Volunteering

Volunteering In Rotterdam: A Rewarding Experience

Being a volunteer in Rotterdam is an excellent way to integrate into local life, improve your Dutch, and make a positive contribution to the community.

In addition to practicing the language with local people, volunteering opens doors to new experiences, friendships, and professional opportunities.

Volunteer work in the Netherlands is unpaid and not mandatory, but it is highly valued socially. Most Dutch people have volunteered at least once, and the city of Rotterdam offers hundreds of opportunities to get involved.

A good example was the Eurovision Festival held in Rotterdam, where all positions were filled by volunteers. This shows how important the collaborative spirit is in Dutch culture.

Besides improving your language skills, volunteering is also great for your resume. It shows that you’re motivated by more than money and that you value teamwork and contribution. It can also help you fill employment gaps that are often difficult to explain in job interviews.

Your new contacts from volunteering might even help you find accommodation, guide you in your job search, or inform you about available benefits.

Benefits of Volunteering in Rotterdam

Volunteering not only helps you practice the language but also enriches your CV.

It shows that you are an active, compassionate person with a willingness to learn beyond financial motivation.

It also helps you fill employment gaps and maintain a productive routine while looking for a job.

Some of the main benefits of volunteering in Rotterdam include:

Social contact: reduces loneliness and stress, especially if you are unemployed or new to the city.
New friendships and connections: meet local people who can help you find housing, work, or better integrate into the community.
Routine and motivation: working a few days a week helps you stay active and focused.
Future opportunities: many volunteers end up receiving paid offers or collaborations. If you are skilled in your hobby, someone may discover you and offer your services outside the organization.

Volunteer in Rotterdam. Assisting the elderly can be another option.

Making Money as a Volunteer: Special Cases

Although volunteering in Rotterdam is unpaid, in some cases you may receive a small compensation if you generate extra income for the organization.

For example:
If you collaborate in a sports club canteen, you could organize a Spanish-themed event, such as a paella night, and agree with the club to receive a small percentage of the profit. That way, everyone wins: you, the organization, and the attendees.

Volunteering can also open many doors. Those who stand out for their effort or talent often receive paid collaboration offers or job opportunities.

The author of this text, for example, worked for six years as a volunteer at a hockey club, taking photos for their website and magazines, and eventually started earning income as a photographer.

“It’s not all about money: I also received free food and drinks, event tickets, and discounts on sportswear.

”

The Rotterdam Zoo is always searching for volunteers

Important if You Receive Government Benefits

If you are receiving government benefits (such as unemployment), you cannot officially register as a volunteer, as you are expected to spend your time looking for a job.

However, if you started volunteering before becoming unemployed, you can usually continue without reporting it to the employment office.

There is an annual income limit (around €1,400) that can be earned from volunteer work without declaring it, although it’s best to verify the most recent figure.

Where to Volunteer in Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers countless opportunities to volunteer, from social organizations to international events.

Here’s a list of real options and websites where you can apply:

Zorgaam010. Help elderly or disabled neighbors with shopping, walks, gardening, computer use, etc.
Indeed.nl. Besides job offers, it has a volunteer section (vrijwilliger); type the word in the search box along with your city.
Ikwilvrijwilligerswerkdoen.nl. Platform with opportunities in social aid, nature conservation, or animal care.
La Pauluskerk. A church in central Rotterdam that supports homeless people or those with addictions; they always need volunteers.
Walking and Talking. Organizes walks for foreigners who want to practice Dutch; regularly accepts volunteers.
Blijdorp Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp). The Rotterdam Zoo frequently looks for help with gardening, cleaning, and visitor assistance. Visit their page at this link.
Local sports clubs. Football, hockey, basketball, and other youth sports clubs often welcome volunteers as coaches, assistants, or event helpers.
Playgrounds and neighborhood associations. Often need help with maintenance, cleaning, or organizing children’s activities.
Rotterdam Festivals. Major events such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), the ABN AMRO Tennis Tournament, Metropolis Festival, Summer Carnival, or the World Port Days always need volunteers.

Additionally, at the public library in Rotterdam, you’ll find brochures about community activities seeking volunteers: language classes, yoga, cultural workshops, and more.

There are hundreds of opportunities — just type Vrijwilliger Rotterdam in Google and you’ll discover many more options.

Things to Check When You Arrive in the Netherlands