Living and Working in the U.S.

1. Procedures
2. Finding Work in the U.S.
3. Comparing diplomas
4. Wages
5. Cost of Living
6. Moving and Living
7. Socializing
8. Dutch representation in the U.S.
9. Education
10. Taxes
11. Social Services

1. Procedures

Temporary. Information on staying temporarily in the U.S. can be obtained from the Non Immigrant Visa Section of the Consulate General in Amsterdam.

Staying permanently. The Immigrant Visa Section of the Consulate General in Amsterdam gives out information on procedures and admission conditions for immigration to the U.S.

• Language Test - Every foreigner who is going to work in the U.S. should pass a TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The Fulbright Center has background information on the TOEFL tests on their website in Dutch.

2. Finding Work in the U.S.

• The U.S. Department of Labor publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook, an overview of most professions, with descriptions, future perspectives and current salaries.
• In the Netherlands, one can contact one's professional association. Some organizations have lists of potential employers in the U.S.

3. Comparing Diplomas

The Informatiecentrum Diplomawaardering IDW is the organization that provides information on comparing diplomas. 

4. Wages

The Department of Labor provides information on minimum wages in the U.S.  Additional information on wages can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

5. Cost of Living

This differs from city to city and from region to region. Information can be obtained from the Local U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

6. Moving and Living

Information on moving abroad and secialized moving firms can be found on the website of "Erkende Verhuizers."

7. Socializing

• Nearly every state has a Dutch club, where one can meet Dutch people

8. Dutch Representation in the U.S.

• Royal Netherlands Embassy in the United States.

9. Education

• Primary and secundary education in the U.S. is organized by State, and is supervised by the State Board of Education.
• Find your School.
• For higher education you can find information at the Fulbright Center in Amsterdam.

10. Taxes

Taxes are raised on a local, state and federal level. Information can be found on the website of the Internal Revenue Service.

11. Social Services

Every State organizes its social services in a different way. Many insurances must be taken out individually and not collectively.

• Information on federal social services can be found at the Social Security Administration.
• Medicare is a federal medical insurance.
• Medicaid is a health insurance for&nbs;eole with a minimal income.