If you want to study abroad with a full time job, it will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. In some countries you can study abroad with a full time job – although they have limits on the amount of paid work you can do while studying.
There is often a limit of 20 hours of paid work per week during term time, with full-time work allowed during holidays.
If you don’t need a student visa, chances are you can work as many hours as you want as long as it doesn’t affect your studies, but check with your university and/or the official government website.
If you work while you study, you shouldn’t rely on your salary to cover your living costs, and in many cases you’ll need to prove that you already have enough money to support yourself when you apply for a visa.
Table of contents
Why Work While Studying Abroad?
Work experience that exposes students to the local language is critical to truly developing fluency outside the classroom if this is an important goal for them.
And, of course, the job should fit the student lifestyle, with flexible working hours that don’t interfere with the course schedule and a salary that offsets some of the costs of living abroad.
Whether you choose to work at a local restaurant or a large corporation, your experience can open the door to future opportunities, an interesting network in this country, and meaningful work experience relevant to your degree that you can proudly display on your resume after graduation.
ALSO CHECK: How To Study Abroad Without IELTS In 2023
Can You Study Abroad With A Full Time Job In UK?
Students work part-time during studies and full-time during vacations. You cannot become an entrepreneur or a professional athlete. At the same time, work permits are issued not only by the state, but also by universities.
Universities limit the allowed working hours depending on the study program. Some are only allowed to work on campus, and most doctoral students are not allowed to seek employment at all.
After Brexit, the rules for EU nationals have become uncertain – until the legislation is stabilised, we advise you to check with the Department for Work and Pensions.
ALSO CHECK: How To Study Abroad After College In 2023
List Of Countries You Can Study Abroad With A Full Time Job
- UK: If studying for more than 6 months on a Tier 4 student visa, 20 hours per week during study, 40 hours during holidays.
- France: Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week (964 hours per year). A 20% social insurance contribution is mandatory.
- Spain: Students can work up to 20 hours per week at a job relevant to their field of study. The prospective employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the student.
- Germany: Students can work up to 120 days per year full-time or 240 days part-time. Students studying the language are not eligible.
- Italy: Students can work up to 20 hours per week for one year (1040 in total).
- Ireland: An additional visa is not required. If you study for at least one academic year, students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during the holidays.
- China: Depending on the type of visa, it is possible to work with the permission of your university and various bureaucratic documents. Many people continue to work unofficially in China, but getting caught carries serious consequences and is not recommended, despite the ease of doing so.
- Singapore: Students studying at an approved university and pursuing a full-time degree (not on a semester or year exchange) are permitted to work up to 16 hours per week.
- Australia: An additional visa is not required. Up to 20 hours per week and full time during holidays.
- New Zealand: An additional visa is not required. A student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during holidays.
- Costa Rica: In Costa Rica, it is illegal to work while studying.
ALSO CHECK: Best Places To Study Abroad For English Speakers In 2023
How To Study Abroad With A Full Time Job
Prepare your CV/résumé in advance
A solid resume matters even when helping students find much-needed part-time work as an international student.
Students don’t fill their resumes with fluff; state their skills, education details and details of previous experience, if any. Students should outline all of their goals and use language that is crisp, clear, and to the point.
Job search
A good start is the centre of a university’s career. In addition to providing on-campus and local job listings, they can help students write a job application, prepare for an interview, and answer any questions they may have.
Opportunities on campus
First, there are the obvious roles, such as working part-time in the campus bookstore, library, in positions that are almost always the post office or in the cafeteria.
Every year they are filled by students, especially given the constant influx of foreign citizens looking for work. Again, students must be confident that they can speak the language.
Additional courses
Additional courses can be taken when students enroll in a specific course as part of their study plan, they can always use the money from their part-time job to invest in a course that can give them an additional qualification.
For example, they may sign up for weekend classes or seminars that they feel will add to the knowledge or experience they are gaining during their studies.
Build your network
When students work part-time, they come into contact with people from different walks of life.
From the people they meet regularly at work, to those they communicate with when looking for a new job, to the people they meet on their daily commute, and so on, students will have many opportunities to expand their network in a new country.
As students gain more experience and become more familiar with the culture, they will be able to develop their network, which may come in handy when they are looking for referrals or employment later on.
Internship
Internships are ideal for students who want to build a successful career in a prestigious company that is related to their academic interests. Some internship are paid and students who complete them have a chance to be hired.
If they are not hired, they will receive a solid recommendation for future employment and create contacts with people who may become future colleagues. Internships are perfect for anyone because they allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the field they want to study.
ALSO CHECK: Best Places To Study Abroad In Europe 2023
What Types Of Jobs Are Available For Study Abroad Students?
Work on campus
This is a great option to meet other students outside of international exchange circles and improve your language skills if you want to work in the local language.
Check if your university has a work-study centre or simply ask local students about on-campus job opportunities. Unfortunately, many of these jobs can be administrative or not very exciting, so be prepared for that.
Restaurants and bars
These are usually fun jobs that pay enough to cover living expenses and allow you to interact with the locals. Working as a server or bartender can also be a great way to practice your language.
Walk around a popular area of town, stop and chat with the manager to win a quick gig. Be sure to bring your resume and proof that your visa allows you to legally work in the country.
However, be careful when considering night gigs as the hours and nature of the work can be exhausting and a significant distraction from your studies.
Teaching or tutoring English
If you study at university in a country where English is not the native language, there is usually a high demand for English teachers and tutors. You may find yourself approached on campus or on the street and asked to teach English.
You can use formal or informal learning methods and a quick Google search or chat with your teachers and other foreign classmates will provide plenty of clues.
Translation work
In China, several of my classmates printed their own posters advertising English-Chinese translations at a competitive hourly rate, and set up an email account to handle all requests (usually you translate into your native language, not from it).
Everyone managed to get some extra cash and experience this way – and even a few new friends who just wanted to meet for dinner after seeing a foreigner’s ad.
The same goes for any of your skills. Can you teach music? Cooking? dance? Use your inner entrepreneur and create a job for yourself. Again, check with the university to find out what the legal parameters are for this.
Office work and internship
If you want to get a job that is more relevant to your degree, it will require a lot of hustle and communication, which can distract you from your main focus as a student.
Decide what specific job you want – just focus on what skills you have, what you’d like to learn, and in which organization others can help you find a fit.
Good places to start are your university career center, your professors, other students in your classes, local networking groups in your field, and websites like LinkedIn.
A simple visit to the organizations you would like to work for and a presentation gives the best results.
ALSO CHECK: What Are The Best Places To Study Abroad For International…
Conclusion
There are various reasons that force foreigners to look for a job while studying at university. Some work part-time to cover the high tuition fees. Others find promising internships to gain experience and stay in the country after graduation. And someone is just looking for new experiences and acquaintances. In this article, we have helped you understand how to study abroad with a full time job and whether you should combine studying abroad with work.
References
- gooverseas.com –Can You Work While Studying Abroad?
- edmissions.com – How to get a part-time job while studying abroad
