Let’s Make Amsterdam feel like home
Personal guidance for internationals who’ve relocated, but don’t feel at home yet.
1:1 · Small groups · Corporate onboarding
You’ve moved to Amsterdam. Your registration is done. Your job has started. Your calendar is full. Yet somehow, the city stays at a distance. You don’t dislike Amsterdam, it just doesn’t feel like yours yet. You’re living here, but not really landing or feeling connected. Sometimes, that even shows up as loneliness. And that feeling may linger longer than expected.
I’m Emma, your local city expert
I don’t believe cities alone make people feel at home. People do, when they know where and how to connect.
That’s why my work isn’t about overwhelming and unpersonal recommendations. It’s about alignment, helping you understand and discover Amsterdam in a way that fits who you are.
Having lived alone on 6 continents, I know how it feels to arrive, have everything in order, and still feel a step removed from belonging.
Born in Amstelveen and living in Amsterdam for 9 years, I combine my love for the city with a double Master of Science degree in engineering and professional experience advising global brands on employee & customer experience.
That means I bring a structured, practical approach, while staying fully tuned in to what makes life feel meaningful, fun and connected.
personal guidance in Amsterdam, not a city tour
I don’t just show you Amsterdam, this isn’t a tour, activity, or list of tips. It’s a one-off personal meeting at a convenient, inspiring location in Amsterdam where we focus on what matters to you and how you can feel at home in the city.
Together, we translate the city into something that fits you: your rhythm, your interests, your social style, and your current phase of life.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
How the city actually works and what locals are really like
Where you’re most likely to feel at ease, not the usual tourist spots
How to meet people in ways that feel natural, not forced
What to skip, because some experiences aren’t worth your time
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing better, so Amsterdam feels like yours, faster and more fully.
City guidance for individuals
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For individuals who want tailored support:
Individual Session - Personal Guidance
One-off fully personalized guidance to explore Amsterdam your way. Discover what fits your lifestyle and interests, with all session materials included. The quickest path to feeling at home.
What you get:
- Short introduction to get aligned
- Essential fixes: how the city works
- Interest-based guidance: what fits you
- Access to all curated info
- Space for questions
- A refreshment included90 minutes of personal guidance · €175
Bring your +1 · 105 minutes of paired guidance · €225
Not sure yet? Schedule a short introduction call· free
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For individuals who enjoy discovering together:
Small Group Session – Shared Guidance
Learn the essentials in a small group of like-minded newcomers. Get practical, personal guidance on how Amsterdam works and how locals experience it. You can join solo.
What you get:
- Short group introduction to get aligned
- Essential fixes: how the city works
- Interest-based guidance: what fits you
- Access to all curated info
- Space for questions
- A refreshment included120 minutes of group guidance · €80 p.p.
Not sure yet? Schedule a short introduction call· free
What people are saying
Trusted partners
For employers who care about integration, happiness, and retention:
Corporate onboarding
Be among the first organizations to actively support the social integration of your international talent from the start. Go beyond paperwork and help them feel at home in Amsterdam faster.
What’s included (options):
- Masterclass Essential fixes: how the city works
- Joined network drinks: informal networking
- Individual 1:1 sessions: tailored guidance for each talent
- Access to all curated info: everything your talent needs to navigate the city confidently
Price: on request
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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: I 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, I 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 me for gift options.
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Q: What if I’m not sure the 1:1 session is right for me?
A: I understand! You can book a free discovery 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 the secure online platform Stripe, which accepts all major payment methods. You’ll receive the details during the booking process in Cal.com.
Q: What is your rescheduling or cancellation policy?
A: I 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 I’ll confirm the final spot afterward, often a cozy coffee bar.
Q: Do you offer virtual sessions?
A: My 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 me 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: In a 1:1, your first drink is on me. Any additional drinks, including those in a 1:3 session, 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 I 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, I remain available for short ad hoc questions. If you have more in-depth topics to explore, we can schedule a follow-up session. A 1:1 session also includes access to all the information we discussed, from how the city works to places that match your interests.
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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, I 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.
Frequently asked questions
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