Receiving a Job on Part-Time Basis during Study Abroad
Going to school in another country can be fun, but expensive. With tuition, rent, groceries and weekend adventures to pay for, your bank account is probably feeling the heat. The good news? Most nations permit their foreign students to work part-time while studying. So that you can make money, get work experience and meet new people — all whilst still scraping through your degree!
The right part-time job abroad is more than just about earning extra cash. It’s an opportunity to practice the local language, add some heft to your résumé and gain fresh skills that can serve you well after graduation. Whether you prefer to work on campus, at a coffee shop or even online there plenty of types to choose from.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about part-time work as an international student. We’ll review the types of jobs you can get, how many hours you can work, what rules you must follow and how to find the right position. So, let’s get stuck in and find out how you can master working while studying.
Can International Students Actually Work?
Before you can even start applying for jobs, you need to know if you’re legally eligible to work. The regulations are different in every country, and violating them could land you in serious trouble, if not get you deported.
Work Permission Basics
Most countries do permit international students to work, but there are restrictions. Here’s what to look for:
Your visa type matters. Work permissions are typically embedded in student visas, but some have limitations. Read your visa papers or go to the international office of your university.
Hour limits are real. In many countries students are limited to the number of hours they can work during term time. For instance, you might be limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session but have no hourly limit on breaks.
Some jobs are off-limits. International students may be limited in certain sectors, government or other sensitive areas.
Country-Specific Rules Overview
| Country | Weekly Work Hour Limit (Term Time) | Holiday Work | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 20 hours (on-campus), restricted off-campus | Full-time permitted | F-1 visa with appropriate authorization |
| United Kingdom | 20 hours | Full-time permitted | Student Visa |
| Canada | 20 hours | Full-time permitted | Study Permit |
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight | Unlimited as long as it is full time | Student Visa (subclass 500) |
| Germany | 120 full days or 240 half days annually | Included in annual limit | Residence permit |
| New Zealand | 20 hours | Full-time permitted | Student Visa |
Immigration policies can change, so always check the latest rules with official government websites.
Jobs You Can Find On Campus
Campus work is typically the most accessible to international students. They’re convenient, they work around your classes and your employer already knows you are a student.
Library Assistant
One of the most common student jobs is at the university library. You’ll assist other students in finding books, checking out materials, shelving and occasionally with technology.
Pros: The job is quiet, so if you work in the library during a slow time, you can study. And, as I say, you’re awash in everything you need to write your own assignments.
What you’ll make: Usually minimum wage or slightly more — say, $10-15 an hour, depending on the country.
Dining Hall Staff
University cafeterias and dining halls can always use additional staff. Perhaps you’re a cashier, delivering food or busing tables.
Why it’s good: You usually receive free meals when you work a shift; saves money. The hours are flexible, typically around meal times so they don’t disrupt class.
What you will make: Minimum wage, plus the added value of free food.
Student Ambassador
At many universities, current students are employed to lead campus tours, assist at recruitment events and respond to inquiries from potential students and their parents.
Why it’s great: You’ll gain valuable speech-making experience and wonderful relationships with university employees. It also adds luster to your résumé.
What you’ll make: $12-18 an hour, plus extra for special events.
Research Assistant
If you are strong in an area of study, professors may hire you to work on research projects. You’ll gather data, conduct experiments, compile reports or help write reports.
Why it’s awesome: This gives you relevant work experience in your expected field of study. It can result in letters of recommendation, networking and can even result in co-authoring research.
What you’ll make: More than most campus jobs, usually around $15-25 an hour.
Tech Support and IT Help Desk
Colleges have to hire staff to assist students and faculty members with computer issues, software inquiries, technology troubleshooting.
Why it’s cool: If you’re already computer literate, this sharpens skills that can apply to virtually any career. The environment at work usually is calm.
What you’d make: $13 to 20 an hour, depending on your technical skill level.
Off-Campus Job Options
When you get more familiar with the area and work culture, off-campus jobs can be even more feasible. These jobs get you connected to the local community and often pay a little better.
Retail Store Worker
Clothing shops, bookstores, grocery stores and similar retail businesses hire part-time help all the time. You will assist customers, stock merchandise, work cash registers and maintain the cleanliness of the store.
