When I talk about moving “From Searching to Settled,” I’m rarely just talking about finding a property with the right number of bedrooms. Truly settling in the Netherlands is about finding your community, your support system, and a place where your children feel they belong.

As part of my Beyond the House series, I sat down with Armida Meursing, the School Business Manager at Amersfoort International School (AIS). Armida is at the heart of the transition for many incoming families, helping them navigate the move from “overwhelmed” to “at home.”

In honor of our first business anniversary and our theme of Setting Down Roots, Armida shared her insights on why Amersfoort is the perfect place to plant a new life.

From Surviving to Thriving

Chanté: Armida, you see families arriving from all over the world. Can you share a moment where you saw a family shift from “surviving” to “thriving” here?

Armida: We recently had a family join whose child had never attended school before. Starting for the first time in a new country can feel overwhelming for everyone. We sat down together and created a “settling-in” plan that felt reassuring for the parents and manageable for the teacher.

The real shift happened when that child started arriving each morning with a big smile, feeling secure and happy. Seeing the parents grow in confidence and become actively involved in our school community is what makes our work so meaningful. That transformation—from uncertainty to belonging—is the goal for every family.

The Amersfoort “Why”: A Personal Community

Chanté: Beyond the beautiful historic center, what makes Amersfoort easier for internationals to set down roots compared to big cities?

Armida: It’s the sense of community connected to our green spaces. Daily life here naturally unfolds outdoors in our parks and playgrounds. This creates countless informal ways to connect.

In Amersfoort, social interaction happens organically. For example, on Friday afternoons, our AIS families often gather in the park next to the school. Parents socialize while children play with both classmates and local Dutch children. Unlike the anonymity of a big city, Amersfoort offers an accessible, personal community where “settling” feels achievable.

Building a Support System for Parents

Chanté: Moving can be lonely! How does AIS help parents build their own tribe while their kids are in class?

Armida: We host monthly coffee mornings. It’s an informal way to ask questions and share concerns. We recently had a session with Parenting Across Borders to discuss the unique challenges of expat parenting. It is so helpful to realize you are not alone! We also have parents volunteer for events like our upcoming Easter breakfast and Egg Hunt—it’s about building a social foundation for the adults, too.

The “Global Child”: Bridging the Gap

Chanté: For families coming from the US or South Africa, how does the AIS curriculum help bridge their “old” life with their “new” one?

Armida: Continuity and belonging are the two greatest needs. As an IB World School (Primary Years Programme), we offer a globally recognized framework. If a family moves again in the future, the educational philosophy remains the same.

But we are also deeply committed to Passend Onderwijs—the Dutch term for optimal, inclusive education. We actively remove barriers so every child feels seen and supported. By combining international continuity with deep local care, we ensure children feel empowered to thrive in their new environment.

Advice for the First Month: Plant a Friendship

Chanté: We are celebrating our first anniversary with the theme of “Planting Trees.” What is the one thing a family should “plant” in their first month here to ensure they bloom long-term?

Armida: In the middle of the paperwork and logistics, plant a friendship. Make even one local friend—a neighbor or a shop owner. Having someone who can explain the local customs and nuances moves you from being an “outsider” to an active member of the community. Building relationships outside the “expat bubble” is essential to truly becoming part of the life unfolding around you. That one stranger could become a friend for life.

Chanté’s Final Thought

Armida’s advice perfectly mirrors why I do what I do. Finding a house is just the beginning; finding the people who will help you grow is the real work of settling.

If you are looking at Amersfoort or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about the inclusive, community-driven environment at Amersfoort International School, you can find them at www.amersfoortinternationalschool.nl 

From Searching to Settled, with care, clarity, and heart.