Let’s Make Amsterdam feel like home
Personal lifestyle guidance for international professionals new to Amsterdam.
Individual sessions & Corporate onboarding
You’ve moved to Amsterdam. Your registration is done, your job has started, and your calendar is full. Yet, despite living here, you’re not really landing or feeling connected.
Urban Kickstart helps you genuinely connect with Amsterdam
That’s where Urban Kickstart comes in. We connect you, socially and culturally, with Amsterdam in a way that fits your interests. From a local perspective, you’ll get everything you need, from the essentials like trends, neighborhoods, and subcultures, to recommendations about events, places, subscriptions, and more. And it all happens in one in-person kickstart session.
Your one-off personal kickstart Session
You and a local expert meet at a cozy, inspiring café or bar in Amsterdam. Together, you focus on what matters to you to help you feel at home in the city. Skip sightseeing tours or endless lists of generic tips. Just a content-heavy one-off personal kickstart session with a local expert. You can book a 1.5 to 2 hour private 1:1, or bring your +1.
your benefits
Feel at home in Amsterdam faster, with clarity, direction and real local insight.
Reduce the risk of loneliness by building meaningful connections early on.
Discover where you belong, neighborhoods, communities and events that fit you.
Save weeks of trial and error with tailored recommendations based on your interests.
Gain cultural confidence by understanding how the city works, socially and culturally.
Meet Emma, Founder and local expert
Amsterdam is full of opportunity, you just need to know. As a born-and-raised local with an international mindset, I help professionals in Amsterdam feel connected, confident, and at home.
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Cities don’t make people feel at home. People do, when they know where and how to connect.
Curating thoughtful recommendations and helping others experience the very best of a city is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. Friends and family naturally turn to me for it, it’s instinctive.
Over time, I began supporting international professionals as well, who are often the ones who need this guidance most. Why? Because I speak their language. I understand their ambition, independence, and drive. And I know what it feels like to arrive somewhere new, capable and accomplished, yet still searching for belonging.
With a double Master’s degree and a background in strategy consulting, I combine structure and strategic thinking with a deep understanding of people. I’m analytical, practical, and comfortable navigating complexity, but always with a human touch.
Having lived in Amsterdam while constantly engaging with international talent, and having travelled solo for studies, conferences, and work, I bridge the gap between locals and expats naturally.
I love theatre, couple dancing, architecture walks, philosophy courses, podcasts, entrepreneurship, discovering new city trends, and the occasional great party. For me, a city is about culture, energy, and shared experiences.
The disconnect between locals and expats, and the loneliness that often comes with it, is real. I’ve experienced it myself. That’s why I’m committed to helping people feel genuinely connected and at home.
What people are saying
What you’ll get
One-off individual Urban Kickstart Session:
In-person local insights into how Amsterdam really works
Understanding about neighborhoods, culture, subculture, history and trends
Personal recommendations for events, courses, media, and subscriptions that match your interests
A gateway to meet likeminded people and expand your social network
Duration: 1.5. to 2 hours
Location: A curated Amsterdam coffee spot. This session is an experience in itself.
Investment: €175, incl. VAT solo | €250, incl. VAT with your +1
Not sure yet, have a request, or looking for other support options? Schedule a free Intro Call or fill in the contact form.
Contact form
Corporate onboarding for employers and HR
Help your international talent land faster, feel connected, and enjoy their life in Amsterdam from day one. Go beyond paperwork and onboarding, attract talent, support their social integration and make a tangible impact on retention and engagement.
What’s included (options):
Masterclass: essential fixes for navigating the city
Individual 1:1 sessions: tailored guidance for each talent
Joined network drinks: informal networking
Price: on request
Partners & Mentions
Let’s connect
Choose for tailored local guidance to explore Amsterdam in a way that fits you or your international talent.
Frequently asked questions
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Q: What makes Urban Kickstart different from a regular city tour, apps or blogs?
A: Urban Kickstart isn’t about sightseeing or generic tips. It’s a personal session focused on how you experience Amsterdam, understanding the city, finding where you feel at ease, and connecting in ways that fit your rhythm and interests.
Q: What areas or neighborhoods do you cover?
A: We cover the entire city of Amsterdam and can tailor the session to your preferred neighborhoods or interests. Whether you want to explore Oud-West, Jordaan, De Pijp, or other areas.
Q: Can you also help with language barriers or cultural adjustment?
A: Part of the service is to help newcomers feel comfortable and connected, including navigating cultural differences and language tips.
Q: Can we focus on creative or professional goals, beyond just lifestyle?
A: If you’re working on a project, business idea, or creative plan, we can help you explore how the city can support it, through networks, spaces, inspiration, and local insight. We can discuss your plans during our 1:1 or schedule an additional session.
Q: Can I gift a session to someone else?
A: Yes! Gifting an Urban Kickstart session is a great welcome gift from a company to a new team member, or a great way to help a friend or family member feel at home in Amsterdam. Contact us for gift options.
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Q: What if I’m not sure the 1:1 session is right for me?
A: We understand! You can book a free intro call to see if it’s a good fit and ask any questions you have before deciding.
Q: Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
A: No, just bring your curiosity. You’re welcome to share any goals or interests when booking, but it’s also totally fine to show up with an open mind.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: Payment is made through a secured online platform, which accepts all major payment methods. You’ll receive the details during the booking process.
Q: What is your rescheduling or cancellation policy?
A: We understand plans can change. You can cancel or reschedule your session up to 24 hours in advance at no extra cost.
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Q: Where do sessions take place?
A: We’ll meet at an inspiring location in Amsterdam chosen to suit your interests and energy. You can suggest a preference when booking, and we’ll confirm the final spot, often a cozy coffee bar.
Q: Do you offer virtual sessions?
A: Our strong preference is to meet in person, so you can truly experience the vibe and energy of Amsterdam. That said, virtual sessions are possible if you're not in the city yet or prefer to connect online. Just let us know what works best for you!
Q: Can I bring a partner, close friend, family member or pet to a 1:1 session?
A: 1:1 sessions are designed to keep the focus entirely on you, and this setup is recommended. You’re welcome to bring a close relative you share a household with, please mention this when booking.
Q: If we meet in a café, who pays for drinks?
A: Drinks are at your own expense.
Q: What language is the session in?
A: Sessions are available in English or Dutch, whichever you prefer. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your Dutch if you’d like!
Q: Can you accommodate accessibility or mobility needs?
A: Please share any accessibility or mobility needs while booking so we can select a location that works best for you.
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Q: Do you follow up after the session?
A: After any session, we remain available for short ad hoc questions. If you have more in-depth topics to explore, we can schedule a follow-up session.
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Q: Do you help with administrative tasks like housing, visas, or registration?
A: Urban Kickstart doesn’t provide administrative or relocation services such as housing searches, visa applications, or registration processes. If helpful, we can point you in the right direction or share relevant resources, but the session itself is about clarity, alignment, and feeling at home, not paperwork.
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