Best for: Talkative, upbeat students who are active and chat all the time. Retail is a learning ground for customer service skills that employers adore.
Average pay: Minimum wage to $14 an hour, often with discounts for employees.
Restaurant and Cafe Jobs
Restaurants and cafes rarely don’t need part-time help. You might be a server, or barista, kitchen helper, host.
Best for: Students who thrive under pressure and can tolerate busyness around them. You will frequently receive tips in addition to your hourly wage.
Average pay: $10-15 an hour, not including tips which often double that number.
Tutoring
You can also pass your knowledge to other students or local school children through tutoring certain subjects you do well in. Math, science, English and test prep are perpetually needed.
Best for: Patient students who like to teach. You decide your own hours and rates.
Average pay: $15-40 per hour, depending on the subject and your level of experience.
Childcare and Babysitting
Reliable babysitters are also in high demand by many families. You’re going to supervise children, assist with homework, make meals and sometimes do a bit of light housework.
Best for: Responsible students who enjoy kids. The work can be irregular, but it pays well.
Average pay: $12 to $20 an hour, but pay is often higher for additional children or late nights.
Delivery Driver
Using apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash and similar services, you are able to deliver food on your schedule by bike, scooter or car.
Ideal for: The independent student looking for flexibility. You need reliable transportation.
Average pay: $10 to $20 an hour after expenses, based heavily on tips and location.
Remote and Online Work Opportunities
The internet has enabled a whole new way to make some cash without ever having to leave your dorm room. Ideal when your schedule is sporadic, or during exam time.
Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Websites and online businesses are looking for content writers to provide content for blogs, social media, product/service descriptions and other contributions. If you are a good writer, that may be just right.
Where to find work: Sites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer link workers with clients from all over the world.
What you’ll earn: $10 to $50 and beyond per hour, according to your skills and the project.
Online Tutoring
Now you’re able to teach from anywhere in the world via video calls. English tutoring is particularly in-demand if you’re a native speaker or near fluent.
Where to find a job: Websites such as VIPKid, Cambly and Preply hire online tutors.
What you’ll make: $15-30 per hour, and sometimes more for specialized subjects.
Virtual Assistant
Entrepreneurs and small businesses hire virtual assistants to manage emails, book appointments, maintain social media accounts and complete other administrative functions.
Where to find work: There are remote job boards, such as Remote.co and We Work Remotely.
What you’ll make: $10-25 an hour, with exceptions based on your duties.
Social Media Management
If you’re skilled at creating content for Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, small businesses may want to hire you to manage their accounts.
Where to find work: Contact local businesses directly or search on freelance platforms.
What you’ll make: $15–35 per hour, or fixed monthly rates.
Data Entry and Transcription
These jobs typically involve processing data through typing, such as by entering information into databases or transcribing audio recordings into written text. They are simple but demand precision and concentration.
Where to get work: Websites such as Rev, TranscribeMe and Clickworker.
What you’ll make: $8-15 an hour for new workers.
How to Effectively Balance Work and School
Working while going to school may seem ideal until you find yourself swamped with homework and tired from work. It’s all about balance, and rhythm.
Time Management Strategies
Create a master schedule. Record all of your classes, study time, work hours and personal time. This helps you see where you may be overcommitting.
Use your free periods wisely. That two-hour gap between classes? Great for homework or a brief work shift.
Learn to say no. If your employer needs you to work overtime during midterms, it is okay to say no. Your education comes first.
Prioritizing Your Education
The purpose is first and foremost a study destination, not a work opportunity. Keep these priorities straight:
- Never skip class to work
- Scout for work during your lightest academic seasons
- Cut back on work if you see your grades beginning to fall
- Tell your employer you have an exam in advance
Signs You’re Working Too Much
Watch for these warning signals:
- Missing assignment deadlines regularly
- Feeling constantly exhausted
- Your grades are dropping
- You’re getting sick more often
- You don’t have time for friends or to relax
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to begin cutting back on work hours.
How to Snag Your Ideal Part-Time Gig
And finding a job can be overwhelming, especially in a new country. These tactics will help you find something that works for you.
