Emmanuele van Houdenhoven-Collard: The Hague Works Because the World Is Welcome Here
A welcome that makes the difference
For Emmanuele van Houdenhoven-Collard, The Hague thrives because of its openness. “The Hague works because the world is welcome here,” she says. A French native who has lived across Europe and the United States, Emmanuele understands just how important that welcome can be. Now working with Undutchables, a recruitment agency focused on international and multilingual talent, she spends her days helping others settle and succeed in the city she now calls home.
A journey through continents and careers
Emmanuele’s journey to The Hague began long before she put down roots here. She grew up in the southwest of France near Bordeaux, studied political science and law, and began her career in Paris and London. A traineeship with a record company first brought her to the Netherlands, where she worked at a major CD manufacturing site in Brabant. Life took her further afield, including nearly fifteen years in the United States, before she and her family returned to the Netherlands. “After so many years of moving, The Hague felt like the right balance,” she says. “It is international, connected, and still a city where you can live a good life close to the sea.”, she says it with a smile, like it’s her go-to sales pitch.
“When people feel supported, they stay. And when they stay, they make the city stronger.”
Living and working with balance
For Emmanuele, The Hague’s human scale is one of its greatest assets. The city allows her to work with companies and professionals from around the world while still enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like cycling to the beach or walking through a neighbourhood lined with cafés and boutiques. “It is a city where you can work globally but live comfortably,” she says. “That balance is what has kept us here as a family.”
Supporting relocation beyond recruitment
At Undutchables, Emmanuele and her colleagues specialise in connecting companies with multilingual talent from around the world. Their work extends beyond matching CVs to job descriptions. They also help businesses and candidates navigate the practical hurdles that come with relocation, from housing and banking to understanding Dutch workplace culture. “We do more than just fill jobs,” she explains. “We make sure the transition is smooth so that people can truly settle here. Those little details, like finding a home or learning how Dutch companies operate, can make the difference between someone staying for six months or for years.”
“Every candidate we help is not just filling a role. They are adding to the city’s fabric and helping it grow.”
A competitive edge through community
This approach has become even more crucial as the competition for talent intensifies across Europe. While the Netherlands has long been an attractive destination for international professionals, Emmanuele notes that other countries are becoming more proactive in drawing skilled workers. “We need to make sure that companies and candidates know the Netherlands remains open to the world,” she says. “People need to be able to set up their lives quickly, from finding a house to meeting others in the community. If we make it easy, they will stay and contribute.”
Why support networks matter
Her own experience has shaped how she views this process. When she returned from the United States, her fluency in the language made the transition manageable. But she knows that for many new arrivals, especially those without local ties, the move can feel overwhelming. That is why she sees The Hague International Centre as a vital part of the city’s ecosystem. “They provide the guidance and connections people need so they do not feel lost,” she says. “They help with everything from registrations to advice on schools, housing, and networking. That support is essential for helping people feel like they belong.”
Rhythms, rituals, and local favourites
Outside of her work, Emmanuele enjoys the rhythm of life in The Hague. She appreciates how easily she can bike between work, home, and the sea, and she smiles when she admits to adopting some local habits. Fridays, she says, have become synonymous with thoughts of the beach, even if she does not make it there every weekend. And while she is more likely to choose a good aged Gouda over a plate of bitterballen, she has grown fond of the cultural quirks that make the city feel familiar.
A shared mission with The Hague International Centre
Undutchables frequently collaborates with The Hague International Centre, partnering on workshops, networking events, and programmes that help companies and new arrivals succeed. “It is not just about recruitment,” Emmanuele says. “It is about making sure talent thrives here so they become part of the community. That is what keeps the city dynamic and competitive.”
A city that grows with its people
For Emmanuele, The Hague is proof that a city can be both international and deeply liveable. It is a place where families can flourish, companies can grow, and people from every corner of the globe can find a home. “When people feel welcome, they build lives here,” she says. “And when they build lives here, the whole city benefits.”
The Hague International Centre 15 Year Anniversary
If you are new to The Hague, supporting newcomers, or simply curious about what makes this city so international, visit the The Hague International Centre. Whether you are looking for information, inspiration, or collaboration, it is the place to start. Over the past 15 years, the International Centre has welcomed 60.000 internationals from all walks of life, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences.
