CAREERS
Living in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a beautiful country with a high standard of living.
St George's does its best to make sure that new staff are given the assistance they need when moving to Luxembourg. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by new staff.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, contact us directly. We will be happy to help.
What is great about living in Luxembourg? |
---|
Luxembourg is a wonderful place to live: you can switch from café culture in the heart of Luxembourg city to communing with Highland cattle in a rural field in 15 minutes. Free public transport gives you access to the whole country, a rolling landscape of romantic castles and brasseries with excellent local beers and wines. With a population of around 690,000, more than half of inhabitants come from other countries and cultures, and you will hear French, German, Luxembourgish and Portuguese as well as English used regularly in the streets and shops. Safe, secure and family-friendly, Luxembourg has parks and playgrounds, woodland and lakes as well as excellent cinemas and the Philharmonie, a world-class concert hall. Most months, different towns host local festivals celebrating for example, graphic novels and comics, jazz, film and of course the outstanding wines of the Moselle valley. There are a range of sports clubs, with football and cycling being particularly popular, alongside rugby, cricket, volleyball, basketball, fencing, martial arts and running. Transport links to neighbouring countries are good, and it is easy to drive into France, Germany or Belgium without really noticing. Luxembourg has small but fascinating museums, and its pivotal position during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45 has left a legacy of memorials around the country. |
Do I need to speak any other languages? |
Luxembourg is a multicultural country and it is common to hear and use several languages on any given day. English is widely understood and many people can get by with just this language. To really enjoy Luxembourg, however, it is recommended to gain at least some proficiency in one or more of the local languages – Luxembourgish, French and German. |
What about practicalities, such as banking, healthcare and shopping? |
Healthcare is subsidised in Luxembourg. It uses a model common in Belgium and France, where the user may pay some or all of the initial consultation fee but will be reimbursed by the CNS for some or all of the expense, depending on the nature of the consultation. For additional peace of mind, it is possible to purchase private health insurance at a relatively low cost. Banking is straightforward, and we can assist with arranging an initial appointment to set up current and savings accounts. Cards including those stored in a wallet on your phone are widely accepted. Banking is mostly done electronically via apps, including Payconiq, a QR payment system. Utilities and communications are generally paid monthly or every two months by direct debit or Payconiq. If you are living in a modern house or apartment block, there are likely to be monthly concierge charges and maintenance that may also cover heating and water. There are a number of telecoms companies, and Luxembourg Post offers TV, internet and mobile bundles. These also include roaming in the UK and the EU. Wifi and mobile coverage around Luxembourg is generally good. There is a wide variety of shops, from hypermarkets in gleaming shopping centres to farmers' markets in small towns and villages. There are secondhand shops and boutiques for antiques, more modern furniture and vintage clothes. There are French, German and English bookshops, as well as outlets for computers and electronics. Petrol, alcohol, tobacco and coffee are subject to lower tax in Luxembourg compared with other EU countries, so many people from neighbouring countries visit to make the most of these advantages. Some people drive across the border to Germany or France to buy groceries and clothing as there are pleasant shopping centres in Trier and Metz. |
How will I find accommodation? |
As part of your teacher / Early Years educator employment package, a Luxembourg relocation company will help you find a home and assist with administration and registration with the local authorities for tax, social security and family allowances (if applicable). Accommodation in Luxembourg is of a high standard. However, it is relatively expensive compared to other countries in Europe. There are many studios and one bedroom apartments for rental in the city of Luxembourg, with family apartments and larger homes being more affordable in the suburbs and surrounding villages. Flat-shares are becoming more widely available and may be the preferred option for some staff. Bear in mind that you will need to pay a security deposit equivalent to 2-3 months' rent plus charges and the first month’s rent plus charges in advance. This is paid before the keys are handed over. The school can offer support with this. Visit AtHome |
Useful Links
Guichet | Visit Luxembourg | Just Arrived |