International talent quickly feels at home in Utrecht

Utrecht is an welcoming and innovative region for people from all over the world. Through the Utrecht International Center (UIC), the Province of Utrecht and its partners help international talent settle in, build a network and feel at home so they can contribute their skills to the region’s growth and vitality. 
 
“I cycle everywhere, have Dutch friends, and at my local ice cream shop they ask how my weekend was; I feel at home in Utrecht.” These are the words of Julia Drylewicz, who moved from France fifteen years ago to join Utrecht University as a researcher. In the beginning, she struggled to find her way. “I didn’t know how to open a bank account, where to take Dutch classes and most importantly where to meet other people.”

Julia Drylewicz at Utrecht International Center (UIC)

Together with Utrecht University and the municipalities of Utrecht and Amersfoort, the Province of Utrecht launched the Utrecht International Center (UIC) in 2019. The center supports international students and professionals like Julia with both practical and administrative matters, and helps them meet others through social events and gatherings. 

Helping internationals 

Julia: “When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I didn’t understand many of the rules, and all the leaflets were in Dutch. I needed a citizen service number (BSN) but had no idea how to get one. Now you can arrange that directly at the UIC desk, along with your municipal registration.” What she missed most in the beginning were social connections. “At work, everyone was very friendly, but in the evenings and weekends, I didn’t have much to do.” To help other internationals, Julia has been an active member of the UR-Glocals Ambassador Club of the UIC for many years, organizing events for the international community. Julia: “We host popular lectures, networking drinks, film nights and cooking clubs where everyone prepares dishes from their home countries.” 

“We enjoy local festivals together and often join cultural events like the Sint Maarten Parade in Utrecht.” 

Julia Drylewicz, international from France

UIC celebrates its sixth anniversary 

The Utrecht International Center recently celebrated its sixth anniversary and has grown into a well established organization, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors at its desk and over 60,000 online users each year. Visitors give it an impressive satisfaction score of 8.8 out of 10. The Utrecht Region has a strong reputation for research, development and innovation, making it an attractive hub for businesses. To maintain this position, international talent is essential. Research by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) shows that international students make a significant contribution to the Dutch economy, especially when they stay and work here after graduation. 

Putting down roots in Utrecht 

Bart van de Laar, Head of International Affairs at Utrecht University: “We need all hands on deck. Talent does not stop at borders. We need people with diverse backgrounds and skills to tackle complex challenges such as climate change and medical innovation.” Bart also recognizes the importance of social connection for international talent: “Around 40,000 internationals study and work in our region. About three quarters come from Europe, the rest mainly from India, the United States and China. Most of them stay for at least three years, so they want to put down roots here. We hope they will remain in Utrecht and continue contributing to our regional economy. That is already going well. About 60 percent are still here a year after graduation, often working in the region.” 

Dutch culture

Julia: “I like the work culture here. There is less hierarchy than in France. Even the boss listens to my opinion!” Bart adds: “In Dutch culture, we do not tend to invite colleagues home or introduce them to friends right away. That is why I am glad our international staff find their way to events of Utrecht International Center, where they can build a sense of belonging. It is just as valuable for the six thousand international students at our university, and it is also practical to know things like whether you need a ticket on the bus and where to find supermarkets.” 
 

“The balance between work and private life is much better here, with things like mamadag and papadag.”  

Julia Drylewicz, international uit Frankrijk 

Innovation in our region

Bart sees the cooperation between companies, institutions and international talent as a driving force behind innovation. “At the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht, for example, advanced research is taking place on growing miniature organs from stem cells. This allows new medicines to be tested without involving human subjects. Such breakthroughs are only possible through close cooperation between Utrecht University, the University Medical Center Utrecht and international professionals working side by side with their Dutch colleagues.” 

Fully integrated 

Through the Utrecht International Center, the Province of Utrecht offers internationals a warm welcome and supports initiatives that help them contribute to the regional economy. One example is the Regional Talent Fund Utrecht, which provides training vouchers for professional development. Today, Julia works as Head of Statistics at a pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands and feels completely at home. 

“The directness of the Dutch, the flower market on Saturdays, coffee at the Neude: I love it.” 

Julia Drylewicz, international uit Frankrijk 
 

With initiatives like the Utrecht International Center, the Province of Utrecht continues to invest in an economic successful region where international talent can thrive. When internationals feel at home, the entire region grows stronger.