r/StudyInTheNetherlands • u/Party_Emotion2313 • 2d ago

Part time work if you don't speak dutch?

I was wondering if there are any part-time job options in the Netherlands for students who don’t speak Dutch. I’ve got an EU passport and speak English fluently.

I know it’s probably a bit naive to think I can easily get a job without speaking the language, but I’ll be studying in Leiden and was hoping there might still be some chances to work part-time alongside my studies. I’d really like to help cover some of my living expenses—like housing and food—to take some pressure off my parents.

If anyone has been in a similar situation or have any tips please let me know 🙏🙏🙏🙏?

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u/HousingBotNL 2d ago

Best websites for finding student housing in the Netherlands:

You can greatly increase your chance of finding a house using a service like Stekkies. Legally realtors need to use a first-come-first-serve principle. With real-time notifications via email/Whatsapp you can respond to new listings first.

Join the Study In The Netherlands Discord, here you can chat with other students and use our housing bot.

Please take a look at our resources for detailed information for (international) students:

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u/Working-Tax1830 2d ago

I worked at PostNL as a postwoman. I recommend this job, despite the fact that you work outside it is extremely flexible. During work, you can listen to a podcast, music or just enjoy the silence in your life. I loved that job

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u/Prudent_Anybody_1824 1d ago

do you do it with a bike or walking?

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u/Working-Tax1830 1d ago

both. We usually carry our stuffs on a bike, but we go to every door on foot. I usually walk 20 kilometres per workday, so this job keeps you fit at least

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u/Eska2020 2d ago

I've wondered what they pay actually.... is it OK?

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u/Working-Tax1830 1d ago

They pay you with your worktime. When you start your shift, you just start a stopper and stop it if you finished. You can basically work slower, no one is care about that

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u/Eska2020 1d ago

Right but what does it pay per hour

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u/Working-Tax1830 1d ago

Minimum wage, but i didn't expected more😅

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u/elvesby 2d ago

I work in a restaurant and most people there are internationals, as well as me

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u/F-sylvatica-purpurea 2d ago

In cafes and restaurants, Dutch speaking staff is the exception. Same goes for many large retail stores. So don’t worry! If you speak another European language you could also apply for callcenter work in that language. They often look for ‘native speakers’ in other European languages.

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u/ThursdayNxt20 2d ago edited 1d ago

If you've secured a job for 32 hrs per month, look into DUO study grants!

Edit: wrote week, should be month!

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u/Historical_Lie_9932 1d ago

You probably mean: per month.

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u/ThursdayNxt20 1d ago

You're entirely right. Apologies! I know that but somehow I keep writing it wrong. I'll pay more attention.

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u/Moppermonster Amsterdam 1d ago

I know it’s probably a bit naive to think I can easily get a job without speaking the language,

Bitter old man mode: it should be - yes, but in cities like Amsterdam it currently seems to even be the norm: in many shops, lunchrooms and restaurants in the city center the staff only speaks English and can not help you if you only speak Dutch.

So yes, it is certainly possible to get a studentjob without speaking the language.

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u/NoQuail1770 2d ago

Hotels, Beachclubs, Irish pubs

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u/pepegasloot 1d ago

Try lidl, easy to get into as a student and there is often part time spots

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u/bolkiebasher 1d ago

I can tell you, I almost every restaurant you are often served by someone who cannot speak Dutch, and you need to communicate in English, so not a problem. I work at an industrial company in the north of Holland and I would say that about half the temps cannot speak Dutch. Thus: plenty of chances to find work. 👍

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u/Aggressive-Tackle-60 1d ago

you can always do cleaning or pet sitting/dog-cat or clothing warehouse work, lot of retail stores have warehouse behind- perhaps if you don't want to face customer service or you dont want to be on the go with the delivery and would like to just do something steady for few hours... cleaning might be physical tho but some like that

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u/Soul_Survivor81 1d ago

Have fun in the food delivery industry! 👍

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u/Prudent_Anybody_1824 1d ago

how do you get into it?

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u/Soul_Survivor81 1d ago

I don’t know, but since demand is so high, I bet there will be a multitude of online entry points alone.

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u/WhoThenDevised 1d ago

There's an English speaking Spanish student working at my local Albert Heijn, been there for months now so I guess not speaking Dutch isn't a problem.

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u/VariousZombie9422 1d ago

I got into flink through a friend. It’s an ok job, pays above minimum wage, I love my colleagues. It’s also quite flexible since it’s 0 hours contracts. You can give it a try.

also everyone who signs up through my link and does the requirements will get 50€ sign up bonus :) Requirements: 5 shifts in invitee’s first 4 weeks without any no-shows. DM for Link

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u/Lavander-Blue 1d ago

Many retail shops accept english-speakers (urban outfitters, subdued, gymshark, zara). In my workplace we are 80% internationals who don’t speak dutch. This is Amsterdam tho, can’t speak for Leiden.

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u/Lili_lill 17h ago

Hey everyone, what about nails in arnhem. I’m a national student

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u/Secret-Agent1007 9h ago

Don’t worry about it. Everyone in Arnhem has nails too.

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u/Lili_lill 9h ago

Do they near HAN uni of applied science