Part-Time Job Options for International Students
There’s a part-time job allowance inherent in the study visa of almost every international studies destination. This allowance is a deliberate effort of the country’s governments, to provide students with an extra source of income. A source to cover basic academic and social needs. It also grants international students a work experience opportunity and a platform to better interact with both academic and non-academic elements of the community. Job options for international students, just like the indigenous ones are generally on a part-time basis during semesters, and limitless in the official holiday seasons.
In this article, we share the part-time job options for international students, the benefits, and the processes to secure them.
Benefits of Working Part-time as an International Student
Truthfully, a bulk of applicants to foreign universities are financially buoyant enough and may not need the extra income from working part-time. However, some students are not, and they need all the extra cash, and you may be one of such students.
Working as an international student, whether on or off-campus have the following benefits:
Get better acquainted with the environment
Working in a community is one of the best ways to get acquainted and properly interact with your international education community.
While on campus, students, faculty members, and natives (who are allowed in) all behave within the scope of pre-established campus rules & regulations. However, these rules & regulations do not apply outside the campus.
Hence, to better experience these same people and their cultures, you will need a neutral ground. And working as an international student offers you that opportunity.
Make connections
International education provides diversity, and a significant part of necessary connections can be achieved through interaction with other students and faculty members.
However, you can also make considerable connections by working. These connections will be specifically beneficial to your career goals, especially if the part-time job is in a field related to your program of study.
Enhance your resume
This is one of the most significant benefits of working as an international student. Some students already have considerable work experience or intend to acquire such on graduation. For you, working part-time will enable you to get some work experience, enhance your resume, be a truly global graduate, and increase your chances of getting your desired job.
Also, if you intend to start up a business on graduation, this work experience will provide first-hand knowledge of workplace dynamics. Most importantly, it allows you an opportunity to test your theories before applying them in the proposed firm.
Earn money
Money is the first factor that comes to mind whenever the concept of working part-time as an international student is mentioned.
Irrespective of the part-time job option you choose to explore, you can rest assured of reasonable pay to meet basic personal and academic needs. Most of the destinations preferred by international students also double as the countries with the highest minimum wage.
Part-time Job Options for International Students
The job options for international students are generally divided into on-campus and off-campus jobs.
On-Campus Jobs
This kind of part-time job is often preferred by most international students. Some common on-campus jobs include
Teaching Assistantship
This is usually reserved only for post-graduate students with sterling undergraduate performance.
A teaching assistant supervises classroom activities, personally assists students who are struggling academically, and assists in marking assignments.
Research Assistant
This is very similar to the teaching assistant’s role. A research assistant works in the university’s research centers and laboratories.
As a research assistant, you will be saddled with the responsibility of gathering and analyzing information for research and performing it.
The position is usually applied for simultaneously with the admission, but can also be sought for, by an already enrolled student.
Library & Department Assistant
These are also coveted on-campus jobs by international students. Departments and the school, in general, do have administrative, secretarial, and bookkeeping needs. Hence, the need for library and departmental assistants. Most times, the two are distinct job roles.
Campus Ambassador
This job option is best suited for outgoing, social media-loving students. A campus ambassador promotes the image of the university while encouraging enthusiasts and applicants.
Bartending/ Catering Roles
Most universities have cafes, restaurants, cafeterias, and other dining facilities that need service help. It provides students with an opportunity to work part-time for experience, pay, connections, and of course, free meals.
This is equally regarded as an off-campus role as dining facilities around foreign universities & colleges are almost as busy as the ones within them.
Off-Campus Jobs
Some countries do not permit international students to work off-campus in their first semester or year of study. However, most of the off-campus jobs are similar to the on-campus ones.
Some popular off-campus job options for international students include
Professional Services
Services like business development, digital marketing, project management, data analytics are easily entrusted to young individuals. Most international students are young, making this a great job option for students with the necessary skills.
Dog Walking
With basic experience in animal first aid and behaviour, you can make additional income while having fun.
Uber Driving
This is one of the most common job options for international students. According to the EPI Uber drivers publication, a majority of drivers work part-time: making it a more suitable option to explore.
Salesperson Jobs
Departmental stores, supermarkets, food markets, etc are equally suitable for part-time students. As a student with a driver’s or cyclist’s license, you can also find a delivery job.
Hospitality and Healthcare
Owing to the prevalence of hospitality needs everywhere, a job hunt in this sector will easily make results.
Hospitality jobs like adult healthcare, housekeeping, assisting in kitchens, and working as a receptionist are some great options for international students.
Other Sectors
Some other great part-time job options for international students include
- Agricultural jobs like fruit picking & animal husbandry
- Language translation jobs
- Call center roles and many more.
Job hunting as an international student
Finding a rewarding part-time job, as an international student can be as tough as it is seamless.
However, some productive ways of finding one include
- Telling other students, especially those who already have one
- Constantly checking campus & local job directories
- Applying on freelancing websites
- Physically applying in the offices of firms you desire to work in.
Summary
The list of part-time job options is substantial with numerous viable opportunities for you as an international student, no matter your schedule, personality, or job goals.
Whether working on or off-campus, you can capitalize on this provision to get some work experience, expand your network, make some extra income, and better interact with your immediate community.
Read (How do you connect with your International Student Community? What are the Benefits?)
Best of luck!
