Volunteer The Hague is a project of PEP Den Haag, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and strengthening the social fabric of The Hague. Initiated in collaboration ...
Engaging with Others in The Hague as an International
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Service Volunteer The Hague
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You can meet dozens of people in The Hague and still feel like you don't really know anyone. Why is turning encounters into meaningful friendships so difficult?
Engaging with Others in The Hague as an International
By Dr Alexander Akbik
You can meet dozens of people in The Hague and still feel like you don't really know anyone. Why is turning encounters into meaningful friendships so difficult?
In this interactive workshop, Alexander Akbik, co-founder of Close Foundation Against Social Loneliness, explores the surprising science of human connection: why friendships take time, why we often underestimate how much others like us, and how shared activities can bring people closer together.
Discover practical ways to move beyond small talk, navigate social life in the Netherlands, and build connections through local activities and volunteering.
Because feeling at home in The Hague is about more than living here. It's about belonging.
This workshop is part of the Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair held on November 28, 2026 alongside more workshops such as "Volunteering as a Way to Find Work in Your New Country by Sarah Feid, From 9-to-5 to Local Impact: How Volunteering Can Launch Your Passion and Purpose by Bernice Dekker and Mithila Mohan .
While event registration is not mandatory, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to secure your spot. Your registration not only helps us plan better, but also ensures we can provide you with the best possible experience. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair!
Dr. Alexander Akbik is the co-founder of Close Foundation Against Social Loneliness, a nonprofit organization based in The Hague that aims to bring people together and strengthen local communities. With a PhD in Political Science and a professional background in digital product development, Alexander has worked in the healthcare and education sectors, including at BARMER and IU International University.
He is passionate about using technology to address societal challenges and believes that meaningful social connections are essential to our well-being. Through Close, Alexander works to make it easier for people to discover local activities, meet others, and build lasting relationships, helping to create a more connected and inclusive society.
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About Volunteer The Hague
Volunteer The Hague is a project of PEP Den Haag, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and strengthening the social fabric of The Hague. Initiated in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, Volunteer The Hague site hosts hundreds of volunteer activities for every age, skill-set, and availability. Importantly, the volunteer listings on Volunteer The Hague’s website do not require Dutch language skills. You can browse these vacancies or use our Talent Scan tool through which you can find individualized listings after answering a series of questions about your skills and interests. All listings will provide you with information about the tasks expected, preferred availability in days and number of hours, and perks offered.
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