Orange Expats provides career coaching, outplacement support, personal development support, mental well-being coaching, and burnout support. These services are specifically designed to help internationals facing professional and personal challenges in the Netherlands.
Feeling stuck in your career in the Netherlands?
Are you an expat or international professional navigating challenges in the Dutch workplace, or dealing with a job loss, VSO (settlement agreement) or career transition?
At Orange Expats, I offer tailored coaching and counselling to help you regain clarity, rebuild confidence and move forward in your career and life in the Netherlands.
Since 2005 | Member of NOLOC | Dutch insider’s perspective | English or Dutch | hundreds of internationals | 80+ countries
“I’ve lost my job, or I’ve been handed a VSO.”
If you recently received lost your job in the Netherlands, you may be facing difficult questions about your next step.
At Orange Expats, I support internationals navigating career transitions, from redundancy or severance to broader questions about direction, confidence and working in the Dutch job market.
In many cases, coaching can be covered through an outplacement or career transition budget provided by your employer.
Not sure what to ask for? See what a realistic outplacement budget looks like.
“I’m still employed but I’m stuck.”
You might feel stuck in your current role, can’t quite see your next step, or find the Dutch workplace harder to read than you expected.
At Orange Expats, I support internationals building a career here, from (re)finding direction and rebuilding confidence to CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and the unwritten rules of Dutch working culture.
Orange Expats
Since 2005 Orange Expats has successfully helped highly skilled (inter)national professionals in the Netherlands to obtain or regain control, balance, success and happiness in both their international career and personal lives.
As an experienced career coach and counselor, I offer expats a unique, integrated approach that goes beyond traditional career coaching or counseling. My method blends the best of both worlds, helping you reach your professional goals while restoring inner balance and wellbeing in the process. I understand the unique challenges that come with working and living in a new culture. whether you’re struggling with stress, uncertainty, or feeling stuck in your career, I am here to help you make deep, lasting changes that empower you both personally and professionally. My name is Stella Pennekamp and I’m your coach at Orange Expats.
Testimonial
Automation Specialist
Filipa | Portugal
Filipa | Portugal
” I met Stella in the decisive moment that I wanted to switch my international professional career to a different industry. She expertly guided me through the process of making me a stronger candidate within a recruitment process with actionable assignments that I could implement.
Our sessions were driven by her full-passion of helping others to flourish, finding their confident and worthy. Stella is a great listener and genuinely cares, which make her unique in what she does.
‘Dankjewel, Stella!’ “
Our sessions were driven by her full-passion of helping others to flourish, finding their confident and worthy. Stella is a great listener and genuinely cares, which make her unique in what she does.
‘Dankjewel, Stella!’ “
Maintain your health, wellbeing, and productivity while working and living in The Netherlands.
Testimonial
Academic
Sol | Ecuador
Sol | Ecuador
” I contacted Stella looking for help to adapt in the Netherlands, and throughout this process, I have gained a significant boost in my confidence. One of the areas where I have seen remarkable improvement is in my ability to ask for and receive feedback, something I previously found very difficult. Learning about the differences in communication styles and cultural expectations has helped me integrate better at work, allowing me to take things less personally and use feedback as a tool for growth.
She made my transition to living and working in a new country much easier by offering insights that match my personality and situation. Her empathetic and empowering approach has worked incredibly well for me.“
Why clients choose
Living and working as an expat can be both exciting and challenging. Adjusting to a new culture, navigating a different job market, and managing the pressures of daily life can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. With 20+ years of experience supporting expats from over 80 countries, I offer a unique, integrated approach to help you overcome these challenges and thrive in your new environment.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, find mental balance, or create long-term solutions for personal and professional growth, I combine coaching, counseling, and real-world expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, find mental balance, or create long-term solutions for personal and professional growth, I combine coaching, counseling, and real-world expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Extensive Experience
As a native Dutch professional, I have a deep understanding of the local culture, job market, and the unique challenges expats face. With a well-established network and insights into opportunities, I’ve spent the past 20+ years helping hundreds of expats from over 80 countries feel at home in the Netherlands—achieving both mental well-being and professional success.
Combining Coaching & Counselling
My approach combines counseling and career coaching to address both personal and professional challenges. As an expat, adjusting to a new culture and job market can be overwhelming, but with this integrated method, we work together to clear mental barriers and gain clarity on your career path. By addressing the core of your challenges, we create lasting solutions that allow you to move forward with confidence and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Integrating Expertise, Practical Support & Social Impact
As an academically trained coach, I take a hands-on, down-to-earth approach to coaching. I combine my private practice with in-company wellbeing coaching, allowing me to see firsthand the impact of my interventions and ensure that my methods remain practical and relevant to your everyday challenges. Beyond my coaching practice, I also contribute to society through my social impact programme, where I support motivated young adults (18-35) with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as they reintegrate into the workforce.
Orange Expats empowers your organisation with tailored In-company wellbeing coaching solutions. Prioritise employee wellbeing and build a thriving workplace culture where your team excels. Boost resilience, reduce stress, and support career development to enhance growth and productivity. With several years of successful experience as an in-company wellbeing coach, I’m ready to help your team excel too.
UWV “Werkfit maken” (Work Fit) coaching for internationals in the Netherlands
Are you receiving a UWV benefit and have you been offered “Werkfit maken” (Work Fit)? Orange Expats supports internationals with culturally aware English coaching to help you take realistic steps towards work or training, at your pace. Werkfit is commonly linked to benefits such as Ziektewet (ZW), WIA/WGA, or Wajong (UWV decides what fits your case). Ask your UWV contact person and contact me for an intro call.
Your growth, their future
Social Impact
By choosing coaching at Orange Expats, you not only advance your own journey but also contribute to the development of young people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), who have lost their former future. At the Erik Scherder Huis, I personally assist in their personal and professional growth, helping them discover, develop, and realise a new future.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
My coaching is specifically created for expats who live and work in the Netherlands, as well as those in NL with employer-funded coaching budgets.
Job search support, including LinkedIn optimisation, CV advice, and networking strategies, is available but offered as part of a broader coaching programme rather than a standalone service.
Yes, coaching costs can often be covered through professional development budgets. Orange Expats can assist with drafting a proposal for your employer or HR team to consider.
Orange Expats stands out by combining career coaching, counseling, and deep expertise in the unique challenges expats face. With 20+ years of experience, Stella Pennekamp offers an integrated approach that addresses both professional and personal aspects of your life.
Orange Expats offers both in-person sessions in Amsterdam and virtual sessions, providing flexibility to suit your preferences.
Yes, Orange Expats provides in-company coaching tailored to the needs of organisations and their international employees. This can include career development, work-life balance, cultural adaptation, and stress management. Sessions can be arranged on-site or online, depending on the organisation’s preferences.
No, there is no waiting list at Orange Expats. Once you’ve scheduled your free introductory call, you can begin your coaching sessions almost immediately. This ensures you get the support you need without unnecessary delays.