Janice Lozano
International students often take on part-time jobs to earn money and gain work experience while studying abroad. The type of work they can qualify for may depend on their visa status, with some visas limiting the number of working hours. On-campus jobs are a popular choice for international students, as universities often have policies that make it easier to secure this type of work. These jobs offer flexibility and proximity to the student's academic life, and some may even provide free housing. International students can also look for off-campus part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering opportunities to gain experience and support themselves financially.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks |
| Visa eligibility | Student visa, H-1B Visa, TN, or O1 visa |
| Job type | On-campus jobs, internships, part-time, full-time |
| Salary | $24,205 to $62,315 per year |
| Job roles | Usher, food runner, barista, sales associate, peer mentor, brand ambassador, research study assistant, department assistant, teaching assistant, library assistant, receptionist, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
There are various on-campus job opportunities available for international students, including:
- Research Assistant: Research assistant positions are a great way for students to gain experience in their field of study. Research assistants can expect to work on various projects, conduct research, maintain lab equipment, and collate results. This role may require relevant experience and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Teaching Assistant: Teaching assistants support professors in the classroom and may also grade assignments or facilitate discussions. This role can provide valuable teaching experience and enhance one's CV.
- Library Assistant: Working in the library offers a quiet and convenient job opportunity for students. Tasks may include shelving books, assisting patrons, and maintaining the library facilities.
- Department Assistant: Department assistants provide administrative support to a specific department within the university. This role can help students develop transferable skills such as computer literacy, teamwork, and communication.
- Campus Ambassador: Campus ambassadors promote the university and interact with prospective students. They may give guided tours, share their experiences, and participate in outreach activities. This role is perfect for students who enjoy interacting with people and working in a team.
- Hospitality: Universities often have cafes, restaurants, and dining facilities that offer part-time jobs for students. Hospitality jobs are flexible and can easily fit around a student's schedule.
To find on-campus job opportunities, students can check their college's online job board, career services, or notice boards around the campus. Networking with faculty members and peers can also help students learn about potential job openings. Additionally, international students should be aware of any work authorization requirements and adhere to restrictions on working hours.
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Part-time jobs
International students often take on part-time jobs to support themselves financially while studying abroad. Part-time jobs can help students develop life skills, meet new people, and enhance their CVs. However, visa eligibility may affect the types of jobs international students can qualify for. For instance, students with F1 visas can generally only work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during term time. During holiday periods, this limit increases to 40 hours a week.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are a popular choice for international students as they tend to pay in line with or above the minimum wage. Some on-campus job options include:
- Teaching assistant or teacher's aide: Upper-year undergraduate or postgraduate students can assist faculty members in teaching and supporting their peers. This role can enhance resumes, provide a deeper understanding of the field of study, and allow students to impact their peers' learning experiences.
- Research assistant: Students can connect with professors for research assistant roles, gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Usher: On college campuses, ushers help seat people attending guest lectures, theatre productions, concerts, or other events.
- Production or event assistant: Students can handle the logistics and administration of student events on campus, working with a diverse group of people and positively impacting campus life.
- Campus ambassador: Campus ambassadors promote the university and showcase why prospective students should apply. They may also give guided tours and share their knowledge and experiences.
- Library assistant: Library assistants help students and staff with library-related tasks and gain valuable experience in an academic environment.
- Receptionist: Receptionists are often the first point of contact for visitors and are responsible for creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Catering assistant: Catering assistants work in university cafeterias and restaurants, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality and catering.
- Sales assistant: International students can work in campus stores, including grocery, bookstores, and clothing stores. These roles provide the convenience of being on campus and may offer employee discounts.
Off-Campus Jobs
Off-campus jobs often require authorization for international students. Some off-campus job options include:
- Barista: Working in a cafe or restaurant, baristas prepare and sell beverages and food items. This role can be ideal for students who live on or close to campus.
- Freelancer: Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing students to work from anywhere and set their rates and availability. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr offer freelance opportunities.
