Among other things studying abroad opens up the opportunity to integrate and learn about other people, places, and cultures. As one of the ways to encourage international studies, many countries offer students a chance to work and earn money to enable them to pay their tuition while benefiting the local economy.
It goes without saying that working while studying abroad will help you accomplish more by serving as an aid to building your international network; adding experiential knowledge and exposing you to real-life challenges. You can as well earn a living doing so.
Now, if you know the importance of working while you study abroad you will always need to know where to look for such opportunities and that is the essence of this article which compares the top 8 countries you can work in while studying abroad.
It will interest you to know that a big chunk of Anglophone countries offer international students the opportunity to work and study abroad.
Whether or not you do not come from an English-speaking country by working and studying abroad you will improve your foreign language skills. Of course, it goes without saying that this is also an advantage to those who may want to learn other languages like Dutch, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish, etc.
It is obvious that most employers in big firms require certain skills of international students to help fill positions, so, definitely, you might even have an advantage. However, regardless of the industry, there is work for you depending on your readiness, from tutoring to child-care to serving and more, you’ll find lots of opportunities to work while studying abroad.
Who can work while studying abroad?
Most people have the impression that it is quite difficult to get a visa to work and study abroad, but I want to care about the source of the impression and focus more on revealing how easy it is to get a visa that allows you to work while studying abroad.
Just anyone can be granted a visa to any country by meeting the requirements. Oftentimes, you’ll be required to submit some paperwork to the proper authorities so as to obtain a permit or visa. You don’t beat around it, all you need to do is go to the embassy of your country of choice and ask for directives.
Also, before you get started with your pursuit to work while studying abroad, there is a need to know the countries that avail you of that opportunity because some countries don’t allow students to study and work, while others make it almost impossible with lots of paperwork and rigors.
But have no fear, below is a concise guide of the top 8 Countries you can work in while Studying Abroad, thanks to more moderate requirements and job opportunities!
Top 8 Countries You Can Work In While Studying Abroad
1. Australia
What makes Australia one of the best countries you can work in while studying abroad is the many opportunities it presents to international students. Aside from the world-class universities, the country presents surfable beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle to catch your fancy.
In Australia, students can work up to 20 hours a week, and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods. As for job availability, there are hundreds of job boards looking for students to work on campus in recruiting, admissions, and student services. Students can easily find part-time work in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.
2. Ireland
With its remarkable Cliffs of Moher and the historical forts and castles, there is always something to thrill you in the Emerald Isle. If you intend to apply for a work permit be mindful that you will be required to present proof that you are able to cover the cost of your studies. Also, your academic discipline of choice must be a full academic year or more.
If you are able to prove your eligibility to study in Ireland and you eventually find yourself in the country, you stand the opportunity to work up to 20 hours weekly during academic sessions and full-time while on vacation. Mostly, students in this country work in nearby pubs or local hotels, but you can source for jobs in your field of study if you have some previous experience.
3. France
France boost of rich cultural heritage cutting across art, fashion, and architecture. That is enough reason to attract anyone added to the innovative academic programs. France is an enticing location to study and work abroad. Additionally, international students prefer to work and study abroad in France because the requirements are much more lenient.
After enrollment into an institution in France, that is part of the social security system and you have a residency card, this gives you the opportunity to work up to 964 hours a year. Some of the most common jobs in France among students include working as Au pair, a foreign language instructor, a server, and campus marketer, etc.
4. Spain
Arguably, Spain is one of the most popular destinations for international studies. We know that the sunny climate and gorgeous beaches add as side attractions but the fact that you can work while Studying Abroad in Spain is a huge factor in addition to the relatively cost-effective living.
For an international student to be able to work in Spain, he or she needs to obtain a work permit from the authorities, which allows students to work up to 20 hours a week if the job is related to their study program.
In most cases, you may need to sign a part-time contract, and your work permit will last as long as your work contract thereby shoving your student visa aside. Fluency in Spanish is an advantage as it helps you get a job easily.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is synonymous with its Lord of the Rings Landscapes, hospitable locals, world-class universities, and affordable tuition, all proving certain thrilling adventure activities. The country allows students to work while studying abroad as long as they have a student visa with working rights.
In New Zealand, students can work up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time during vacations and holidays. On request, students are granted permission to work more hours a week especially if students need to gain more work experience for their study program. Jobs for students range from restaurants and retail outlets to seasonal work in orchards and vineyards.
6. Germany
Germany is one of the most sought travel destinations, especially for international students who may want to work while studying abroad. It offers high-quality education and low tuition fees. You stand a chance to apply for scholarships for students with good grades.
With permission from the Government, Federal Employment Agency, and the foreigner’s office, students can work up to 240 days a year part-time and 120 days full-time. Students are encouraged to look for jobs through student services, the Federal Employment Agency, university posting boards, online job, boards, etc. Common jobs include academic assistants, babysitters, servers, and couriers.
7. The United Kingdom
No doubt, the United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for students who want to work while studying abroad. of course, it is a hub of high-quality universities, historical landmarks, multicultural communities, and ample work opportunities.
With your Tier 4 student visa, you can start to pursue the desire to work and study abroad in the United Kingdom provided your course duration is not below six months. Work duration is between 10-20 hours a week during study periods and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods.
8. Sweden
Sweden is endowed with natural parks and stunning landscapes. Also known as the land of the Noble Prize, Sweden boasts an internationally renowned education system with student-centered programs that focus on creativity and innovation.
With your residence permit, you can work while studying in Sweden. One good thing is that there is no limitation to the number of hours you can work however, there are some shortcomings which include fewer part-time jobs in the market and a language barrier.