Hey all, hoping you can help.
I live in South Africa at the moment. I’m 18 years old and I’ve just finished my final year of school - I receive results in Jan 2024.
I’m hopefully going to be studying in Amsterdam next year (although won’t know until I receive results) but I will definitely find a place to study abroad.
I’m very fortunate to have an EU passport. The situation here in South Africa, is relatively bad. The chances of me getting a job here are quite limited.
For this reason, I’m hoping to immigrate to Netherlands next year (anywhere in Europe would suffice though) - I plan on finding part time work - waitering/bartending/tutoring/babysitting/cleaning etc… and starting to earn some cash (which I’ll invest on the side).
I just don’t even know where to begin. I’ve got enough money to get a plane ticket and afford 1/2 months rent while I look for a job but other than that, going with pretty much nothing.
Just looking for tips and advice:
- where is the best student life? Where are the best opportunities for international students when looking for work? Any agencies I should contact? Personal stories of similar circumstances etc…
If anyone has any tips or advice, please post on this thread. Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
I believe that most landlords ask a big deposit and rent in advance (sorry didn’t read your post properly). So if your plan is to land in NL and earn your rent by for example bar tending a couple of nights, it might unfortunately not work, since as I said, most landlords charge (rent + deposit) in advance (as far as I am aware). It’s not like in the old days where the aussies and saffers went backpacking through Europe while living on their bar tending jobs. living costs are sky high. You will need more capital hey
Yeah first find accommodation and then go to cafes, bars and restaurants in your area and most of them will likely have job postings with email address etc etc (at least that is how I did). I don’t know of any agencies in the hospitality industry (“Horeca” as the Dutch call it), although I am sure there are.
Also bare in mind that public transport is expensive, especially when travelling between cities. Can easily run up a 120€ bill or for example travelling between cities can cost you 20-40€. Not sure what the student discounts are though.
Without discouraging you, I am afraid that you are underestimating the costs involved. But since you have an EU passport I would highly encourage you to find a way to do it! You’re welcome to DM me with questions
I totally appreciate the support. I should have mentioned, I’m extremely privileged to have the financial support of my parents, although I’m mainly doing this to prove I don’t need their help, if shit hits the fan and I’m desperate, they would help. I’m currently looking to find a job through an online agency, hopefully to start with that job whilst looking for others. Once again - I’m also quite reliant on investing and plan on specializing in it (even though studying something different) so yeah - from a financial point, I’m alright. It’s just more of a point from how do I get further without being so financially reliant on “mommy’s money”
That’s great. Totally agree, you should take this step while you are young and will have much more job opportunities.
Just so I don’t mislead you, the 1500-2500 is based on my personal experience being over the age of 21. In your age bracket 500-1200 is more realistic.
Then your accommodation costs will range from 350 (if you are really lucky) - 1200. You might spend most of your money on accommodation and then you need at least another 1000 each month for living costs.
Might want to wait until you are 21 so you can get full minimum wage.