Lana Oconnell
International students often have to balance their studies with part-time jobs or side hustles to earn extra money. There are many ways to earn extra income as an international student, including on-campus jobs, freelancing, tutoring, internships, and passive income investments. It's important to consider visa restrictions and tax implications when pursuing these opportunities. Online platforms and local job boards can be great resources for finding suitable roles. Side hustles can provide financial freedom, skill development, and networking opportunities for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks. |
| Work type | In-person, online, internships, freelance projects, part-time, full-time, etc. |
| Work ideas | Tutoring, photography, writing, designing, editing, coding, flipping merch, dog-walking, recycling, etc. |
| Passive income ideas | Stock market, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, real estate, etc. |
| Online platforms | Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. |
| Receiving money from overseas | WISE (formerly TransferWise) |
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What You'll Learn
Freelancing
Firstly, you need to identify your skill set. Freelancing specialisms can be connected to your degree, or they can be something you are talented at, such as writing, designing, editing, coding, photography, or even fixing broken electronics.
Next, you need to find clients. There are many websites and apps available online that make it easy for freelancers to find clients and get started. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer offer services in writing, programming, graphic design, and digital marketing. You can also find jobs on online recruitment websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
International students should be mindful of the visa requirements and regulations that may impact their ability to work and earn income. For example, F-1 visa holders can only work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment may require authorization, and there may be tax implications for income earned.
Lastly, consider using a tool like WISE (formerly TransferWise) to receive payments from overseas clients without losing money on bank fees and poor exchange rates. WISE provides local bank details and uses real exchange rates to ensure you receive more of your earnings.
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Online surveys
One of the benefits of online surveys is the flexibility they offer. As an international student, you can choose to complete these surveys in your own time, fitting them around your studies and other commitments. The surveys can be an excellent way to earn money remotely, especially if your visa restricts the number of hours you can work or if you prefer to work from the comfort of your home.
To get started, you can sign up with various survey websites or platforms that cater to international audiences. These platforms may offer a range of surveys, from quick polls to more in-depth questionnaires, allowing you to select the ones that align with your interests and time availability. Some surveys may even be targeted towards students, seeking their unique perspectives and experiences.
It's important to note that the compensation for online surveys can vary. Some surveys may offer small monetary rewards, while others might provide incentives like gift cards, vouchers, or entries into prize draws. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of each survey platform to understand the payment methods and any minimum payout thresholds that may apply.
Additionally, when participating in online surveys, it's essential to be vigilant about your privacy and security. Ensure that you only provide personal information to reputable and trustworthy platforms that prioritize data protection. Remember to review the privacy policies and terms of service to understand how your data will be handled and used.
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Tutoring
To get started, you will need to have good subject knowledge and be able to communicate effectively with students. It is important to have hard proof of your expertise, such as good grades or quality references. You can then sign up for a tutoring platform, create your tutor ad, and interested students will contact you. You can accept or reject their requests and then arrange to meet or start online tutoring.
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Photography
Freelancing
Freelancing is a brilliant way to make money as a photographer. You can offer your services to individuals, families, or even weddings. Consider offering portrait photography, family photography, or event photography. You can also reach out to local businesses to see if they need any product photography or videos for their websites or marketing materials.
Stock Photography
If you have a collection of high-quality photos, you can sell them on websites like Shutterstock. This is a great way to make passive income, as you can upload your photos and then continue to earn money from them over time.
If you know your local area well, you can offer photography tours to vacationers or locals looking for unique experiences. You can partner with travel agencies or connect with travel photographers and tourist groups on social media to promote your tours. This way, you can make money while also sharing your love of photography and your local knowledge with others.
Editing and Retouching
If you're skilled with editing software, you can offer photo editing and retouching services. Many photographers are willing to pay for help with editing their photos, and this can be done easily from home and at flexible hours.
Blogging
Starting a photography blog can help establish you as an expert in the field, and it's a great way to generate income through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. You can place ads on your blog and get paid every time a visitor clicks on an ad. You can also include affiliate links in your posts, where you receive a commission when a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.
Building a Portfolio
It's important to build a portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients. You can use a platform like Wix to create a professional photography website. You can also leverage your student status to offer competitive rates and stand out from other photographers.
Remember to network and get involved with local photography clubs and associations to build connections and find potential clients. With some creativity and flexibility, you can turn your passion for photography into a lucrative side hustle!
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On-campus jobs
As an international student, you can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. On-campus jobs are a great way to earn some extra money and gain work experience. They are also convenient as you don't have to spend time and money travelling to work.
- Library assistant
- Research assistant
- Student ambassador
- IT assistant
- Sales assistant
- Front desk receptionist
- Teaching assistant
- Tutor or peer mentor
To find on-campus jobs, reach out to your student advisor, professors, and colleagues. You can also look at your university's website or in-house listservs, or ask other students during orientation. Additionally, you can apply for work-study programs, which are government-funded financial aid initiatives that provide part-time jobs to students.
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Frequently asked questions
A side hustle is a flexible job that allows you to earn extra income while gaining valuable skills and experience. It is often passion-driven and complements your studies. Examples include tutoring, freelancing, and selling your photographs.
WISE (formerly TransferWise) is a useful tool for international students. WISE provides you with local bank details, allowing you to receive payments as if you had a local bank account.
Online surveys and user testing are great ways to earn extra money. You can participate in market research or website usability tests. You can also become a social media influencer or start a YouTube channel or blog.
The type of student visa you have will determine your requirements and eligibility for working in the US. For example, students with an F-1 or J-1 visa can work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
You can flip merchandise on eBay, Facebook, or Craigslist. You can also do labor work, such as helping people move or mowing lawns. If you have the skills, you can offer to fix broken electronics, smartphone screens, or furniture.
