About IWC Amsterdam
A community of women with international lives, based in Amsterdam since 1973.
Our Mission
Today, IWC Amsterdam is a vibrant international community representing 38 countries. We're professionals and creatives. Mothers and entrepreneurs. Travelers, volunteers, newcomers and longtime Amsterdam residents. We come from different countries, cultures, careers, and stages of life.
What connects us is curiosity, friendship, and the belief that life in Amsterdam is simply more fun when you have great people to share it with. There's a place for you here.
Our Story
A Simple Idea and a Growing Need
It all started with a simple idea: Amsterdam is better when you have friends to share it with. In the early 1970s, Amsterdam was becoming increasingly international. Women were arriving from all over the world — some for work, some with partners and families, some ready for an entirely new adventure.
The Founder’s Vision
Olga Samkalden, wife of Amsterdam's mayor, noticed there was an extraordinary community of international women living in and around Amsterdam, but few opportunities for them to meet one another, connect with Dutch women, and build friendships. So Olga had an idea: why not bring everyone together?
Birth of IWC Amsterdam
In May 1973, Olga and her co-founders organized the first gathering — at an early preview of the brand-new Van Gogh Museum. Women came from more than 15 countries and every continent, brought together through friendship and Dutch hospitality. International Women's Contact Amsterdam was born.
The earliest gatherings were wonderfully personal — members met in Olga's living room at the Mayor's residence on Amsterdam's Herengracht. When large numbers of Japanese families moved to the Amstelveen area, IWC welcomed them, helping navigate everyday Dutch life and turn an unfamiliar city into home.
The city has changed. The women have changed. But the pleasure of having friends to share the adventure with? That never goes out of style.
Olga Samkalden (1910-2003) – Founder of IWC Amsterdam
Giving Back
Community at IWC isn't only about what we find — it's also about what we give back. Charity has become an important part of club life, giving members the opportunity to combine their ideas, talents, and energy to support causes here in the Netherlands.
And our members decide where that energy goes: every two years, members nominate and vote for a local charity to support, then get to work — organizing events, raising funds, volunteering, and finding creative ways to make a difference together.
Our Charity Partner: CliniClowns | 2025–2027
For the 2025–2027 cycle, IWC members chose to support CliniClowns — an organization that brings play, laughter, and moments of welcome distraction to children facing illness or crisis, and to people living with dementia. Through IWC events and fundraising activities, we're proud to help support their work.
Want to Join In?
Have a brilliant fundraising idea? Want to help with an event? Have a little time or a lot of enthusiasm? We'd love to have you involved. Contact our charity team at charity@iwcamsterdam.nl, and learn more about CliniClowns' work at cliniclowns.nl.
Local Impact Initiative
Working with local organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable communities right here in Amsterdam.
Charitable Giving
Partnering with local and international organizations to support their mission and incredible work.
Charity Fundraising
Proudly raising funds for our chosen charity through monthly events filled with entertainment and laughter.
That's a surprisingly difficult question to answer since I've enjoyed so many IWC experiences! Right now, my favorites are the smaller group activities like yoga, book club, and art lectures. In these environments, I've been able to connect with members I might not have met otherwise. Finding a shared interest with people who are very different from me creates an instant connection, which has been incredibly special and rewarding.
Laurel Skillman
Chair
I can't possibly choose just one favorite IWC activity! I love POKENO, Canasta, all of the Amsterdam outings, DIVA trips, and museum visits. Now that I'm retired, I hope to join in on even more adventures.
Andrée Schouten
Secretary
Whether I'm walking and talking my way through Amsterdam's green spaces and neighborhoods with the Walking Talking group or discovering the cities, culture and exhibitions of the Netherlands on a DIVA Trip, both groups combine my love of exploring and learning while sharing the experiences with wonderful friends.
Amanda Harkins
Activities Co-Officer
Having lived abroad for 25 years, I found it challenging to reconnect with Dutch friends and family after moving back to the Netherlands. I really missed the international vibe that had been such a big part of my life, so finding IWC Amsterdam has been wonderful! It's a great way to connect with women from all over the world and enjoy fun activities together.
As a social person who loves a good chat over food and drinks, I especially enjoy Coffee in the City, Tuesday Dinner, VRIJMIBO and Thirsty Thursday, as well as IWC Yoga (in the Park) and ParkRun. Please come and check these last 2 out - it's so much fun!
Esther Versprille
Program Officer
My absolute favourite activities with the IWC ladies are our museum visits with our own guide, and the cultural/historical tours. Also love chatting with the ladies during our relaxed Thirsty Thursday drinks.
Prue Nairn
Public Relations Officer
We asked our board members which IWC activity they enjoy most. Here is what they said.
Meet the Board
I am an avid reader, and I cherish my time with our IWC Amsterdam book club group. Fabulous ladies, intriguing discussions and amazing food - it's wonderful!
I also enjoy the variety of sports opportunities that we have started to participate in this year - ParkRun, pickleball and yoga. There's heaps of opportunities to stay active!
Shauna McHenry
Vice-Chair
As I work full-time, I don't always manage to take part in as many IWC activities as I'd like to, but I really enjoy getting involved whenever I can. Pop-Up Pokeno and the Craft Group are two of my regular favourites — they're such a lovely way to switch off from work, have some fun and catch up with other members. I also love joining the DIVA outings whenever my schedule allows. I really value these opportunities to connect, laugh, try something different and enjoy the wonderful friendships that make the IWC so special.
Kim Colman
Treasurer
Amanda and I are the co-activities leaders on the board of IWC Amsterdam. We organize a special activity each month.
I am also a member of the Charity Team, so I participate in organizing monthly events to raise money for the IWC chosen charity.
The other IWC activities I regularly attend are Mahjong, American Mahjong, Canasta, Walking Talking Group & the Pop Up Tasting group.
New activities I am planning to attend soon are VRIJMIBO, ParkRun & Pickleball.
Wendy Cutter
Activities Co-Officer
One of my favorite activities with the IWC ladies is our weekly Walking Talking group - taking walks in pockets of beautiful Amsterdam, with endless things to chat about. It's a productive way to get my steps in, while spending time with my IWC friends! I also love our monthly Museum Group - deepening my understanding of the visual arts with expert guides.
Miyuki Futonaka
Membership Officer
Nothing beats ending the workday with a glass of wine and lively conversation at our Amsterdam Dinner Group and Thirsty Thursdays, where new faces quickly become friends.
Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
Member at Large
Ready to Make IWC Part of Your Amsterdam Story?
You don't need to have just arrived in Amsterdam to join us. Whether you're new to the Netherlands or have called it home for years, if you're looking for friendship, new experiences, and a genuinely international community, we'd love to meet you.
Come to an event. Meet a few members. Try an interest group. See where it takes you.
Amsterdam is a wonderful city. It's even better with friends.
Learn more about our community