Start Early
You don’t have to wait until you’re out of cash to start looking for work. Start looking as soon as you arrive — or before. Most on-campus jobs are taken in the first two weeks of the semester.
Use Your University Resources
Career centers and student job boards. Most schools have a center dedicated to helping students find jobs after graduation. They list positions that will be considerate of student schedules and visa limitations.
Network with Other Students
Check with classmates, roommates and people in your program or dorm for where they work. The greatest opportunities often come from referrals.
Prepare a Simple Resume
Even for an entry-level job, having a resume proves you’re professional. Include:
- Your education and major
- Any work experience (even from your home country)
- Relevant skills (languages, computer programs, etc.)
- Volunteer work or leadership activities
Practice Common Interview Questions
Be ready to answer:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What’s your availability?
- How are you going to manage work and school?
- What are your strengths?
Be Honest About Your Limitations
Let prospective employers know before you are hired what your visa constraints are, and how many hours you can work. Honesty prevents problems later.
Money Management for Working Students
Earning money is one thing, managing it wisely is another. This is how you can use your paychecks to your best advantage.
Set Up a Local Bank Account
Open a bank account in your new host country for the following reasons:
- Receive your paychecks easily
- Avoid international transaction fees
- Build a local credit history
Create a Simple Budget
Monitor where your money is going each month:
- Fixed costs: Rent, utilities, phone bill, insurance
- Variable expenses: Food, transportation, entertainment
- Savings: Seek to save a minimum of 10-15% of your income
Save for Emergencies
Start an emergency fund, aim for at least $500-$1000. It is also a safety net when an unexpected expense arises.
Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
You don’t have to spend every penny you earn. Do not level up too fast with your lifestyle — the savings will come into play later.
Legal and Tax Responsibilities
Employment in a foreign country also involves dealing with paperwork and taxes. Don’t ignore this stuff—it’s important.
Getting Your Work Documents
You’ll likely need:
- A tax ID number (in the US, this might be a Social Security Number or UK equivalent)
- Evidence of your eligibility to work (visa documentation)
- Sometimes a local ID card
Ask your university’s international office to help you obtain these documents.
Paying Taxes
Yes, you will likely be taxed on your earnings. The good news? Many countries have tax treaties with each other that serve to avoid double taxation.
Keep these records:
- All pay stubs
- Tax forms from your employer
- Receipts for work-related expenses
You may be able to recover some of your taxes when you file, so don’t skip this step.
Staying Legal
Violating work rules can result in serious repercussions:
- Fines
- Visa cancellation
- Deportation
- Ban from re-entering the country
It’s not worth the risk. Always adhere to the hour limits and work conditions on your visa.
Building Skills That Matter
Part-time work isn’t just about the money – it’s about growing as a person and professional.
Soft Skills You’ll Develop
Communication: Speaking to customers, coworkers and bosses in a second language will give you confidence.
Problem-solving: Every job has challenges. You’ll learn to think fast, on your feet.
Time management: Working and studying forces you to organize your life better.
Teamwork: Few jobs are done in isolation, and most involve collaboration with others toward joint goals.
Reliability: Being on time and doing your work well will earn you a good reputation.
Making Your Work Experience Count
Set goals and keep a record of them. Did you serve more than 100 customers a day? Train new employees? Increase sales? Document these accomplishments for your résumé.
Ask for recommendation letters. If you do well, ask supervisors for letters before you leave. Those are gold when you’re applying for jobs later.
Connect on LinkedIn. Connect with your bosses and co-workers on LinkedIn.
Common Difficulties and Solutions
Working overseas presents its own challenges. Here’s how to handle them.
Language Barriers
If the local language isn’t your first language, work can feel extra hard to start.
Solutions:
- Pick jobs with matching language proficiency level
- Practice common work phrases
- Request that colleagues talk more slowly and distinctly
- Leverage language learning apps during downtime
Cultural Differences
The atmosphere of the office changes a lot from country to country. What is considered normal in your home country might be rude in another place.
Solutions:
- Observe how local workers behave
- Ask questions when you’re unsure
- Embrace new methods of getting things done
- Research local workplace etiquette
Homesickness While Working
Feeling homesick is normal — and work stress can heighten it.
