, there are informal meetups and participants receive a weekly newsletter with practical and cultural tips about Eindhoven. The initiative is not only for internationals, but also Eindhoven residents who are open to meeting new people. 

“It's not a networking event or an information evening,” explains Renske. “At each meeting, you get to know your city better in a playful way. It's all about real conversations, about doing something together that naturally leads to genuine contact. You then notice that everyone is actually looking for the same thing: connection, recognition, something together.” 

“I loved learning what each person's favorite place was. That gave me a lot of new ideas for the region.” explains Ana (participant).

Around 250 people took part in the first two editions. The group is mixed: people who have just moved to the region, others who have lived here for years, singles, families, spouses, and students. 

“It's precisely that mix that works. Newcomers learn from locals what life here is really like, and vice versa, locals discover how rich Eindhoven's international community actually is.” 

More than a social initiative 

What makes Homewards special is that it is more than just a social project. The program addresses a serious issue within the Brainport region: retaining international talent. 

“We know that many people don't leave because they don't like their job, but because they don't feel socially at home,” says Renske. “Homewards helps to break through that: it creates connections outside of work, and that's often where the benefits lie.” 

That makes the Homewards program also really vital for employers.

“An employer often clearly sees and takes responsibility for making employees feel at home within the company, but to a much lesser extent outside of it,” explains Nicole Zwetsloot. “Yet these are fundamental elements in the well-being of a newcomer.” 

According to Nicole, the program touches on something that goes far beyond onboarding.

“After the paperwork and practical aspects of moving, the real challenge begins: how am I going to feel at home here? Although the answer is different for everyone, we notice one major common denominator: people are looking for real connections. Homewards offers a safe environment to do just that: meet new people, get to know the city, and build valuable relationships.” 

Nicole emphasizes that investing in well-being outside of work is also a form of good employment practices.

“I hope that companies will increasingly see the value of investing in their employees, even beyond the walls of the office. A newcomer has left a lot behind to be here. We should focus more on building an equitable, not just equal, workplace.” 

Collaboration as the key 

The collaboration between Eindhoven365, Holland Expat Center South, and Brainport Development appears to be the key. While Eindhoven365 mainly contributes the community and urban character, Brainport provides connections with employers and institutions, and HECS contributes expertise in internationals support and community.  

“That combination is really powerful,” says Renske. “Eindhoven365 has a lot of experience in connecting people and strengthening urban pride, while Brainport builds bridges to the business community. HECS knows exactly what is involved in an international move. Together, we create something that is both socially and economically valuable.” 

According to Noortje Verwiel, this collaboration is also crucial to taking Homewards further. “We need the social sector and employers to help this initiative grow and gain broader support. Ultimately, we want to reach as many people as possible, not just those in our own bubble. To that end, we are taking a critical look at how we structure the program.”  

Towards a sustainable program 

After the first series of meetings, there is great interest in continuing. “There is so much enthusiasm,” says Renske. “People continue to seek each other out via WhatsApp groups, organize dinners together, or join local clubs. That is exactly the intention: that Homewards sets something in motion that will continue.” 

For the future, the initiators hope that Homewards will become a permanent part of the international welcome in the region. “We don't want this to end as a pilot,” says Noortje. “Ideally, there will be a fixed cycle with several programs per year, in which companies and municipalities also play an active role—for example, by actively encouraging employees to participate or even financing participation for their employees. 

The essence of feeling at home 

For Renske herself, Homewards remains a project close to her heart.

“I know what it's like to be new in a country. You can have everything practically sorted out here, and still miss something, that feeling of belonging. I want everyone who comes to live here to have that.” 

The new Homewards program starts in March 2026.