Frequently Asked Questions

Dual Career Support (DCS) provides support and advice to partners of newly recruited international employees at the University of Groningen, during the first two years after their relocation to Groningen.

DCS offers a wide range of services, including intake- and follow-up meetings, free career workshops, information about job fairs and career events, individual support with job applications, referrals to reliable Dutch language course providers and information about building your social network in the Groningen area.

No, all DCS services are free for the active registration period of two years. certain discounts are valid for the first year of DCS membership.

• Enhancing your chances of finding employment
• Learning important facts about the Dutch working culture
• Admission to free career workshops and events
• Assistance when applying for a job
• Staying updated on relevant information for internationals
• Referrals to Dutch language course providers
• Assistance in building your professional and social network

You can register by filling out the application form on the DCS website. You are eligible to become a DCS member if;

• Your partner was recruited from abroad for a function within the UG within in the recent two years.
• You have moved or are going to move with your partner from abroad for their job at the UG.
• You have not been living in the Netherlands for longer than two years.

Partners who do not fall into the framework of DCS, can contact our partners Make it in the North or the International Welcome Center North for support.

Your DCS membership will automatically end after two years. Partners will be notified via mail about the end of their registration period. After active registration ends, partners that can no longer make use of the DCS service package. You can contact our partners Make it in the North or the International Welcome Center North for support.

Please click on the drop down menu under Dual Career Support Workshops. You will find an overview of the upcoming workshops, read information about the content of the workshop and register directly via the blue registration button.

DCS does not offer language courses, but we can refer you to various reliable Dutch language course providers. Please click on Learn Dutch in the menu.

At DCS, we do not match candidates with vacancies. But we will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to find your way on the Dutch job market. Personal motivation, willingness to learn Dutch and perseverance also play an important role here.

All DCS partners are invited for an intake interview with a DCS Jobcoach. A CV check is part of the intake process. Our Job Coaches provide information on the Dutch labour market and, upon request, give feedback on the motivation letter and support in practising a job interview. A follow-up interview is also among the possibilities.

DCS partners also have free access to workshops and job interview training courses for the period of two years after the registration date.

Dutch working culture is non-nonsense, informal and you will notice that the Dutch are not afraid to speak their mind on the job floor. This might be a bit daunting for internationals who first enter the Dutch workforce. A few examples:

• It is okay to call the vacancy holder about a vacancy
• We like to see a portrait picture on your CV
• You can send open applications to companies that you're interested in, even if there is no vacancy at that moment
• 70% of all Dutch vacancies are filled via networking
• You should have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile
• You will probably be on a first name basis with your colleagues and supervisors.
• Dutch people can be very direct, also during work meetings

• Dutch people love ‘gezelligheid’ Bring cake on your birthday!