Rooted Cultures

WELCOME

Rooted Cultures is an open and connective space for all internationals living in the Netherlands.

The Rooted Cultures programs address and nourish the needs of expats who just moved to the Netherlands, as well as those who have been living here for many years.
They support true integration through real connection.
The focus is on growing your roots in this country, and at the same time honoring your own roots and the immense contribution you are bringing into this society.

"This program is about the process of growing your roots in the Netherlands. About the wisdom and colors of the culture in which you are rooted. About connecting with people, land and with yourself."

Integration & Connection

for internationals living in the Netherlands

The Rooted Cultures programs are an invitation to support each other to thrive, to connect, to feel a sense of belonging and to feel at home in this country, no matter your background, situation or location within the Netherlands.

True integration through real connection

in-person gatherings and online material

You are welcome to this program if you would like to connect with both other internationals and locals looking for friendship, sense of belonging and meaningful conversations. You are also welcome if you’d like to get inspired and learn from others who have landed here before you. You are more than welcome if you would like to share your experience to help others leave their unique and valuable footprint in this land, and to feel enriched by its culture at the same time!

Feeling at Home in the Netherlands

Join us for 5 monthly in-person gatherings. The gatherings are complemented by an online training platform with valuable and fun assignments throughout the 5 months.

Some of the topics we'll cover:

Your story and the stories of others: the roots in your home country and growing your roots in the Netherlands
Exchanging about your experience with Dutch culture, cultural similarities and differences
Challenges you’ve been facing during your relocation and integration process
Tips and solutions from the group & your hosts, buddy mentoring & activities
Feeling welcome and sense of belonging within the Dutch society
The process of (and difficulties with) finding new friends and meaningful connections
Connecting with people and land, your definition of ‘home’
Language & cross-cultural communication tips
Work-life balance and the culture of planning in the Netherlands and in your own culture
Community & Support for any specific topics that will be brought up by the group

And so much more!

The program is rich and the conversations and activities are connective and inspiring. We can’t wait to meet you and hear about your story and experience! There are limited spaces, so please do not hesitate to book your spot if you’d like to join us!

Practical details

When, where and how to join the program?

When

At the moment we have a waiting list. Let us know if you'd like to be added to our waiting list, you will receive a message when we start with a new group! It's also possible to join with your own group, for example colleagues, so we can create a tailor-made program for you. Please send us your details: [email protected]
Where

On a beautiful tranquil location in the middle of Dutch nature in Vught, near 's-Hertogenbosch. You will receive tips how to get there by car and public transport. Please let us know if you have any questions or difficulties with accessibility, we're happy to look at the possibilities with you.
How

The basic language of the program is English, with optional Dutch language practice. You can join the program alone, together with your friend or partner, or as a team! Your employer might want to pay for the costs to support your smooth transition and sense of wellbeing that will have positive impact on your professional and private life. Please contact us via [email protected] to discuss the possibilities.

We're planting trees!

Let's grow roots, literally! For every registration we plant a tree in a food forest in the south of the Netherlands. In fact, we will plant these trees together during the program! With our programs we want to contribute to a connected society and a healthy, sustainable future for the generations to come.

Yes, I want to get involved!

From our roots to yours

Your hosts Kat Novotna & Ankie Teurlinx

Ankie Teurlinx

Ankie has her own coaching and therapy practice for clients in the Netherlands, on a beautiful location in nature with a food forest. She has many years of experience working with both groups and individuals in the fields of wellbeing, hospitality, nature conservation and communication for commercial and non-profit organizations. Based on her professional background, world dwelling experiences and her own relocation journey, Ankie creates a safe container for people to discover deeply what's within, and to reconnect with and nourish their roots.

Kat Novotna

Kat's mission and passion are to help people reconnect with nature, with themselves and with others, so that they can thrive and bloom in their private and professional life. Kat is the founder of EcoNIDRA™ and Way Back Home, certified Forest Therapy Guide, Council Facilitator and Dutch Language & Integration Teacher with 20 years of teaching experience within her own language school Taalservice Connect. Kat's background is in the field of Linguistics and Cross-cultural communication, and as a Life Coach.

A valuable gift to your employees

Invest in a warm welcome and support a smooth integration process of your international employees. Our programs have a positive impact on the professional life, mental health and well-being of your employees. A small gift of great value. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss the possibilities and to receive a brochure.

A valuable gift for yourself

Invest into your transition and sense of wellbeing in this country, or ask your employer to pay the costs for you. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss the possibilities. The registration fee is including:

A 5-month program designed to fit your schedule.
In-person gatherings on a beautiful location that allows exploring Dutch nature.
Online platform with high quality interactive materials and fun assignments supporting the integration of the program content
Buddy mentoring and self-organized activities that will support you in the topics you'd like to practice more.
Community and support beyond the program.
Optional conversation training in Dutch language.
Your employer or school can possibly cover the program fee for you. Contact us to discuss the details.

Grow your roots. Honor your roots. Connect!

Do you have any questions?

We'll be happy to contact you and discuss the details of the program with you.

When

Where

How