Moving abroad can be a big and scary choice. Moving to a new place with new people, a new language, and new challenges can be a life-changing experience. Most come back home after 6 months or a year with new stories and new friends to learn from and to remember forever, many forget about the more mundane things that you need to do when you move abroad.
Experiences, food, and school supplies can all add up and cost a lot of money, meaning that many who study abroad need to find a job and work to live, and so that they can make the most out of their experience. For many, working is not just for money but helps them to really experience the country, practice speaking with locals, and meet people they may not have met just at school.
However, finding a job in a foreign country is easier said than done. With language barriers and a lack of experience in that particular country when it comes to work, it’s difficult to find jobs that will take students from abroad.
However, this isn’t the end for those who do want to work when they study abroad. There are several jobs that students can do to earn money, meet others, and build up experience when working abroad.
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1. On-campus jobs: convenient and flexible
On-campus jobs are perfect for most students as they are provided by the university and are built around education. Not only are they paid well, but they are also only for students, which reduces competition for roles. Some universities may even have specific roles for international students, as well as roles for specific areas of study. These roles usually include a library assistant, an admin support or a campus ambassador. Not only will they work around student schedules, but the job also helps you to meet other students and staff in a way that isn’t forced and based on collaboration.
2. Hospitality and retail: easy entry roles
Jobs like baristas, waitresses or shop assistants are simple entry-level roles that are usually easy to work around your school schedule. If you are exchanging in larger cities, many bars or tourist spots want students who can speak English to work there, which gives international students an advantage. In addition, customer-facing roles such as this are great for improving customer skills and communication, which you can take into all corners of your life. In addition, these jobs are also a great way to meet younger people who may not go to university and locals who can give you an insight into the city that you may not have ever seen or heard about.
3. Freelancing and remote work
Roles that you can do from the comfort of your bedroom, such as writing, graphic design, social media management or a virtual call assistant, are perfect for international students or those working abroad. Not only does this allow you to build a portfolio while studying, but jobs such as these are fully flexible and can completely work around your schedule and personal life. For many, this can follow them back home when they move back, and can even become a career for some.
4. Tutoring: Share your knowledge
Tutoring is an obvious choice for many when they study abroad, as it lets you teach either something that you have a passion for or teach your native language, which for many is relatively easy. In addition, many countries have a high demand for language tutors and academic support, which means there will be many positions available and lots of work for students who choose to go this route. Many tutoring jobs also pay much higher than entry-level jobs, which means students can work shorter hours and have more time for studying and their personal life.
5. Internships: gain experience whilst earning
Many who study abroad want to gain valuable experience not only socially but also in their studies. This may include taking part in internships abroad in their field of study. Students may find internships through the university or on apps such as student internship websites. Some of these opportunities may be part-time, whereas others may be full-time paid opportunities, allowing students to earn money and experience at the same time. Not only does this give students valuable experience, but it also helps them to build professional networks abroad that may help them in the future. For most students, this can strengthen their CV and help with future job applications when they finish university, which can help to set them apart.
Final thoughts
Overall, finding a job as a student doesn’t have to feel impossible, whether you choose to become a virtual call assistant or find an internship related to your chosen subject; therefore, something for everyone. So if you’re moving abroad or already live abroad and want to earn some extra money or experience, try one of these options.