Netherlands : Work experience

Work placements and internships

Work experience is highly regarded in the Netherlands. Well-developed structures are in place, particularly in the areas of IT, business and engineering. To find a placement, speculative applications are normal, but it is necessary to have a working knowledge of Dutch.

Exchange programmes

Formal exchange organisations are useful ways of getting work experience.

IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) organises course-related placements for engineering, science and technology students.

The student-run organisation AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) offers placements for business and economic students.

Your institution may also be involved in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme , through which vocational training exchanges and work placements are arranged with partner organisations in other countries. Contact your institution’s international office or your careers service for more information.

Teaching schemes

If you want to teach in a Dutch school, you are required to speak Dutch, but the government offers courses. Learn Dutch also provides distance learning courses at various levels. Teaching information and jobs can be found on Teach Abroad Netherlands and i-to-i TEFL .

Volunteering

Voluntary opportunities in the Netherlands can be found on Volunteer Abroad and Markt.nl .

Casual work

There are a lot of opportunities for casual work in the Netherlands, especially temporary seasonal work in agriculture, horticulture and the hotel sector. Jobs are widely advertised in the media and with recruitment agencies.

Gap year opportunities

There are various gap year opportunities available in the Netherlands including working at campsites or in the tourism industry. Options can be explored on iGapyear .

Childcare and au pair opportunities with local families are also available. Explore Childcare International and Au Pairs by Avalon for more information.