With some 60,000 expats and internationals living in the city, and around 80 nationalities and a diverse assortment of cultures and languages, secure plans to expand The Hague's cultural scene to further attract Internationals to the city are underway. One of the Fair's main goals is therefore to enhance the image of The Hague as an attractive International city offering a diverse range of cultural activities and events for its International residents.
Organiser of the Fair and director of TheHagueOnLine.com Billy Allwood believes that Fair is an invaluable asset to Internationals and Expats. "I wish the Fair was here when I arrived in The Hague 16 years ago."
The choice of English as a common language for communication unites the International citizens residing in The Hague region. This year, over 150 stand-holders will be present to represent their organisation and provide English information in a range of areas such as health and wellness, property and travel, business services, sports and activities, as well as education and careers.
The Fair will comprise of 7 islands in the following categories:
The Hague RegionInformation about living in The Hague region can be found on this island. A selection of local municipalities will also be present.
ServicesRepresentatives from local business will be providing useful information about the services they offer.
Activities and WellnessA number of organisations from The Hague region will be present to provide information on the areas of health, beauty and activities.
Careers and EducationVarious careers and educational facilitates will be present to advise and offer new work or study opportunities. International schools will also be present on this island.
The Guest CardThe Guest Card is a card designed exclusively for expats in The Hague.
African EnterpriseThe Afroeuro Foundation, ADFD, Meleya, and African Bulletin will be hosting the Africa-Europe Enterprise Island which aims at enhancing African-European Business Partnerships and fostering collaborative relationships through which the Diaspora can make use of the good will of the community. Embassies, Dutch and African enterpreneurs will be present to showcase their products, services and projects.
HousingInformation will be available about the most recent completed housing projects in The Hague region that are now available for renting and/or buying.
Sports & Social Clubs and GroupsMore than 50 sports and social clubs and groups will be present to inspire visitors on how best to fill their leisure time.
There will also be a
Cultural Wall which will showcase the upcoming cultural scene in and around The Hague. The wall will display information and visual inspiration. Visitors can wander past the wall to see what The Hague offers for the upcoming cultural season, suitable to the International community, in 2010/2011.
Workshops & presentations will be taking place throughout the day, as well as
performances on the mini podium near the entrance to the City Hall. There will also be a
Chinese cultural activity area.
Visitors will receive a free copy of the annual Feel at Home in The Hague magazine, which is filled with useful articles and information about International The Hague.
Tickets for Fair cost 5 Euro each. Children under 18 may enter free of charge when accompanied by and adult. The restaurant at the entrance of the city hall will be open for snacks and coffee during the Fair.
The Fair has in the past attracted between 2000 - 4000 visitors securing its position as one of the biggest International events of the year, and proving itself to be a truly useful source to new and existing internationals in the area.
Mark your agenda for the fifth annual
Feel at Home in The Hague - The International Community Fair 2010,
taking place in the Atrium of the City Hall on Sunday, 19 September
2010, and discover all there is to do in your free time in one location.
returning to it's original concept - to provide the International community in The Hague and it's surrounding areas with information and services aimed to enhance leisure time, assist visitors on developing existing hobbies or passions or simply inspire them to find new ones. At the same time, the event encourages visitors to make new contacts and connect with locals and other Expats in the area. Cultural organisations, sports and social clubs as well as service providers will be present to provide useful information regarding language-no-problem activities, services and events suitable for the International community in The Hague region.
