What Kind of Jobs Can I Get When Studying Abroad?
Part time jobs will go a long way toward supplementing your income when you are studying abroad. The money you get can help to cover your cost of living, or pay for your leisure activities or travel holidays across the country. Many international students do take up some form of employment while studying abroad, and they have a lot of fun while doing so!
There are many part-time or vacation jobs that you can take up as a student. Before getting started, check your visa restrictions. You may not be permitted to work more than a certain number of hours in a week during your course session time. Whatever the work you choose, it will add to your life experiences and you can make new friends and get a taste of the local culture.
Overseas students often work as waiting and bar staff, baristas, mall aides, aged care workers, data entry or call centre personnel, or as language tutors. If you have any special skills like musical talent or a flair for art, you can teach others for a fee. Animal lovers can take pets for a walk in the park and get paid for doing so. Babysitting is also a popular choice of part time work for students.
The advantage of taking on part time shifts is that when you are relatively free you can do more work, but you can choose to study or complete assignments when deadlines are due. You need to be able to balance your work and study commitments well, so plan your schedules well ahead. If your employers are banking on you to show up for a work shift, you should not let them down if you haven’t completed your study requirements.
It’s not very hard to find employment when you study abroad. Your network of seniors will be able to help you, or you can check out the employment office at your university. Career websites such as http://www.monster.com also list out jobs for students. Overseas education consultants will also be able to help you pick something suitable.
Students have quite a heavy academic load as it is, and while getting a job may be high on your list of priorities please make sure that you do have the time to manage everything. You will have to cope with theory lectures, online learning modules, practical assignments and your own personal work such as cooking, shopping and laundry.
Before you sign up for any form of employment, make sure that the person you will work for is aware of your academic responsibilities and test schedules. If you have exams coming up, do make sure that they have a replacement and are not suddenly left without help.
When you are undertaking courses that require a lot of contact hours or group studies, then your schedules may not be flexible enough to include a work schedule as well. Make sure you do not give yourself too much stress because your studies must always come first!