Douglas Olsen
International students can face financial challenges, with high tuition fees and living expenses to cover. However, there are numerous ways to earn money while studying, from on-campus jobs to internships and freelancing. For instance, part-time jobs are often designed to be flexible and accommodate students' busy lives. Additionally, freelancing allows students to work remotely and set their own hours. Other options include completing online surveys, selling handmade goods, and tutoring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| On-campus jobs | Working in the university library, dining services, or as a teaching assistant |
| Part-time jobs | Retail stores as cashiers, stock assistants or customer assistants |
| Freelancing | Content writing, graphic design, web development, tutoring, or language instruction |
| Internships | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) allow international students to work in a job directly related to their field of study |
| Online surveys and market research | Passive income |
| Scholarships and grants | |
| Co-op programs | Alternating periods of work and study |
| Side hustles | Selling photos, repairing electronics, tutoring, or flipping merch |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
There are various on-campus job opportunities available for international students. These jobs are usually part-time and often include positions such as working in the university library, dining services, campus box office, or as a teaching assistant. Some common examples of on-campus jobs for international students include:
- Library assistant: Helping students and staff with library resources, shelving books, and maintaining the library facilities.
- Dining services assistant: Working in the cafeteria or campus restaurants, serving food, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Administrative assistant: Providing administrative support to university staff, including data entry, answering phones, and organizing documents.
- Research assistant: Assisting professors or graduate students with their research projects, data collection, and laboratory work.
- Teaching assistant: Supporting professors in teaching undergraduate courses, holding tutorials, and grading assignments.
International students should be eligible for most on-campus jobs, and they can apply for the same positions as domestic students. However, it is important to note that international students on F-1 visas have certain restrictions. They are typically limited to working on-campus and can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. During university breaks, they may be able to work up to 40 hours per week. To find on-campus job opportunities, students can check their college's online job board, visit physical job boards on campus, or inquire directly at places they are interested in working, such as the library or cafeteria.
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Freelancing
If you are an international student, freelancing is a great way to make some money while also gaining valuable work experience. It offers flexibility and independence, allowing you to work remotely from anywhere in the world, set your own hours, and choose the jobs that suit you best.
To find freelance work, you can sign up for platforms such as Toptal, Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Rockerstop. These sites can help you connect with clients and build your freelance career.
However, if you are an international student in the United States, it is important to be mindful of work authorization requirements and visa restrictions. F-1 students, for instance, are typically not allowed to work off-campus during their first year of studies. To legally freelance in the US, international students may need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for self-employment and part-time work. It is crucial to follow the proper procedures to avoid risking your visa status.
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Online surveys
Survey Junkie and Swagbucks are two of the most popular online survey sites. They are both free to join and offer surveys that can be completed anywhere, anytime. Survey Junkie empowers its members to engage in market research in exchange for rewards. Members can redeem their virtual points for PayPal cashouts or e-gift cards to popular brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, or even Mastercard. Similarly, Swagbucks members earn points by completing paid online surveys and can then cash out their points for gift cards or PayPal credit.
To get started, simply create an account with a survey company, provide some basic information about yourself, and start taking surveys. It's important to keep your expectations realistic and protect yourself from scams by only signing up for reputable survey sites. Be sure to never give out sensitive information like your social security number or banking details.
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Internships
There are several types of internships that international students can consider. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internships are available for F1 international students in the US, allowing them to gain experience in a role directly related to their field of study. Similarly, Optional Practical Training (OPT) enables F1 students to work or intern in the US in their chosen field, either part-time or full-time, and even offers the option to be self-employed.
International students can also seek internships abroad, which provide the opportunity to travel, gain global work experience, and build an international network. These internships can be found through program placement providers or by searching independently via online job boards. Summer internships are a popular choice, as they typically last 10-12 weeks and allow students to focus on their internship experience without the added workload from classes.
Additionally, global organizations like UNICEF offer internship programs that provide experiential learning opportunities in the humanitarian sector. These internships can last between six and twenty-six weeks and may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. UNICEF provides interns with a monthly stipend and sometimes offers a contribution towards travel and visa costs.
Overall, internships offer international students a chance to earn money, develop professionally, and gain valuable experience that can enhance their resumes and future career prospects.
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Part-time jobs
On-Campus Jobs: Working on campus is a convenient option for international students. Colleges and universities often have policies that make it easier for students to secure these positions. Examples include working in the university library, dining services, or as a teaching assistant. Some universities may also offer positions like department assistants, where students can gain administrative experience, or research assistants, where they can assist professors with research projects.
Retail and Hospitality: International students often find part-time work in retail stores, restaurants, or cafes. These positions may include roles such as cashiers, stock assistants, customer assistants, food runners, or baristas.
Tutoring: Tutoring is a rewarding way to earn money and help other students succeed in their studies. International students can choose their own hours and rates, teaching core subjects like mathematics, English, or the sciences. With the rise of online tutoring platforms, it's easier than ever to connect with students and teach a variety of subjects.
Freelancing: Freelancing offers flexibility and independence, allowing students to work remotely and set their own hours. International students can leverage their skills in areas like graphic design, writing, web development, or digital marketing to find freelance work. Platforms like Toptal, Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are popular choices for finding freelance opportunities and building a client base.
It's important for international students to be mindful of their visa restrictions and eligibility when considering part-time employment. Additionally, maintaining a healthy balance between academics and work is crucial to ensure that studies remain the primary focus.
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Frequently asked questions
Side hustles are a great way for international students to make money in their spare time. Some ideas include tutoring, selling your photos, repairing items such as electronics or furniture, or completing online surveys.
F1 students are typically not allowed to work off-campus in their first year of studies. After completing a full academic year, they are eligible for CPT, where they can work up to 20 hours in a job related to their field of study.
Many universities offer various on-campus jobs for international students, such as working in the university library or dining services, or as a research or teaching assistant.
Freelancing is a popular way for international students to earn money remotely by offering services such as graphic design, web development, content writing, translation, or tutoring. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer can help you find freelance work.
International students can explore scholarships, grants, and internships (some of which offer stipends) to support their finances. Students can also sell handmade goods or unwanted items, or participate in co-op programs that provide work and study periods.
