Part-Time Jobs in Different Countries for International Students

When you are listing things to do on your bucket list while studying abroad, a part-time job might be the best thing to look out for. Making money while studying abroad is like icing on the cake. Ultimately, it's an opportunity to be taken advantage of. Even though education must be your primary objective, there are many other activities you must take part in to have a truly fulfilling experience abroad. 

International students have the opportunity to take up part-time jobs while studying at top universities in New Zealand, the UK, Canada, the USA, Ireland, and other copious countries. During the academic year, students can work for 20 hrs/week, and during vacations, 40 hrs/ week (the hours may differ depending on the country). 

Furthermore, it is also possible you have never talked to someone who worked part-time while studying abroad, so you have no idea what you need to look out for and how to get started. If you want to learn more, we welcome your visit.

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Part-Time Job Rules for Top Countries 

If you are certain that you want to work while studying abroad, the next step is to determine if the country that you will be visiting permits you to work legally on a student visa. We conducted research to present you with a list of some of the top countries for international students that allow them to work part-time while studying. 

Note: International students must check with the foreign embassy of the country in which they intend to study for official laws on legally acquiring compensated work experience while on a student visa.

Prior to searching for part-time jobs while studying abroad, here are some things you should consider.

1. The immigration and international student regulations are defined by the federal government of the country where you wish to pursue your higher studies

2. The type of course, i.e. full-time or part-time, selected. Some countries and universities may restrict international students from taking up part-time jobs if they have been enrolled in part-time courses.

3. Experience and skills from your previous employment.

4. Learning about the different costs or fees associated with working part-time or finding jobs through a job placement programme.

5. Your preferred subjects domain.

In this article, we shall discuss the different aspects related to working while studying abroad as an international student across different countries.

Working and Studying Abroad: Is It Possible?

Very Much! Getting a good job while you're studying abroad is not everyone's cup of tea, but you can easily find one to suit your needs. However, your ability to work while studying abroad will depend on the immigration policies of the country you have travelled to. When deciding whether to work abroad while studying, you will have a lot to consider.

Is It Legal to Work While Studying Abroad?

Yes, working while studying abroad can be a legal activity that all international students can undertake. In a few of the most popular study abroad locations such as the countries in North America, foreign students can work while studying abroad.

Several of the top study abroad locations allow international students to work while studying, however, they will have restrictions that will dictate your ability to take up part-time jobs while studying abroad. In nearly all cases, international students can work part-time while studying abroad for up to 20 hours per week (Conditions apply). International students looking to take up part-time jobs in different countries will have to abide by the immigration policies set by the federal government or risk being deported or worse.

Part-time Jobs While Studying Abroad

Nowadays, part-time employment is the new normal for students studying abroad. While many students take up part-time jobs while studying abroad for financial reasons, students often work while studying abroad for several reasons like wanting to experience working in a foreign environment or learning about the labour market in a country where they're pursuing education or planning to settle permanently. In fact, the goal of some international students attending universities overseas may also be to gain meaningful work experience, relevant to their field of study.

Part-time Job Opportunities in Australia for International Students

International students will be able to find part-time jobs while studying in Australia across different sectors like retail, hospitality, sales, agriculture and administration. Newspapers, online job sites, notice boards, and recruitment agencies are all places where students can find part-time job options in Australia for international students.

If Australia is your desired study abroad destination, you, as an international student, will be allowed to work part-time for up to 40 hours every fortnight while your term is in session. On the other hand, you will be able to work full-time during your study breaks or vacation periods.

The minimum wage for international students working part-time in Australia will be set by the federal government, and your employer will provide you with written contracts setting out your wages and working conditions. Depending on the sector of the country your employer is based in, your wages and working conditions will differ.

Part-time Job Opportunities in New Zealand for International Students

If you are a New Zealand student, you can work part-time for 20 hours per week if you are enrolled in a full-time course and meet the following criteria to work part-time in New Zealand as an international student:

• You are participating in an approved Tertiary Exchange Scheme and your course lasts at least one academic year.

• You must have a score of at least 5.0 in IELTS.

• It is a course that is taken at a tertiary institution or private training institution to improve your English language skills. 

• An appropriate degree from your course qualifies you for a skilled migrant visa application in New Zealand.

• The English language course you have chosen lasts at least 14 weeks at a university.

