Youth Incorporated Magazine

Travelling to a foreign country for the purpose of pursuing higher education is altogether a unique experience in one’s lifetime. It is that stage in life where freedom, independence, and self-responsibility must go hand in hand.  So it is up to you how you make the most of this opportunity. While education must be your main goal, there are many other activities that you must engage in too, to have a wholesome study abroad experience. One such activity is taking up part-time jobs. 

Universities of the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and many others offer its international students the opportunity to take up part-time jobs while studying. Students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during vacations (these hours might vary depending on the countries). 

• Taking up part-time jobs is essential for the holistic development of the personality.
• Part-time jobs allow students to gain hands-on experience in the real world making it easier for them to get jobs after the completion of their studies.
• It helps them build their network and thus opens up the door to more opportunities
• Part-time jobs develop self-confidence and lead to a better understanding of society and its way of functioning.
• It teaches one to work with a team with co-operation and hones interpersonal skills.
• Part-time jobs also let the students earn money which helps them to better their stay in a foreign country.

Most of the jobs available are within the university campus. Part-time jobs include teaching assistance, tutoring, campus tour guide, library monitoring, etc. These jobs are available in every university and for all the students. Besides on-campus jobs, students can also take up part-time jobs outside the campus in the form of internships and freelance projects. Assisting at a store, restaurants, bars are also common types of part-time jobs available for students. 

To look for the availability of such jobs, there are a few helpful options at one’s disposal: 

Internet: Today, the best way to find anything, is with the help of the internet. You can either look for internships on platforms like LinkedIn or join social media groups where people post about multiple availabilities of jobs. This is the most common and easiest way to apply for jobs. 

Friends: Sometimes your friends too can help you get the right job. Their connection and social circle can help in introducing you to various part-time job opportunities. So make an attempt to discuss your hunt for jobs with them and ask for their help. 

Attending festivals: Many times, companies and startups approach colleges to look for interns. Attending various college cultural festivals and fairs can help you connect with such recruiters and land an internship/part-time job of your choice. 

If none of these work, you can always go to places and check for job openings. You can also participate in volunteering work with local administrative bodies and NGOs. 

Taking up a part-time job while studying abroad offers a plethora of benefits. It helps you earn money that can cover your expenses of minor things such as groceries or laundry. It also adds great value and weight to your resume. So this is something you must take into serious consideration. 

Although studying abroad is all about pursuing a quality education and enjoying freedom, it is also about self-development which must not be forgotten if you are planning to study abroad.