Doing volunteer work (in Dutch: vrijwilligerswerk) and work for free for your community is deeply rooted in the Dutch culture. Almost half of the Dutch population volunteer at a regular basis or at least once a year at school, sport clubs, in the community centre or helping the elderly.
Volunteering as an international is a great way to spend your time when you are (temporary) unemployed, help your community, meet new people and learn the language. It is highly appreciated on resumes when you are applying for a job.
For finding voluntary work you can visit the following websites (mainly in Dutch):
In general: www.vrijwilligerswerk.nl
Hengelo: www.servicepuntvrijwilligerswerkhengelo.nl
Enschede: www.m-pact.nl
Almelo: www.avedan.nl
Zwolle: www.zwolledoet.nl
Deventer: www.deventerdoet.nl