A Guide To Working As An International Student in The Netherlands

Volunteering is unpaid work that you do for an organisation or company. You may want to volunteer for several reasons, such as to gain work experience, learn new skills, give back to the community, or have a credible addition to your resume.

Non-EU students do not need a work permit to volunteer in the Netherlands. However, students must have a Volunteer Declaration (Vrijwilligersverklaring) from the UWV in order to volunteer.

If you’re a non-EU student studying in a Dutch educational institution, you can do an internship in the Netherlands without a work permit. The internship must be part of your educational programme, and your internship provider may be required to present an internship agreement.

Note that if your internship is paid, your social security status and tax obligations will be different from those of an unpaid intern.

There are a few ways to work more than the allowed 16 hours per week if you are a non-EU citizen with a residence permit.

The first way is to register as a self-employed person. This allows you to work as much as you want, but you need to meet your academic obligations in order to keep your visa. If you fail to do so, you could lose your visa and be deported from the Netherlands.

Another way to work more than 16 hours per week is to get a work permit. This can be done by applying for a highly skilled migrant visa or a scientific researcher visa.

There are many reasons why you should work in the Netherlands as an international student. Here are a few:

1. Extra Pocket Money

One of the main reasons to work in the Netherlands as an international student is to earn extra money. The cost of living in the Netherlands is high, so working can help you cover your expenses.

The best thing about working in the Netherlands is that the jobs generally pay well. For example, teaching or research assistants can earn up to €2,700 per month, and au pairs can make up to €450 per week.

2. Gain Experience

Experience is the first thing employers look for when they are hiring. So, working in the Netherlands can help you gain the experience you need to get a job after graduation.

In addition, many jobs in the Netherlands will give you transferable skills that can be used in any country. For example, if you work as a customer service representative, you will learn how to deal with demanding customers, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to upsell products.

3. Meet New People

Working in the Netherlands is a great way to meet new people and make friends. You will meet people from all over the world, which can be beneficial if you are planning to travel or work internationally in the future.

Meeting new people can also help you adjust to life in the Netherlands. If you are feeling homesick, your co-workers can provide support and advice.

4. Learn Dutch

If you want to learn Dutch, working is a great way to do it. You will be exposed to the language on a daily basis, which will help you learn it quickly.

In addition, many employers in the Netherlands are willing to help their employees learn Dutch. For example, they may offer free Dutch classes or reimburse you for taking a language course.

5. Enhance Your Career Prospects

Employers often give preference to applicants who have international experience. So, working in the Netherlands can make you more attractive to potential employers.

In addition, working in the Netherlands can help you build a network of contacts that can be beneficial to your career in the future.

There are many great cities for international students to work in the Netherlands.

Here are a few of the best:

● Amsterdam: As one of the most international-friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam is a great place for international students to work. There are many job opportunities available, and the cost of living is relatively low.

● Rotterdam: Rotterdam is another great city for international students to work in. The city has a large port, so there are many job opportunities available in the maritime industry. In addition, the cost of living is relatively low.

● Utrecht: Utrecht is a university city, so there are many job opportunities available for students. The city is also home to a large number of international companies, so it is a great place to build your network.

● Eindhoven: Eindhoven is a city with a strong technology sector. So, if you are looking for a job in the tech industry, this is a great place to start your search. In addition, the cost of living is relatively low.

While non-EU students may be limited to 20 hours of work per week, there are many great reasons to work in the Netherlands as an international student. In addition, there are several ways to overcome the hour restrictions, such as by registering as a self- employed person.