The Expat Spouses Initiative is a social enterprise that supports international talents to professional integrate into the Dutch labour market.

We envision a world where every international talent has equal access to local employment opportunities that match their skills and professional ambitions.

Expat Spouses Initiative was founded in 2014 when two women with a vision decided to address the disconnect between the expat partner population in Eindhoven and the local Dutch community.

Over the years, we have evolved to become a bottom-up, community-driven movement that connects internationals, especially the spouses and partners of knowledge migrants, to local professional opportunities and accelerate them toward the Dutch labour market through a variety of programs like Talent100 and Women for Women, events, and advocacy activities.

For the local business community, ESI bridges the gap between commercial organizations that need skilled employees and an unseen pool of international talent who are highly educated, passionate, and ready to contribute to Dutch society.

We have a nationwide talent pool of more than 3.500 professionals in high-demand sectors like IT and engineering who are highly educated with years of experience.

Today the Brainport region is responsible for more than 40% of the Netherlands’ R&D and is on a mission to double the number of its bright international minds in the coming years.

Nearly 50% of these knowledge migrants will be accompanied by a highly skilled spouse or partner who wants to enter the Dutch workforce. They are an invaluable source of talent since they possess robust skillsets, a proven work record, life experience, and confidence. So why is it a challenge for them to get professionally integrated?

WE IMAGINE A NEW LOCAL

WE BELIEVE IN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

WE WORK TO EXCEL

PEOPLE COME FIRST

WE GIVE (BEFORE WE ASK)

We Support the UN Sustainable Development Goals

As a social enterprise, the Expat Spouses Initiative is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable opportunities for everyone to enter the Dutch labour market. We do so through a variety of programs and initiatives that are driven to create measurable impact towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

#5 – Gender Equality

Our career programs like Women for Women empower women to re-enter the work force or pivot into new careers through workshops, mentorships, interventions, and events, that all harness the power of the collective cooperation.

Our program participants have a success rate of 80% of landing a job within six months after the program’s end.

# 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

We promote sustainable economic growth for the Brainport region by championing an underserved and unseen pool of available local talent. We help them find meaningful employment that makes use of their education, skills, and aligns with their professional goals.

#10 – Reduced Inequalities

We reduce inequalities by ensuring accompanying spouses and partners who are highly educated and experienced do not languish unemployed on the side lines. We advocate for the economic inclusion of everyone regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or other statuses.

#11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

We strive to support the sustainability and economic prosperity of the Brainport region through inclusivity and creating equal opportunities for everyone.

#17 – Partnerships for the Goals

To amplify our message of inclusive economic opportunities, we partner with organisations using the triple helix model (government, businesses, and academia).
Contact us

Kavitha Varathan

Founder & CEO

Saumya Paliwal

Marketing & Communications

Roopashree Narayan

Head of Impact Partnerships

Ariel E. Slaughter

Content Writer

Anna Khorkova

Visual Designer

CARO VELANDIA

Community Engagement

María José Quirós Castillo

HR Coordinator and Recruiter

Are you an international talent restarting your career?

Are you interested in HR, DEI, or looking for international talent?