Lori Meadows
International students often take up part-time jobs during the summer to stay productive and build connections. While some students prefer to work on-campus, others may seek off-campus opportunities or even travel to a different country for a summer job. In the US, F-1 visa students have certain restrictions on the type of employment they can undertake, and they must not displace a US citizen or LPR in an on-campus job. International students can explore a variety of summer job options, including internships, research or analyst programs, language assistants, summer camp staff, fruit picking, hospitality, and teaching or tutoring roles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Type | On-campus, Off-campus, Internship, Summer camp staff, Language assistant, Fruit picking, Hospitality, Teaching, Research Assistant, Marketing Assistant, Legal Fellow, Summer Analyst, Lifeguard, Teaching Assistant, Tutor, Peer Mentor, Front of House Assistant, Runner |
| Location | USA, Canada, China, New Zealand, Australia |
| Work Hours | Part-time (up to 20 hours per week), Full-time |
| Visa | F-1, Working Holiday Visa, IEC |
| Other Requirements | Social Security Number (SSN), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, SEVIS authorization |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students can take on on-campus jobs during the summer. On-campus jobs are a great way for international students to gain work experience, get references, and earn extra money. To be eligible for an on-campus job, international students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program and maintain valid F-1 student status. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer break.
There are various on-campus jobs available for international students. These include jobs in the library, cafeteria, campus box office, or food services. Students can also find work related to their major area of study through college work-study programs. For example, South Korean national Jun Hee Lee worked at Grinnell's Spencer Grill during his freshman year and then for the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) in his sophomore year. Another student served as the editor of MOSAIC magazine, an annual publication by OISA.
International students can find on-campus job opportunities through their college's online job board or physical job board on campus. They can also visit different departments and offices to inquire about available positions. Additionally, career centers can help students find and apply for on-campus jobs.
It is important for international students to research the rules and regulations regarding on-campus employment at their specific college or university, as access to these jobs can vary. They should also ensure they have the necessary work authorization, such as CPT or OPT, and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if required.
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Off-campus jobs
International students often take up off-campus jobs during the summer. Here are some things to keep in mind:
F-1 Visa and Work Authorization:
If you're an international student in the US on an F-1 visa, you may be eligible to work off-campus during the summer under certain conditions. You must speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) to understand the rules and maintain your student status. Working without authorization is illegal. F-1 students experiencing economic hardship may be allowed to work full-time during the summer vacation in an off-campus job with proper authorization.
Work Hours and Limitations:
The number of hours you can work off-campus depends on your visa status and the country you're studying in. For instance, in Canada, international students are generally allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements. In the US, F-1 visa holders are typically limited to working on-campus, but there are exceptions for off-campus employment under specific circumstances, such as economic hardship or special student relief.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
CPT is a type of employment directly related to your major area of study. It can be part-time or full-time during the academic year and summer vacation. CPT must be authorized by your DSO and be an integral part of your academic program. However, engaging in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will result in losing your Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit upon graduation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
OPT is a program that allows international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study. It can be pre-completion or post-completion. There are rules and application processes involved in OPT, and you should contact your International Student Counselor for guidance. OPT is limited to 12 months per educational degree level.
Finding Off-Campus Jobs:
You can find off-campus job opportunities through various platforms, such as Interstride, which is tailored for international students in the US. Additionally, your college's career center can provide guidance and help you find suitable off-campus positions. Remember to consider jobs related to your field of study, as off-campus employment often requires a connection to your major.
International students can benefit from off-campus summer jobs by gaining valuable work experience, building connections, and earning income during their academic break. However, it's crucial to stay informed about visa requirements and work authorizations to ensure compliance with the laws of your host country.
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Internships
- On-campus internships: These internships take place on the university campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school. Examples include internships in university departments like alumni relations, student life, admissions, or career development. International students can usually work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during annual breaks.
- Off-campus internships: After completing their first academic year, international students may engage in off-campus internships with certain restrictions. These internships must be with companies that contract with the school to serve students directly, such as a school bookstore or food service company. F-1 students experiencing economic hardship may also be eligible for off-campus internships.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the summer that must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and be related to the student's major field of study.
- International internships: F-1 students offered internships with certain international organizations may be eligible to apply for work authorization. Additionally, students can explore unpaid internships with education-related nonprofits, youth homes, or online education platforms.
It is important for international students to speak with their DSO or International Student Office to ensure they follow the legal requirements and maintain their student status while pursuing internship opportunities in the United States.
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Summer camps
There are two main types of roles on kids' camps: working with the children directly and working behind the scenes to support camp operations. Camps offer a wide range of activities, from sports to music and outdoor adventures, so there are many different roles available. Camps are always looking for specialist staff, such as qualified chefs, outdoor instructors, or childcare professionals, but there are also thousands of jobs for willing workers with no specific experience.
If you're looking for a summer camp job, it's best to start your search early in the year, as many camps start looking for applications around this time. You may need a work visa, so make sure you have enough time to find a camp that is willing to hire from outside your country and help you obtain the necessary paperwork. There are companies that can help with this, such as CCUSA, which offers prearranged packages and visa support for a variety of summer camp positions worldwide.
If you're interested in a specific type of camp, such as a language camp, you can search for a program as if you were a camper and then find the employment section on their website. There are also general job boards for certain types of positions or regions of the world, such as Dave's ESL Cafe for teaching English.
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Teaching jobs
For international students, teaching jobs during the summer can be a great opportunity to gain work experience and earn an income. Here are some options for teaching jobs that international students can consider:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
One popular option for international students is to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Many countries in Europe, such as Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, offer summer camps where English is taught to local students. These camps typically run for two to three months during the summer and provide a fun and engaging way for students to practice their English. TEFL teachers can expect to earn between $200 and $400 per week, and some camps provide room and board as well. To be eligible for such roles, one typically needs to be a native English speaker or have proof of near-native speaking ability, have a TEFL certificate, a Bachelor's degree, and relevant teaching experience.
Online Teaching
Another option for international students is to teach English online. This provides immense flexibility, as you can typically create your own schedule and teach from anywhere in the world. The pay for online English teachers ranges from $8 to $25 per hour. To get started with online teaching, you will need to meet the main job requirements for English teachers and have a computer with a webcam and access to a quiet space with WiFi.
Teaching at a University Campus
In some countries, such as China, summer camps are often held at university campuses. English teachers usually live in the dorms and teach college students or younger students. These positions may be more readily available to international teachers, as they are often filled by recruiting internationally.
Teaching at a Language School
Some language schools, such as EF, Berlitz, Maximo Nivel, and International House, offer summer teaching positions. These positions may be available to international students who meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include having a TEFL certificate and relevant teaching experience.
On-Campus Jobs
International students studying at a university may also consider on-campus jobs during the summer. For example, an F-1 student in the United States can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during the summer vacation. On-campus jobs must be physically located on the school campus or off-campus at a site affiliated with the school. Examples include working at a school bookstore or for a food service company contracted by the school.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of jobs available for international students in the US: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus jobs include working in the university bookstore, cafeteria, or library. Off-campus jobs are usually only permitted in cases of severe economic hardship. Students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year.
Summer jobs abroad include working at summer camps, teaching English, or working in hospitality. Fruit picking in countries like Australia and New Zealand is a popular choice for those who want to work outdoors.
Students majoring in education can find summer jobs as teaching assistants, tutors, or peer mentors. They can also look for jobs in departments like alumni relations, student life, admissions, and career development. Unpaid internships are also an option, at education-related nonprofits, youth homes, or online education platforms.