Note: You will not have any restrictions on the number of hours you can work if you are enrolled in a Master's by research or a doctoral program at a New Zealand university. Moreover, there are several part-time jobs for international students in New Zealand that you get to choose from.

Part-time Job Opportunities in Germany for International Students

If Germany is your desired study abroad destination, the federal government allows non-EU/EEA students to take up part-time jobs in Germany. Unlike in most other countries, Germany has the maximum number of days international students can work per year alongside their studies. Currently, international students can work full-time for up to 120 days and part-time for up to 240 days. Additionally, the minimum wage for international students in Germany, which had been introduced in 2015, has been set at EUR 9.82 per hour

The German immigration regulations for international students dictate that all international students seeking to work additional hours alongside their studies will first need to get their request approved by the Federal Employment Agency and Foreigners Office in Germany. Moreover, additional hours are usually approved for students taking up the role of student assistant at their universities.

Part-time Job Opportunities in Canada for International Students

International students who wish to study abroad still choose Canada as their top choice. The Canadian immigration regulations for international students allow them to work on their student visas. International students can take up part-time jobs while studying in Canada for up to 20 hrs/week on a Canadian Student Visa. Furthermore, universities also advise students on working hours based on the extent of the complexity of their field of discipline.

In Canada, the provincial governments are responsible for setting the minimum wage for international students working part-time while studying in Canada. Needless to say, the minimum wages for international students will differ from province to province. For example, on average, the minimum wage in Ontario for international students is CAD 13.40 (according to Canadawiz.com) an hour in Ontario, whereas CAD 15 on average in other provinces (according to Canadawiz.com).

Part-time Job Opportunities in the UK for International Students

If you are planning to study abroad in the UK, you can take up a part-time job as a student if you are granted a Tier 4 Visa, which has been replaced by the Student Route. Currently, students applying for the visa can do so as early as 6 months before the start of their course in the UK. On this visa, international students have the right to take up part-time jobs in the UK for international students. 

According to the UK Student Visa rules, international students can take up part-time jobs while completing their studies provided they follow the stipulated rules. Those studying a full-time degree course can work part-time up to 20 hours per week, while those in a language course term, are only permitted to work a total of 10 hours per week. Additionally, international students can work 40 hours a week once their term or session has been completed.

Part-time Job Opportunities in the USA for International Students

In the United States, international students are allowed to work to take up part-time jobs for international students in the US, i.e. both on-campus and off-campus, for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the study period as well as 40 hours per week during vacations if they are studying in the US on an F-1 Visa, which is the one granted to international students enrolled in full-time programmes at language schools, high schools, universities, and other higher education institutions in that country. The F-1 Visa does not permit you to work off-campus unless you request an Off-Campus Work Permit from the Immigration Services of the United States.

When you take up on-campus part-time jobs in the US, you must work for the institution you attend, no matter if your duties are carried out inside that institution's facilities. In addition, it allows you to work for firms providing services to education institutions (such as cafeterias and libraries).

This was all about the country-specific part-time job opportunities. Now, this would be a natural question to ask. When studying abroad, what kind of jobs can I find? This depends on your abilities, skills, and capabilities. In addition, your Visa protocol determines the part-time job you'll get.

Types of Part-time Jobs Available in Different Countries

International students studying across different countries will have access to a wide variety of part-time positions that are suitable for them. However, these jobs can be classified into two primary types of part-time jobs available in different countries, as outlined below:

On-Campus Jobs Abroad for International Students

One of the more commonly found types of part-time jobs for international students in countries abroad is the on-campus job. These are jobs that open up within campus grounds and are usually introduced by the university in getting students to participate in different activities. Across different countries, students will be able to apply for different on-campus roles, which can sometimes also include pay.

Although most of the on-campus part-time jobs abroad do not seem exciting, these jobs allow students to gain valuable work experience which can be used in finding job opportunities upon graduation.

Due to the fact that college students can only devote a couple of hours to any part-time jobs for international students in different countries, listed below are some of the on-campus jobs they can choose to take up while studying abroad:

• Library Attendant

• Administrative Assistant

• Campus Tour Guide

• Teaching Assistant

• Lifeguard

• Student Assistant

• Facilities Assistant

• Campus Ambassador

• Tutor

• Research Assistant

• Resident Assistant

• Writing Consultant

• Marketing Assistant

• Barista

Note: As an international student, you must adhere to the guidelines set by the university and the visa offices for international students looking to take up part-time jobs across different countries.

