Meerhoven Internationals Platform

The Meerhoven Internationals platform (MIP) supports internationals living in (or moving to) Meerhoven to socialize and integrate in Meerhoven. Would you like to get in touch with fellow internationals living in Meerhoven? Are you curious about current and future developments in Meerhoven? Or do you have ideas to make this place (even) better? Then join the Meerhoven Internationals Platform. Fill in the online registration form and we will inform you about activities and practical topics in Meerhoven.

Founding history
In November 2014 the first meeting for internationals was held in De Blinkerd in Grasrijk. The meeting was organized by the United Residents’ Associations Meerhoven – the predecessor of Residents’ Association Meerhoven – in cooperation with Holland Expat Center South, The Hub Eindhoven for Expats and the Municipality of Eindhoven. About 55 internationals from more than ten countries registered to the meeting. It was the first event for internationals in Meerhoven which brought together internationals living in Meerhoven to discuss issues related to the urban heating system, parking, communication, activities and immigration rules. Most importantly, people got to know each other better. In March 2015 a follow-up meeting was organized at child care center Korein Kinderplein where children of expats were entertained in a separate room by professional staff members of Korein. A third meeting was held on Sunday 6 September 2015. See the article on the news platform Innovation Origins.

Activities
Since 2015 MIP is organizing Dutch courses in Meerhoven. The lessons are given by professional teachers and the MIP volunteers support the administration of the course. Courses are provided two semesters per year and when registration is open, the details are posted on the MIP website and the MIP Facebook page. Every year (as long as there are no pandemic restrictions) MIP organizes three main social events: the New Year Borrel in De Hangar in Meerhoven, Chocolate Egg Hunt in Park Meerland and a Summer BBQ, also in Park Meerland. In addition, we invite internationals and locals to join us for a cup of coffee in Echt Welschap cafe in Meerhoven. The initiative is called Coffee and more (Koffie en meer) and takes place every third Friday of the month at 10.15 am.

Lead coordinator
Meerhoven Internationals Platform is coordinated by Diana Angelova. Diana has been living in Meerhoven since 2015 and has been actively involved in the activities of the Platform since 2017. “Meerhoven is a diverse and multicultural neighbourhood. Being international myself, I know how challenging it is to build meaningful relationships and social life in a completely new environment. Having a vibrant and engaged community where everyone feels welcomed is one of the goals I am passionate about reaching.”

Registration
Internationals are more than welcome to join the platform and are invited to register through the online registration form.

More information
For more information visit the MIP website or send an e-mail to .