Ah, the Netherlands—a land of windmills, tulips, and a seemingly endless array of bicycles. But if you’re an international student here, you probably know it’s also a place where you can work part-time to fuel your addiction to stroopwafels and fund those spontaneous weekend trips to Amsterdam (because why not, right?).
But what’s it really like to work in the Netherlands as a student? Is it all just canal-side strolls and perfectly brewed coffee, or is there more to the story? Well, buckle up because our recent survey at Brave Ones is about to spill the tea—er, the coffee.
Financial Independence and Cultural Integration
Let’s face it, moving to a new country comes with its challenges—like trying to pronounce “Groningen” without sounding like you’re gargling marbles. But guess what? 96% of you found that working part-time not only padded your wallets but also helped you blend in like a pro. We’re talking about more than just affording the occasional bitterballen; we mean full-on financial independence.
37% of you mentioned that part-time jobs significantly improved your financial stability, giving you the freedom to explore everything from Dutch cheese markets to those mysterious snack walls (which, by the way, are an experience everyone should have at least once).
But the real kicker? 51% of you said that working part-time increased your intention to stay in the Netherlands long-term. Why? Because it turns out that getting a firsthand look at Dutch work culture is like discovering the secret level in a video game. It’s not just about clocking in and out; it’s about understanding how the Dutch manage to keep their lives so balanced.
As one of you eloquently put it:
“The more I integrate into the culture and people, the more I want to stay here permanently.” Translation: “The Dutch work-life balance is the real MVP.”
Professional Growth and Networking
Now, let’s talk about the professional perks of working in the Netherlands. Sure, you might start out thinking that part-time work is just a means to an end (i.e., funding your ever-growing collection of cat dolls, or is that just me). But oh, it’s so much more than that. 78% of you rated your onboarding experience as excellent—props to our team for that! And 77% of you said that your part-time gigs seriously expanded your professional networks.
That’s right, those awkward small talks in the break room? They’re actually laying the groundwork for future job opportunities.
You see, in the Netherlands, networking isn’t just about schmoozing at fancy events with endless trays of cheese. It’s about genuine connections—whether that’s with your Dutch colleagues who have a sixth sense for when to offer you a coffee or with your fellow internationals who are just as clueless about Dutch tax laws as you are. And let’s not forget the guidance you received from ISW after landing your job. We know navigating a new work environment can feel like trying to ride a bike through a field of tulips (beautiful but potentially disastrous), so we’re here to help you avoid face-planting into any metaphorical flower beds.