Off-Campus Jobs Abroad for International Students

A large portion of the top countries for international students allow them to take up part-time jobs off-campus, such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Australia, etc. Depending on the immigration policies of each country, international students will be eligible for off-campus part-time jobs for international students across different countries.

Take a look at the off-campus part-time job opportunities for international students you can apply to while studying abroad:

• Paid Internships

• Babysitting

• Freelancer

• Jobs at Restaurants and Bars

• Work from home

• Tutoring or Translation Jobs

• Retail Store Shopping Assistant

• Work at Events

• Summer jobs

The majority of international students have stated that they have been able to easily blend into the international culture by working part-time. Taking up off-campus part-time jobs, especially those that are paid, can significantly contribute financially, thus, allowing you to study and live abroad without having to worry too much about your finances.

Benefits of Having a Part-Time Job While Studying Abroad

Before you consider taking up a part-time job for international students abroad, you should know how and why it can benefit your work while studying abroad. Listed below are some of the few ways in which a part-time job can benefit you during your study abroad period.

• Compliments Your Curriculum: The course you enrol for as part of your academic curriculum can often be complemented by taking up a part-time job abroad, thus giving you a professional outlook in addition to theoretical knowledge.
• Extra money: Getting a part-time job allows you to earn some extra money that will only help enhance your financial situation. As a student, taking up paid part-time jobs for international students abroad will give you some financial security as the income you earn can be used by you during emergencies. In short, having an income while you complete your studies abroad will only prove to be beneficial to you in all circumstances.
• Grow your network: As a part-time employee, you will come into contact with people from every walk of life. There will be many opportunities for you to expand your network in a new country, from meeting people you regularly encounter at work to people you interact with when you are looking for new work, to even those you meet on your daily commute. You will start developing your network as you gain experience and become more familiar with the culture, which may help you in the future when you will be hunting for relevant jobs after graduation.
• Build on your language and social skills: Through your part-time job abroad, you will be able to interact and communicate with people from different walks of life. This will allow you to understand the cultures, languages and common behavioural cues seen, thus, allowing you to adopt their cultural and behavioural traits as well. With your newfound knowledge of the country, city and the people around you, you will be able to enhance your skills and knowledge, subsequently improving your career prospects.
• Understand the work culture: Students usually intend to work in the country where they have studied for at least the first few years after graduation. By working part-time, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the work culture in the country. There will be a lot of things that you will learn, including the work ethics, work hours and other aspects of the job that will help you enhance your professional career.
• Your CV or Resume: Taking up part-time jobs while studying abroad will give you the opportunity to enhance your CV or Resume. This, in turn, will improve your career prospects, making you more attractive to employers. Incorporate the part-time jobs you undertook into your resume and describe the position in detail if it aligns with your career goals. Despite its small significance, it still shows your endeavour, commitment, and honesty towards your desired goal.

Disadvantages of Having a Part-Time Job While Studying Abroad 

Like everything else, having a part-time job while studying abroad has a downside too. We have highlighted the advantages of working while studying abroad but, there are some disadvantages/cons too. The following are some of the major disadvantages or drawbacks of working while studying abroad:

• Lack of Time: Tough time management is something you will ultimately master managing both study and employment, since the situation may become stressful at times. For example, you may have an essential assignment that requires you to spend more time in college or an event or project at work that requires you to work more hours on weekends. It may drain you both psychologically and physically. You may not have much time to spend with friends or socialise because your job and studies will take up most of your time. 

• Stress: Stress will develop due to a lack of time. It might be due to a lack of sleep, the stress of upcoming college tasks, or poor performance at work. At college, the responsibilities of a job and the pressures of meeting deadlines can lead to burnout. Exhaustion can create anxiety, which can have a detrimental influence on your academic and professional performance.

• Impact on Studies: If you are unable to manage your time well, you may begin to lose sight of your primary aim, which is to complete your college degree. If you believe you need more time to learn to balance work and education, defer to getting a career until you have completed your studies. Self-discipline, time management, and organisational skills are essential for striking a balance between your academics and employment, so avoid taking on a job that may jeopardise your grades until you have a better knowledge of it.

To conclude, shoot for the moon. It's just a matter of looking for opportunities in abundance. Eventually, you'll find one. Ask your family, friends or professors for advice before commencing a new part-time job while studying abroad. With both small and large businesses booming across the globe, you will be able to find part-time jobs to help you earn a little extra on the side while you complete your higher studies abroad.

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