Work and Study Abroad as an International Student
You might have heard that working in another country can be a great way to make money while you study abroad. It’s not just the lucrative jobs that are usually tied to international experience; it’s also a great way to establish your language skills, make new friends and learn about new cultures. Working abroad as an international student is more accessible than you think. However, if you are thinking of going ahead with it, read on to learn more on how you can study and work abroad as an international student.
Working or studying abroad is a unique experience that can open your eyes to new cultures different from yours. You might be a student right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t consider working as an adult. After all, the sooner you start earning money and building a financial foundation, the better. If you’re considering going abroad as an international student, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Working or studying abroad will challenge you in ways you never imagined, but it will also open up new opportunities for you. Working or studying abroad has many benefits that should be taken into consideration before deciding whether to go or not. However, if you are thinking of going ahead with it, read on to learn more about how you can study and work abroad as an international student.
Working while studying abroad has its advantages. It will help you financially and expose you to new cultures and habits. Working while studying abroad will also give you experience working with other people and building on your strengths rather than relying on your academic abilities alone. If you’re interested in working abroad as an international student and have a few ideas of your own, read on!
Work and Study Abroad - Overview
If you want to experience the vast benefits of studying abroad but don’t have the funds or a scholarship to cover all your costs, you might consider searching for a part-time job. Work or internships abroad may sometimes be combined with study abroad (before, during, or after), helping you gain experience in a very different environment from the classroom. The easiest way to combine study abroad with work experience is to choose a study abroad program that includes an internship or service-learning experience.
As well as helping pay for your academic and living expenses, part-time employment lets you dive deeper into the local culture, build your professional skills, improve your language fluency, and make new friends. Many countries allow you to earn while you learn, but the rules differ from nation to nation. It’s worth bearing this in mind when choosing where to study abroad.
Employment Rules for International Students
Furthermore, here's a breakdown of the employment rules for international students in the most popular study abroad destinations.
| Country | Employment regulations |
| United States | As long as you have an F1 student visa, you can work on-campus during your first year. You can move into off-campus employment during your second year. There's no cap on the number of hours you can work. |
| United Kingdom | EU/EEA students can work in the UK without restriction. Non-EU students with a tier 4 student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time or full-time during university holidays. |
| Canada | Full-time students enrolled at a designated learning institution are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week. Your Canadian study permit will indicate your exact employment rights. |
| Australian | Australian student visa holders can work without limitation during university vacations or 40 hours per fortnight. |
| Germany | If you’re from outside the EU but have a valid German student visa, you can work 120 or 240 half days annually. EU students are permitted to work 20 hours a week. |
Part-time Jobs for Students Abroad
If you're studying in one of the world's most popular student cities, you'll have plenty of part-time employment opportunities. It's also possible to make a decent living in smaller towns. Student jobs are often available on university campuses. While improving your fellow students' experience, you'll pocket some extra cash as bartenders, security personnel, and student ambassadors.
Jobs are regularly available at off-campus pubs, bars, restaurants, and takeaways that cater to local students. It's easy to work these roles around your daytime studies because they usually require evening work. You can find part-time jobs in local newspapers, shop windows, and on job sites for administration, office support, cleaning, and babysitting. You can also make money doing language tutoring or translation work if you're studying in a country where you don't speak the language you're used to.
Tips for Working and Studying Abroad
Here are top tips for working abroad as an international student
- Prioritize your studies: If you want to graduate with a top-class degree, don’t let a part-time job interfere with your studies.
- Make sure you’re working legally: Working without a valid visa or permit could land you in serious trouble. Drop by your university’s career service if you have any questions about your employment rights.
- Don’t spend all of your free time working: There’s more to university than just studying and working. Put some time aside to explore your new surroundings and have fun with friends.
- Consider a job related to your degree: Putting what you’ve learned into practice will help boost your employability.
- Find a job you enjoy: Don’t accept a job that makes you miserable and ruins your student experience. Keep handing out CVs and taking trial shifts until you find something that works for you.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, work and study programs are an excellent alternative for young people desiring to travel and spend time overseas. Whether as an adventure during your gap year or for college credit, working and studying abroad is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and receive a life-changing experience. Moreover, finding work overseas is sometimes much easier than in your homeland, especially if you’re a college student without any work experience.
