Leiden University Career Zone


Working abroad
Are you looking for a job abroad? Here’s how you can get started.
- Decide where, in which country, you’d like to work
- Search for information about the country, for example:
- the culture
- what it’s like to live there
- how people interact with each other in a work environment
- visas and work permits:
If you’re an EU citizen and want to work in another EU country you won’t need a work permit. If you plan to work in a non-EU country you’ll probably need a visa and/or work permit. Visit the governmental websites of the country where you’d like to work to find out if you need a visa/permit and how to request one. - how much people in your profession generally earn
- the income and costs you should take into consideration
- how to apply for jobs in that country:
Find out about local customs and habits. Different countries have different ways of doing things in terms of how a CV should look, what you’ll be asked in job interviews, and how employers and applicants communicate with each other.
On GoingGlobal you’ll find Country Career Guides which offer advice and tips per country. - As of 1 September 2019 (study year 2019 - 2020) you can also use the CareerProfessor app on cultural awareness and employability
- Have your diplomas formally recognised and evaluated by the government in your home country. For Dutch diplomas you can find more information on the website of the Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education.
- Start applying for jobs. You can find information on how to get started here. Two additional tips:
- Draw up your CV according to the norms of that country
- Start networking with connections who work, or have worked, in that country and ask their advice.
- Have you found a job? Congratulations! Make sure to arrange all the required legal documentation. If you want to check you have everything covered contact the embassy in your new home country.
Foreign job websites:
CareerProfessor app
CareerProfessor app