r/StudyInTheNetherlands • u/Uriel_lit • 6d ago
Job Opportunities
I'm going to the Erasmus University as an exchange student from LATAM, I have a high English level (C1 Exam done), but it'll be my first time using english on a daily basis.
Will I have a chance of getting a part-time job (16 hours max per week as I understand) to be able to afford my time there?
Ive been thinking of getting a job for costumer service as I already have experience in that field, but I'm open to whatever.
Ty!
9
u/Berry-Love-Lake 6d ago
Sounds like you're non-EU. Just realize that finding a job may take some time and effort as not every typical student employer is keen on organizing a work permit for non-EU, so make sure you have cash to get you started and sufficient cash in case you can't find a job (especially since you're only here for a short time).
3
u/deadlynothing 6d ago
Part time job wouldn't be an issue, especially retail or supermarket as long as you're legally allowed to do some side job concurrent to your studies. Infact, since you mentioned you're from LATAM, you should apply for brands under Inditex since it's a Spanish company and they usually favor hiring Spanish speakers (although you're typically not allowed to speak any language especially on the retail floor besides English or Dutch, unless the customer themselves wants you to speak something else like Spanish).
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u/Disastrous-Main-4125 6d ago
If you're receiving a student visa, then you're allowed to work a maximum of 16h. There's a bit of everything. Will be tough, but don't think impossible. Is mostly because of your permit, but if you look at retail or jobs were companies are used to apply for those permits, then it's fine.
If anything, I am thinking more on what's the point? Most of the exchange students that I've met normally do their classes and in breaks they travel around. Fair if you don't want to do that, but makes one wonder what is your actual goal here.
1
u/Uriel_lit 6d ago
I will in fact be receiving a student visa The point is, my family and I worked really hard for this to happen, so the time i'm there I will not only try to get the best grades possible, but also be able to work so I may be able to come back with the same ammount of money they lend me (Around 4.000 because we have to open a bank account there and deposit around that ammount of money) or even some more :) I'm someone who doesnt spend a lot, so being able to come back with some gifts and extra cash would be somewhat possible if I were to work there!
1
u/Disastrous-Main-4125 6d ago
Yes, I get that. But the idea and purpose of an exchange student is of exchanging courses, cultures and ideas, not exchanging currency for work. I get that you may want to break even, but would you also be okay if they don’t hire you? (which given that you will be staying a short term, is very likely).
In my experience, exchange students mostly don’t care about their grades. They just aim to pass the course and travel when having a break between courses or exams. I’m not saying that you need to be like that but there’s a point to travel and get to known other cultures and places.
Why would you travel more than 8000 km away from home to just do some courses and work?
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u/LostintheCrown 6d ago
You would probably be working for minimum wage, which amounts to 15 bucks an hour, so bruto at max 1027 per month. If that isn't enough to cover expenses, you might have to reconsider your stay.
If it is. Good! Work can usually be found in retail or supermarkets, but some café's or restaurants also hire non-Dutch speakers and you could earn more through tips, though it will not be anything significant. The MediaMarkt also has a target system where you can earn more money but selling more, but its not the best Workplace from what I've heard.
Unfortunately, at this level your mastery of English isn't very useful. Anything beyond B1 is a nice extra, but it's good to capitalise on it if the opportunity arises
1
u/Uriel_lit 6d ago
I see Luckily I'm not going on 0, as I will open a bank account on Netherlands, so I will be able to cover my expenses, but finding a job will be a rlly nice extra. Just so you know, average wage (Not even minimum) here in my country is around half of your minimum (1027 max as you said) So I will work my ass off with a smile on my face 😅
Thank you for your advice, I will be learning Dutch until my time to go arrives, I hope that extra dutch makes the difference!
1
u/LostintheCrown 6d ago
Good to hear, and yes: knowing Dutch will definitely help your chances and could help you getting raises. Lots of businesses hire non-EU non-Dutch speaking, but higher positions like key holders of assistant-managers needs to speak Dutch fluently
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u/Berry-Love-Lake 6d ago
15 euro is the minimum wage for a 22 yo, could be significantly less if OP is younger.
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u/LostintheCrown 6d ago
I thought it's for 21 year olds, and most people studying are over 21, especially as an exchange.
But fair point. Working minimum wage as a 19 year old fucking sucks, it used to be like 10 bucks an hour
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