Solutions:
- Keep in touch with family by using the video calling function
- Make friends with coworkers
- Become part of the community by joining student groups
- Remember that feeling like this is only temporary
Difficult Customers or Coworkers
You’ll eventually meet rude customers or unhelpful colleagues.
Solutions:
- Remain professional when others aren’t
- If someone steps over the line, talk with your manager
- Try not to take it personally—it’s almost never about you
- Concentrate on what you do like about the job
How to Utilize Your Work Experience
That part-time job can lead to places you don’t even realize it will. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
Turn Your Job Into Networking
Everyone you meet is a new contact. You should be nice to customers, work on relationships with co-workers and get to know your supervisors. You never know who will be an asset to your career later.
Look for Growth Opportunities
Even in a basic job, you can find ways to take on more responsibility. When you see any opportunity to volunteer for different tasks, offer to bring new people up to speed on the job or give ideas on how processes can be improved. This shows initiative and leadership.
Transition to Better Positions
Take whatever job you can get, but don’t stop looking for better ones. After you’ve gained some local work experience, you become more marketable to employers who pay a higher salary or offer more relevant positions.
Your Next Steps
Working part time while you study abroad is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll make money, you’ll gain experience and you will have memories for life.
Begin by verifying your visa limitations and what is legal. Then see how jobs meet your interests — be that a quiet library job, something more social at a cafe or fast food joint or remote work via internet. Some positions may not materialize, so apply for multiple to have the best chance and don’t take a few “no”s personally.
Keep in mind that school should always be your priority. Your job should help you pay for school and life overseas, not be overwhelming. Strike the perfect balance, manage your time effectively and keep yourself organized.
The skills that you develop from part-time work — communication, responsibility, independence — will serve you long after graduation. You’re not just making money, you’re investing in your future self. And having a job allows you to interact with the community in ways that classroom learning can’t match.
So take that first step. Update your résumé, drop by the career center at your university, or apply at that coffee shop you pass on campus every day. Your perfect part-time job is out there waiting for you. You’ll find work that easily fits into your schedule, helps pay for the bills, and adds to your study abroad experience if you approach it positively.
It’s a big world — full of opportunities for students who will work hard and keep an open mind. Go out there and grab them. And so your adventure — educational and professional — begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
As an international student, can I work full time?
In most countries, international students are limited to part-time work during term time (normally 20 hours a week). But many are able to work full time during official school breaks and holidays. Refer to your individual visa terms for specific regulations.
Do I need a special permission in order to work?
It depends on your country and type of visa. In most locations, part-time work is included in your student visa automatically. In others, you must apply for a separate work permit. Whether or not you would be allowed to work largely depends on the extent and type of your visa, and it’s best to check with your international student office before taking a job.
What if I work more hours than I’m supposed to?
This is a violation of immigration law. Penalties may range from fines, to visa cancellation, deportation and being refused entry to the country. Always keep track of your hours diligently, and never allow them to exceed legal limits.
Are part-time jobs on campus easier to obtain than off campus ones?
Generally, yes. On-campus employers understand that schedules change frequently with student workers, as well as the visa issues. They tend to be more flexible and understanding about needing time off for exams. Many colleges also favor their students for campus jobs.
What is the average monthly income that a part-time worker can make?
This can vary widely depending on where you are, what sort of work you do, and how much you work. Fifteen to 20 hours per week at minimum wage might get you $600-$1,200 a month as an approximate range. This could cover groceries, entertainment and transportation — but likely not full rent in pricier cities.
Should I work during the first semester abroad?
Most advisors advise that you settle in during your first semester when you are getting used to a new country, education system and culture. But if you need income right away, begin with only a few hours per week and add gradually as you ease into it.
Can I work remotely for companies in my home country?
This gets complicated legally. In some countries, any work counts towards your working hour limits — even if you’re working remotely for companies based abroad. Others have different rules. Speak to an immigration adviser before undertaking any remote work, to ensure that it doesn’t contravene your visa.
What if I can’t find a job?
Don’t panic. Keep applying, cast a wider net for all types of jobs, strengthen your resume and interview skills. Ask your career center to help. Think about volunteering first; you can gain local experience and references to get paid opportunities down the line.
