5 Benefits of Part-time Jobs for International Students

Akriti has worked on several on-campus job opportunities at The University of Illinois at Chicago, ranging from an usher job at the music school’s concert office to working at Mcdonald’s. While finding part-time work can be tricky for an international student, working on campus is an enriching experience. Thus, without a doubt, part-time jobs while studying offer several benefits to students. 

Prospective international students who desire to work while studying abroad can choose on-campus, off-campus, or co-op employment. While there are many benefits, you should be cognizant of the requirements to fulfill to work on or off campus. Moreover, comprehend that jobs and pay rates vary based on the university, country, or province. 

The time that you will receive after your coursework can be utilized to aggregate cognitive surplus. Moreover, those who balance work and graduation also have increased chances of higher earnings as they have impressive and more developed resumes. 

Start Your Study Abroad Journey with upGrad Abroad

Top Benefits of Part-time Jobs for International Students 

Before you start looking for a job abroad, you should first understand how it can help you while you are studying there. Here are a slew of reasons you can benefit from a part-time job while studying abroad. 

Extra Income: Alleviate YOUR Study Abroad Financial Burden 

Akriti, in her sophomore year, worked at her university as a general technician for an event company in tandem with being a campus connector. As a campus connector, she helped international students adjust to life in the US. She started earning $9.25 an hour and then increased to $11 an hour due to a minimum wage increase.

Financing for study abroad dreams won’t be the same for all international students. If you took the assistance of a loan to realize your dream, then part-time jobs will act as a benefit for you in terms of managing expenses. This gives you some financial security to fall back on out of your student budget. Moreover, it can help you to manage your study loan and the cost of living while studying abroad. 

While many on-campus jobs are paid, you should comprehend that the work might need to generate more money to cover all your expenses. However, several other students agree that there are many other advantages, such as becoming more fluent in English.

Understand the Colloquial and Enhance YOUR Social Skills 

You can witness the dichotomy of cultures and languages during your initial days in a foreign land. However, as a freshman, you will be introduced to your cohort and get a chance to overcome the language and cultural barriers. 

If the primary reason to study abroad is to build a career in a desirable foreign country, then you need to understand the social and cultural background. One of the benefits of working part-time for students is learning a new language and better comprehension of the people in a particular location. Moreover, it will allow you to observe them in a relaxed environment. 

Practical Experience/ Understanding the Work Culture 

In addition to earning money that covers your tuition fee, looking for off or on-campus work can be a cornerstone in enriching your study abroad experience.

From intrapersonal to cognitive skills, you will learn the paramount role of leadership skills and teamwork. Moreover, you will gain hands-on experience understanding the best practices to combat real-world predicaments. Without an iota of doubt, these skills and a fair understanding of the work culture are essential. 

Networking: The Secret Sauce to Advance YOUR Career 

You might need more than just being a high scorer to land the job opportunity of your dreams. So, what can you do to add an edge to your CV? Part-time job. 

Opting for a part-time job will help you connect with people from different walks of life. It won’t only limit you to connecting with people you are aligned with directly but the ones you meet while you commute and more. This leads to a slew of networking opportunities. With enhanced familiarity with the culture, you can connect better and leverage your network. Moreover, if you showcase impeccable work ethics and results, you might even get hired by the company you opt to do your part-time job.

Bolster YOUR Confidence 

Having a sense of independence is another perk of having a part-time job for students. Managing your time between work and university teaches you a lot. You pick up skills for managing your time, money, and social life. Your life will feel more independent due to the skills you develop, the friends you create, and how you discover how to pay for your education. As a result, you will be more than prepared to confront the world when you step outside.

So, which part-time jobs can you opt for?

The waitressing, sales, translation, content writing, and blogging industries offer some of the best-paying student jobs. Your academic success will always come first as a college student. However, juggling the act is what life is all about. You may succeed academically, work part-time, and still enjoy college with smart planning.