There are plenty of students who want to work besides their studies. There are many benefits on that, such as you increase your income, learn new skills, meet new people et cetera. If you didn’t start already, l would like to share my experience so, you might avoid some mistakes that will save you time and money.

As an international student, l don’t know Dutch, the Dutch laws, rights and obligations. These information are online but, sometimes might not be clear enough or you just cannot find it due to the language.

Anyway, l found work in a burger restaurant in the centre of Arnhem as a delivery driver with a car. It was nice cause l could go free around during corona lockdown times. But, the problems starts when you are not informed well and your employer is… not so good person.

Thus, It is easier some people to get advantage of you. For example, what happened to me was:

• He paid me less salary than the minimum wage for my age;
• No holiday wage;
• No extra wage for evenings;
• Delay for a long time the contract (not even a permanent one), so, l couldn’t have insurance;
• Threaten that is not allowed to leave until one month pass because that’s the law (with no signature, agreement or contract) and that l will have troubles with the law. Lies;
• Not the best treatment as an employee that offers in a business;
• Delay on payments;
• Unmaintained equipment and vehicles for delivery (but, he had money for his new SUV);
• Strong arguments about my availability;
• Not specific timetable, start and end of a shift (very basic for a full time bachelor student).

He still owns me € 100 but, to sue him, l need to spent at least € 100 So, it’s worthless. Also, l heard that more people have same problems with him, as well as, a classmate of mine.

There are more but, l am already pissed offff so, l stop..

I quit after 2.5 months. Then, l found on Instagram ISW (International Students Work). I texted them and offered me a job in a solar panel manufacturer. – A job relative to my studies.-  Karel explained everything to me. All my obligations and rights, salaries, insurance, everything. He is always available to answer my questions and if he cannot, he knows the right person where l can ask. Their service saves me a lot of time as a student and introduced me smoothly to the Dutch market.

So, my suggestion is to find work through somebody who inspires some trust and help you with a new country and new system. Is better to play safe – at least the first 6 months – to understand how the system works, as well as, the culture.

Take care,
Angelos

Vacancies at the site of International Students Work