Work placements and trainee-ships
Most Dutch study programmes include a trainee-ship. During a trainee-ship you are placed with a company or organisation for some time (usually a few months) in order to gain practical experience or to do research. Foreign students may run into various problems when trying to set up a trainee-ship in the Netherlands or find work alongside their study. A common reason for this is that employers are not properly familiar with rules regarding foreign students. It is therefore useful to be prepared for a number of issues.
What to keep in mind
Many employers are unaware of the fact that foreign students do not require a work permit (werkvergunning) in order to undergo a trainee-ship. They have occasionally run into difficulties applying for a work permit and are thus hesitant about taking on foreign trainees. If an employer or trainee-ship company (stagebedrijf) is unfamiliar with new rules, you can provide them with the correct information.
How to find a trainee post
We recommend allowing at least three months to find a trainee post. Your university or university of professional education (hogeschool) may in many cases provide a number of trainee posts or help you initiate the necessary contacts. Most study programmes have a trainee-ship supervisor (stagebegeleider).
If you are looking for a trainee-ship outside your study, you could try to find one as follows:
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through personal contacts
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through trainee-ship agencies (stagebureaus). Visit for example www.stagemotor.nl or www.stageplaza.nl (websites in Dutch)
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an open application to organisations. You can approach them directly.
Contacts
Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC)
Website: www.nuffic.nl/international-students
University of Amsterdam
Website: www.student.uva.nl/english
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You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99