Acting Consul General John Wilcock met with students, community leaders, and international (business) community in Groningen, the Netherlands.  During his visit, he spoke with students of the American and Middle Eastern Student Association E Pluribus Unum on the occasion of their East meets West Conference providing insight into his life as a U.S. diplomat in the Middle East as he served in Iraq in 2011.

He also paid a visit to LGBT activist and filmmaker, Kris van der Veen, who will participate in the Department of State’s flagship program – International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) later this year.  Mr. van der Veen gave him a tour of the women’s shelter “Kopland” where he has worked for several years.  He highlighted the vital care victims of violence receive while they recuperate there.

Finally, he was welcomed at International Welcome Center North a one-stop shop for administrative procedures for expats arriving in the Northern provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.  Subsequently, Director Karen Prowse invited several members of the American community to meet with Acting Consul General Wilcock so he could elaborate on the services the Consulate General offers to U.S. citizens.