With Buddy voor Elkaar, locals and newcomers in the Brainport region are connected to each other in an accessible way. Not a formal programme in a classroom, but meetings in places where people already gather: at school, at a sports club, in the workplace, or in the neighbourhood.

Buddy voor Elkaar is an ASML initiative in collaboration with Brainport voor Elkaar. Together, we want to ensure that international employees, expats, students, refugees, and other newcomers feel at home in our region more quickly and that locals get to know new people, stories, and cultures in an accessible way.

At CrossFit YouAct, twenty athletes practiced Dutch together. The bingo immediately sparked enthusiasm, laughter, and connection. At Fontys, students and internationals got to work on apple pie together. For many participants, it felt special to finally get to know real locals. The workshops are led by experienced partners in the fields of language, culture, and meeting: STE Languages ​​and Wasbeer & Pauw.

This is just the beginning. Buddy groups are also planned at FC Eindhoven, Vestide student housing/Woonbedrijf on the TU/e ​​campus, and Sondervick College.

Language school STE Languages ​​considers it important to be involved in worthwhile projects such as Buddy voor elkaar. This project ensures that Brainport residents, both locals and internationals, feel connected to each other and their local Brabant community. The use of the Dutch language serves as the means to connect. By providing workshops, STE Languages ​​contributes to Dutch language development and community culture.

After the workshops, participants receive tips and tricks regarding the Dutch language and how to use it with greater ease; to live together, work, play sports, learn from each other, and live life.