Tetyana Benzeroual: Finding Belonging in a City by the Sea
A city that feels like home
For Tetyana Benzeroual, The Hague is more than just another chapter; it’s the first place in years that feels permanent. After moving between Ukraine, the United States, and Canada, she has finally found a city where she no longer feels “in transit.” As she puts it: “The Hague isn’t just home - it’s where my journey feels complete, and I can truly make a difference.” Now living near the beach, enjoying long walks by the sea, she has embraced a city that lets her breathe, belong, and build roots.
Embracing a new chapter
Tetyana’s move to the Netherlands was sparked by her husband’s new job at the European Patent Office. It meant stepping into the unknown, leaving behind a successful career, family and a wide network of friends she had built over the years. “It was a big step,” she says. “I decided to take a leap of faith, even if it meant starting over completely. It was challenging, but looking back, it was worth it.” Starting fresh gave her the chance to shape a new path, one that combines her international experiences with opportunities to advance her career and make a meaningful impact.
“Here, I can be myself. I do not have to fit into someone else’s idea of who I should be. I can grow, contribute, and truly make my mark.”
Being truly seen in The Hague
What surprised Tetyana most was how quickly she began to feel at home in The Hague. She explains that in some other countries, her openness and directness often stood out, but in The Hague, she feels more understood and accepted. “I have not changed,” she says. “But the people around me have. Here, my voice and presence are truly seen, and I feel more accepted for who I am.” The city’s rhythm, culture and natural beauty have deepened that sense of belonging. Living near the sea and enjoying the sunsets, she feels she has finally found a place where her life can feel balanced, connected, and meaningful.
Volunteering as a way to belonging
Tetyana now leads Volunteer The Hague platform, an initiative of the local non-profit PEP Den Haag funded by the municipality, designed to connect internationals with local non-profit organisations offering volunteer positions where the Dutch language proficiency is not required. For Tetyana, volunteering is more than giving back. It has been a way to feel at home in every country she has lived in: from the United States, Canada, and now the Netherlands. “It is one of the best ways to feel at home,” she explains. “Volunteering is not just about giving back. It’s about rediscovering who you are, what you care about, and rebuilding that connection in a new place.” The Volunteer The Hague platform offers internationals the chance to engage with Dutch society in meaningful, accessible ways, introducing them to the locals, work culture, and communities that help build roots. “It is not just about integration,” she explains. “It is about finding your place in a new country, reconnecting with what matters to you, and creating a sense of home.”
A platform that opens doors
Through a dynamic online platform and a series of in-person events like the popular Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fairs, Volunteer The Hague project has become a gateway for thousands of newcomers to connect, contribute, and belong. Tetyana’s leadership and dedication to the project have earned praise from both internationals and locals, including formal recognition from the mayor of The Hague. For Tetyana, her role goes far beyond managing a platform. She helps people reshape their stories in a new city, turning uncertainty into opportunity. She finds joy in every thank-you message, every volunteer story, and the ripple effect of meaningful connections. “Every time someone discovers a cause to contribute to, a skill to offer, or a community to be part of, it reminds me how powerful volunteering can be,” she says. “It is how you go from being new in a city to truly becoming part of it.”
“During my first week in The Hague, I went to the Feel at Home Fair. It was huge and full of people just like me. I remember thinking, ‘If this is how the city welcomes its internationals, then I am in the right place.‘”
A new rhythm for life and family
As a mother, Tetyana has come to deeply value the Dutch approach to family and work-life balance. “Here, if your child is sick, it is perfectly normal to stay home and work remotely if you can” she explains. She recalls one occasion when her daughter joined her for a meeting at the office. “My colleagues didn’t mind at all. In fact, it gave them the chance to see me not just as a coworker, but as a fellow parent.“ That mindset has given Tetyana the freedom to embrace both family and career without compromise. “In the Netherlands, family and work don’t compete; they coexist. That mindset has changed the way I live and work.” She has embraced King’s Day too and now it’s her favorite holiday in The Netherlands. “Seeing kids buy/sell things and celebrate with the entire city is incredible. Now I go shopping with my daughter every year and teach her how to negotiate. It feels like diving straight into the heart of Dutch life.”
Traditions, tastes, and hidden treasures
When it comes to food and local culture, Tetyana’s favorites reflect both her tastes and her openness to new traditions. She has loved haring since before she moved to the Netherlands and enjoys it the Dutch way - straight and simple, no bread, just the fish. She is also a fan of bitterballen, from traditional to the ones with creative fillings, and loves spending time hunting for treasures in secondhand shops in the city where she often finds something unique.
A warm welcome that made all the difference
Her first experience with The Hague International Centre came when she visited City Hall to get her BSN number. The interaction left a lasting impression. “I was greeted warmly, offered a drink, and asked what I needed help with. It felt so welcoming, like they were not just processing a form, but making sure I knew where to turn for anything I might need.” That impression deepened as Volunteer The Hague began collaborating with the Centre working together to ensure internationals feel at home in the city. “They provide the practical help people need, but also the sense of welcome and community that makes people want to stay.”
The first place that truly feels like home
For Tetyana, The Hague is more than a stop along the way. It is the first place in years where she has been able to plant roots, a city where the beach and the vibrant international community come together to create something rare. “It is a place where you can find your balance, your people, and your home,” she says.
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.
