Just a tip for those of you with older children out of school or with no children at all. In my 4 years in NL, I found a tight expat community around the Dutch International primary School (there something like 12 of these schools around NL). Of course my experience relates to just one, but I expect is the same in most. I would approach the school and see if you can volunteer somehow to get your feet in the door. Then you can meet some of the parents. Also the school in Arnhem had a message board were anyone could post a note. Maybe they have the same at the other schools. The best thing is to do it at the start of the school year as many folk are newcomers and they are like deer caught with headlight in the middle of the roads. This folk will be grateful for your tips on living in NL. Basic stuff such what is the bonus card at AH is helpful. How to and where to shop, etc. Not all parents are of course active in the social scene but at the international School in Arnhem I found that there were a group of about 20 parents that were always up to something socially (coffee mornings, visits to museum, lunches, trips etc,.) Some of the participants did not have kids in school but they got involved. These activities are not tide to the school just run by parents looking to have fun and expand their social network. Give it a try.
