Essay by Alena R. - Germany

Advantages of studying and/or working in the EU

 25 years ago, the six founding states France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg agreed on the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union: the free movements of persons, capital, goods and services. One great advantage of these freedoms is that the EU citizens are allowed to work and/or study in another country of the EU. This privilege has many benefits as well.

One of these benefits is the great chance to discover new countries. By working/studying in a foreign country you learn much about the culture and morals of other countries which takes you forward in your social development. Besides, it enables you to learn a new language as there are 24 official languages within the European Union. Some study programmes are already taught in leading global business languages such as English, Spanish, French and more.

But not only are you able to work/study in a foreign country, you also meet other people from different countries which means your daily work/study life becomes international.

One of the greatest advantages of the European Union with regards to study/work is the basic aim of EU policy to ensure you are part of the social security system and do not lose your rights. These include the right to live and work in any other EU country, the right for your family members to accompany you in your country of employment, the right to work without restriction and permission, the right to the same social benefits, the right of equal treatment of men and women and many more. These rights make it quite easy to change your work/study place as you do not have to restrict yourself in any way because it is all the same as in your own country.

However, there are different possibilities to work in another EU country apart from moving there. There are for example systems that allow you to work in a foreign country but still to live in your home country or the other way round. Two of these systems are called cross-border commuter and posted worker. As a cross-border commuter you live in one EU country but work in another one and still go home at least once a week. Posted workers work in a foreign country for a limited period of time. These ways of working are great opportunities to exchange experiences between countries.

Considering all these benefits, I am very glad to be born in a country that is part of the EU. Only because of this I am going to be able to make my dream come true and work in Denmark for a while without a restriction of my rights, my personal freedom and lifestyle.