‘Don’t let borders hold you back, but cross them’

Because you will soon receive your bachelor’s degree, you’re probably already looking for the right job. You could simply stay in the Netherlands, or you could also look across the border. This might be less complicated than you think and is sometimes also much closer to home. Moreover, there’s plenty of help out there. This article tells you more about the opportunities for working abroad. It doesn’t matter if you want to continue living in the Netherlands (cross-border worker) or want to pack your suitcases and move to another country!

Text Jos Widdershoven Photo Johannes Timmermans

There are many reasons why people want to work abroad; sometimes they are drawn to another country because of love, while at other times,because they think it’s time for another adventure. But, especially if they live in Limburg, it can also be because it is close to home. About two-thirds of Limburg borders with Germany and Belgium, making it the most international province of the Netherlands. The Meuse–Rhine Euroregion offers a lot of opportunities for working abroad. ‘People from Limburg drive for at least 45 minutes to Eindhoven or beyond, while lots of jobs are available much closer to their homes’, says Eric Bruls, Business Consultant EURES at UWV. EURES stands for European Employment Services, which is a European cooperation network of parties involved in the labor market. The network was founded by public employment services (like UWV in the Netherlands and VDAB in Belgium) and helps people who want to work abroad.

‘Imagine that you have graduated as a physiotherapist at Zuyd and want to work in Aachen. In this case, it’s important to know whether your bachelor’s degree will be accepted there. EURES is able to help in matters such as these’, says Bruls. However, that isn’t the only thing EURES can help you with. EURES can also answer all your questions about social security. What about insurance? What about a mortgage if you want to live abroad? And how do tax returns work in a foreign country? EURES can help you with all of these issues.

Of course, if you want to start working abroad, it is best to first be well-informed. What is and is not possible? Is a step like this the right step for me?

EURES and SGA (Servicepunt Grensoverschrijdende Arbeidsbemiddeling, cross-border employment services) can also help you with such questions. SGA’s primarily focuses on informing job seekers about opportunities just over the border and mediating between employers and job seekers. For example, when someone from the Netherlands wants to work in Germany or Belgium. The SGA offices are located in Kerkrade and Maastricht. SGA operates within the entire Euroregion and is able to bring employers and job seekers together. ‘We put you in direct contact with employers, give you tips about your CV and, if necessary, help you prepare for your job interview’, says Ramona Corsius from SGA. You can contact EURES and SGA if you intend to move to Germany or Belgium. What do you need to arrange in that case? Working abroad is far from self-evident, but it may be less intimidating than you initially think. Are you ready for your next adventure?