- Tutor: Tutoring allows international students to provide academic assistance and share their knowledge and perspectives with fellow students.
- Social media administrator: Students skilled in social media navigation can oversee a company's social media presence and create content. This role can often be done completely online.
- Customer service representative: These roles allow international students to interact with customers and provide assistance.
- Waiter, bartender, or other hospitality roles: Hospitality jobs offer flexibility in working hours, making them ideal for balancing with studies.
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Internships
When applying for internships, international students should consider their goals, interests, and skills, and seek opportunities that align with their long-term career aspirations. It is also important to research companies and positions that they are eligible for, especially those with a strong record of hiring international talent and offering visa sponsorship. Networking and building connections are crucial, as they can provide insights and referrals for internship opportunities.
International students should also be mindful of special deadlines, visa requirements, and work authorization regulations when applying for internships. They can leverage their transferable skills, language proficiencies, and growth mindset to stand out as attractive candidates.
There are a variety of internships available for international students, including those offered by prominent companies such as Accenture, Adobe Systems, IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation, Cisco Systems, Google, and LinkedIn. These companies offer internships in diverse fields, including technology, strategy and consulting, and creative industries.
Additionally, international students interested in global internships can explore opportunities in various countries. For example, Intern Abroad HQ offers internships in Japan and Thailand, providing a blend of cultural immersion and professional development. Other resources like GoAbroad.com provide directories for internships abroad, allowing students to search by destination, career field, or timeframe.
Overall, internships offer international students a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their skills, and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
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Volunteering
International students on F-1 or M-1 visas in the US are allowed to volunteer at non-profit organizations with charitable or humanitarian causes, without receiving any compensation. Examples of volunteer work include mentoring and tutoring students, helping out at animal shelters, supporting local homeless shelters, charitable food pantries, or organizations like the American Red Cross.
When considering volunteer work, it is essential to understand the distinction between volunteering and unpaid employment. According to the US Department of Labor, a volunteer is an individual who performs hours of service for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons without expecting or receiving compensation. Remember that as a volunteer, you should not be performing the same services for which you would typically be paid.
Before committing to any volunteer opportunity, ensure that you are familiar with the relevant policies and regulations, especially those outlined by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Labor, to avoid any potential violations.
By choosing meaningful volunteer work and staying informed about the rules, international students can have a rewarding and beneficial experience that contributes to their personal growth and positively impacts their host communities.
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Visa eligibility
For international students in the US, the type of visa they hold will determine their eligibility to work. The two main types of student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 students are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week, and they may accept on-campus employment without any additional work authorization. They can also have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after one year of academic study, which is commonly for internships. After the first academic year, F-1 students may also engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship employment. However, off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official.
M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus training employment must be related to their field of study and authorized by the Designated School Official.
For long-term work in the US after graduation, international students will require an employer-based visa sponsorship such as an H-1B, TN, or O1 visa. Students can use the H1-B Visa Sponsorship filter on job search platforms to view postings that indicate organizations' willingness to sponsor visa holders. Additionally, students with F-1 visas can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work for any employer in the US. However, the process of obtaining an EAD can take up to 12 weeks, and employment authorization is terminated if the student is unable to maintain a valid F-1 status.
It is important to note that the exact policies regarding on-campus work for international students may vary by school, and students should consult their school's international student services office for specific information.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many good jobs for international students in the US, including:
- Teaching assistant
- Tutor or peer mentor
- Department assistant
- Research study assistant
- Barista
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks.
On-campus jobs offer flexibility and proximity, as well as an employer that understands your busy student schedule. They can also provide career-relevant experience and networking opportunities.
International students can use online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs to find on-campus jobs. For off-campus jobs, international students can use job search tools like Handshake and CareerShift, which allow users to filter for jobs that sponsor work authorization for international students.
International students should be aware of visa requirements and restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Additionally, they may face competition for on-campus jobs and should carefully navigate the application process.
