Internationalization Twente
Internationalization is of great importance for the future of Twente. Our region needs international talent in order to continue to grow, innovate, and compete. That is why we work closely together with entrepreneurs, education, and government. By joining forces, we can attract and retain migrant workers (skilled professionals), international employees, and students, strengthen businesses, and put Twente more firmly on the international map.
Internationalization Twente is a refined version of the Happy to be in Twente program. After a period of evaluation and refinement, the concept has been strengthened and broadened to better meet the needs of businesses, knowledge institutions, and internationals in the region. With this renewed and future-proof approach, we are focusing on attracting, welcoming, and retaining international talent. We will launch a renewed and future-proof setup in early 2026.
Support for internationals
More and more highly educated professionals from abroad are choosing a career in Twente. They often stay in the region after their studies or come to the Netherlands for a longer period of time, sometimes with their entire family. Because they play an important role in our job market, it is essential that they feel welcome and at home.
The International Center East (IC East, formerly the World Trade Center, WTC) is committed to this goal, together with partners such as the University of Twente, Saxion, ROC, Novel-T, Ondernemend Twente, and various municipalities. The program focuses on three themes:
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creating career opportunities for partners of internationals
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introducing them to the Dutch language and culture
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improving access to information from government bodies and agencies, such as municipalities and housing associations
The goal is to introduce internationals to Dutch culture in an accessible way and help them build their lives in Twente.
Support for companies
Recruiting international employees can be challenging for companies. Differences in language and culture, as well as complicated immigration procedures, can create barriers. Within the program, we therefore assist companies with practical and organizational questions. This includes support in translating documents such as employment contracts, offering language courses, or helping to organize cultural training.
In addition, we work with internationalization vouchers, which companies can use to hire a translation agency or a cultural coach, or to purchase language training for employees.
Learning from each other
Sharing experiences between companies is an important pillar of the program. Both experienced and less experienced organizations can learn a lot from each other. That is why regular meetings are organized, ranging from small-scale knowledge sessions to larger events. In the coming period, we will continue to build on a pilot phase to develop a multi-year program.
Awareness and collaboration
Together with partners such as Ondernemend Twente, Saxion, the University of Twente, ROC van Twente, and various municipalities, we are working to create awareness around internationalization, including through a joint marketing approach. We are also linking up with existing projects, such as Going Dutch, which connects international students with companies in the region.
“If we want to realize our ambitions as Twente, we desperately need internationals. Twente is already doing well economically, but with more people, we could do even better.”
Linda van Asselt, talent program manager
Funding
This program is supported by Agenda voor Twente.
Want to know more?
Please contact Linda van Asselt, talent program manager
M: 06 - 10 96 60 77
E: L.vanAsselt@twenteboard.nl
Read more about Internationalization Twente
Gross Twents Happiness
Which indicators does the Internationalization Twente project contribute to
✓ Personal development
✓ Community engagement
✓ Income
✓ Housing
✓ Job security
✓ Social contacts