In recent years, many Indian students have been opting to head abroad for their higher studies. This decision often stems from the desire to seek global exposure, higher quality education, and better career prospects. While studying overseas, part-time jobs become a key part of the student's experience. They can offer a lot more than just reducing financial costs, let’s see how!
Why Students Abroad Choose to Work Part-Time
Students who take education loans to fund their international studies soon realize that these loans might not necessarily cover every small expense of their duration abroad- like food, transport, entertainment, or emergencies. Hence, it has become rather common for students studying abroad to engage in part-time jobs to fulfill those additional minor costs. But finances are only one of the many reasons.
Part-time jobs help students to gain work experience and build a sense of independence. They also help understand how professional life works in a new country. Students also develop soft skills such as time management, communication and adaptability. Additionally, it educates them about the local culture, going beyond the academic perspective.
Another benefit of working part-time is the repetitive exposure to the local currency. Gradually, students can grow financially responsible by getting used to thinking and budgeting in a different currency. Furthermore, part-time jobs are a great way to build a professional network that can be valuable for future career opportunities.
Do Part-Time Jobs Affect Academic Performance?
A common query among international students is “Will this affect my GPA?”
There have been a range of longitudinal research studies that attempted to explore the correlation between working part-time and studying. They roughly came to the following similar conclusions. Working for more hours than generally advised, or working unrelated jobs has shown to have small but real negative effects on grades. However, purposeful, career-related work can help or at least not harm academic performance.
When all’s said and done, the results are subjective. It primarily depends on how you manage your time. Balancing work and studies in a new country can be challenging at first; but with good planning, many students find it possible to do so. At the same time, it is important to not overcommit. You must first analyze your course workload and avoid any extra stress. Most universities suggest no more than 20 hours of work per week during the semester. This helps ensure that studies remain the primary focus.
Popular Part-Time Student Jobs Abroad
Different countries have their own regulations regarding the number of hours that a student with specific visa requirements can work. It is advised to do your prior research and confirm these details with your university to avoid any complications.
For example, individuals on a standard student visa to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time, during the vacation period. In other cases, universities require students to limit their working space to on-campus jobs only.
- On-Campus Jobs
- Teaching Assistant: If you tend to lean towards academic environments, you can network with your professors for this part-time job position. This role entails responsibilities such as helping the instructor by handing out/collecting assignments, grading, and other classroom tasks.
- Library Assistant: This role involves supporting library operations such as shelving books, assisting visitors, and managing checkouts at your university library.
- Research Study Assistant: This is a great hands-on work experience for those looking to pursue a PhD or academia in the future. The job description typically involves duties like collecting and analyzing data for academic or scientific research projects.
- Production Assistant: Many universities emphasize extra-curriculars, and stage theatrical productions and other cultural events. These require a lot of backstage and technical work. A production assistant ensures the smooth flow of these events from behind the curtains.
- Catering Assistant: Catering assistants can work in university cafeterias and restaurants. This is a suitable job for those pursuing courses on hospitality.
- Campus Tour-Guide: Universities that boast of huge and historic properties often require campus tour-guides for prospective students, parents and visitors. An individual can apply for this job in their second or third year when they are better acquainted with the campus.
- Tutoring: Students can offer academic assistance to their peers or other students in specific subjects.
- Off-Campus Jobs
- Hospitality: Students can take up roles in hotels, cafes, or restaurants.
- Retail: Students can work in local stores by helping customers, stocking shelves, managing the cash register etc.
Babysitting and customer service are a couple of other options. Students can also opt for online jobs such as content writer, freelancer, online tutor, web designer, social media manager etc.
For students studying abroad, part-time jobs are more than just a source of finance for additional expenses. They are an essential aspect of their learning journey. It gives them real world experience, cultural exposure, and valuable skills. With smart time management and awareness of local work laws, students can successfully balance work and academics.
