“If you want more volunteering opportunities, try to learn Dutch”

When John Ganzi moved to Amsterdam in March 2020, he arrived on the very day the Prime Minister announced a nationwide lockdown. It was an unusual start to life in a new country, but it did not stop him from seeking ways to connect with his new surroundings. Volunteering quickly became a path to contribute to his community while learning more about Amsterdam—and about himself.  “I have extensive experience of being on NGO boards and advisory committees mostly in the USA in a range of fields from medical and education to nature and climate change,” says John. “I am semi-retired and want to be able to help others by sharing my knowledge and expertise.” He hopes to use his professional experiences to continue his journey, which will hopefully also inspire other expats to explore volunteering as a way to build meaningful connections, meet like-minded people, and make a positive impact in their adopted city.

Exploring Opportunities

John’s volunteering journey has been both rewarding and challenging. He has contributed to organizations such as Philomela, XRNL, Maitreya Instituut, and Rypple. His roles have ranged from hands-on activities—helping at food banks, tending community gardens, and joining park clean-ups—to more strategic advisory work, where he applies his skills to guide organizational decisions, develop programs, and support long-term planning. One of the biggest challenges he has faced is the Dutch language barrier. When referring to access to opportunities, John says, “It’s been limited given my Dutch language skills.” He goes on to say, “The government requires that Stichting hold board meetings in Dutch, and all of the minutes are only in Dutch.” This requirement has shaped the types of opportunities he has been able to pursue and is an important consideration for other expats looking to volunteer at an organizational level. “I am frustrated, but have still found some opportunities to use my brain,” admits John. These experiences have allowed him to use both his expertise and his energy to help organizations grow and improve. Despite these challenges, John has found ways to contribute meaningfully while continuing to learn and adapt. Looking ahead, John hopes to find more board and advisory-level opportunities, particularly in areas he cares most about—nature conservation, environmental protection, and climate change. These causes have been a consistent thread throughout his career, and he sees potential to continue contributing his expertise in these fields while supporting organizations that share his values and mission.

Advice for New Volunteers

John’s top advice for fellow expats is simple: “Learn Dutch”—ideally to a B2 level—if you want to access a broader range of opportunities, especially those at a leadership level. Amsterdam offers many creative ways to combine volunteering with learning Dutch. Programs like taalcoaching pair volunteers with Dutch speakers for informal, conversational practice during visits to local markets, cafes, or museums. Organizations such as OBA and Dynamo run initiatives where volunteers guide small groups through language games, thematic discussions, and structured sessions. These programs allow volunteers to help others while improving their own Dutch skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. These experiences do more than build language ability—they foster connections, encourage cultural exchange, and open doors to more meaningful volunteer roles in the city. By combining learning with giving back, expats can create a richer experience in Amsterdam while contributing to the community in tangible ways.

Want to start volunteering?

For all English opportunities to contribute—and grow—visit VCA.nu. The’re a lot of other possibilities in Amsterdam.
Or contact us if you have any questions or need help! m.bacic@vca.nu / 06-37199450

Text: Cheryl McCain
Photo’s: Peter Lange