jobs/languages

[micamaca]

Hi folks, I've been enjoying reading your messages to each other and think its a really great service. I was hoping someone could advise me too!
I am an Irish girl who would like to move to Belgium in the next year, have to save some money first. But my real concern would be my job potential. I speak English and would have some french, which I am going to work hard to bring up to a higher standard. I have no Dutch or German or Flemish! What are my chances of getting a job that will pay the rent and keep me in Belgian beers and chocolates!!

thanking you, micamaca

[friezo]

Dutch and Flemish are the same thing
German is only spoken by a minority at the border with Germany so being able to speak German is rarely needed.

If you would work in the French part, only your knowledge of French will be asked for, when you sollicitate.


Should you work in Flanders however, both Dutch(aka Flemish) and French will be more than likely required.

I don't know if you have any diplomas but you could check some jobsites:

http://www.stepstone.be/
http://www.vdab.be/ (select language at the bottom)
http://www.creyfs.be/ (only in Dutch and French)

[micamaca]

thanks Friezo, that was useful and educational! At least I have an idea where to start, the websites gave me an idea of where I might aim for. much obliged

[imported_Gareth]

Not meaning to be Pedantic but Dutch and Flemish are not the same language. Flemish is generally considered to be a dialect of Dutch. However, the two languages have many differences in spelling, grammar, sentence contruction and so on. If you can speak French I recommend a book called "40 Lecons pour parler Neerlandais" (not sure of exact name). This book will introduce you to the basics of Dutch and you should be able to order it at http://www.fnac.be or http://www.amazon.fr.
Out of interest in Dutch the Flemish language is called Vlaams, whislt Dutch is called Nederlands.

[friezo]

Sure the accent is slightly different, but there is no difference in grammar, sentence construction etc..

I don't think students in Belgium would get the subject "Nederlands" and Belgium's official language would be "Nederlands" if Vlaams (Flemish) and Nederlands (Dutch) would differ (in exception of accent).

So Dutch and Flemish are the same that is IF no local dialects are used.

[micamaca]

Lads, by the time it comes out of my mouth with the Irish dialect it won't sound like either Dutch or Flemish! but thanks anyway!