Studying overseas can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Find out how to work and study overseas and as an international student. With a student visa, you can take a part-time job to earn money while studying abroad.
However, it can also be very expensive. Fortunately, plenty of options are available to those looking to study abroad on a budget or even for free.
Remembering that a large portion of the money you spend on studying overseas is for comfort and peace of mind is the key to offsetting the expense of studying abroad.
Study abroad organizations may charge extra for assistance with house searches, university enrollment, or even the visa application process. However, you can greatly simplify your study abroad experience by independently handling any or all of these responsibilities.
Working with a student visa abroad can broaden your horizons, allow you to travel, and even increase your chances of landing a dream career.
If Balancing work and academics abroad is a key component of your travel plan, read this post to understand how work and study overseas work and the nations where you can work while holding an F-2 student visa.
What kind of Part-Time Employment Can You Do As A Student?
If you study in one of the most popular student towns in the world, you’ll have access to a wide range of part-time job opportunities. Still, making a good living in smaller communities is possible as you can get internship opportunities while studying abroad.
There are many International study and work program options on university campuses alone. Serving as a facilities assistant, student ambassador, bartender, security guard, or other staff member will earn you extra money while enhancing the experience of other students.
Work placement programs for study abroad are frequently available at off-campus pubs, clubs, restaurants, and takeaways that strive to meet the demands of nearby students. These jobs are easier to arrange around your daytime studies because they frequently need evening labour.
Look for part-time office support, cleaning, administration, and babysitting positions at local publications, storefronts, and construction sites.
Taking on language instruction or translation work might be financially rewarding if you’re studying abroad in a nation where you don’t speak your native tongue.
Best Practices for International Students Looking to Work Abroad
Make your education a priority. Keep a part-time job from getting in the way of your studies if you want to graduate with honours.
Verify that the job you’re doing is legal. You could face harsh consequences if you work without a proper visa or authorization. Visit the career centre at your institution if you have any inquiries concerning your rights at work.
Besides working and studying, there are things at university, so devote only some of your free time to work. Set aside time to enjoy yourself with friends and discover your new surroundings.
Consider a career related to your degree: Applying your knowledge will increase your employability. Look for a career you love; don’t choose a job that will spoil your time as a student and make you sad. Continue distributing resumes and accepting trial shifts until you discover a suitable position.
Five Steps to Study Abroad
Here are some strategies for reducing those expenses so you can study abroad for little or no money!
1. Select a Nation Where the Cost of Living is Reasonable (Countries That Allow International Students)
It’s okay to go bankrupt to pursue your education abroad. You may realize your study abroad goals by creating a clear budget, selecting an inexpensive study abroad program, and choosing a location with a low cost of living!
Start by looking at a few of these well-liked and reasonably priced study abroad destinations ranked by average living and tuition costs.
Argentina
- Living expenses on a monthly average (including rent): $550–$750
- When enrolling directly, the average price for a semester (without housing) ranges from $200 to $3,000.
- A semester (including housing) from a third-party provider typically costs between $14,000 and $17,500. Still, students can gain experience abroad and manage these expenses by seeking internships or part-time jobs abroad.
Argentina would be a fantastic destination for you to study abroad if you’re searching for adventure, delicious food, and beautiful art all in one package! There’s so much to see and do, like hiking the breathtaking Iguazú Falls or exploring the energetic city of Buenos Aires.
Furthermore, attending a university in Argentina may be cheaper than in the United States! Argentina offers significantly lower costs for necessities like groceries, movie tickets, coffee, and rent.
Canada
- Living expenses on a monthly average (including rent): $800–1700
- With direct enrollment, the average semester cost (without housing) is between $2,000 and $7,000.
- A semester (including lodging) from a third-party provider typically costs between $7500 and $12,000.
Compared to many other well-liked study-abroad locations, studying in China might be a terrific low-cost alternative for students hoping to immerse themselves in ancient history, art, and knowledge.
You may manage your expenses while studying abroad in China by using the local public transit system, applying for scholarships, and indulging in the cuisine of the markets, and also by finding part-time jobs or internships to gain work experience.
Brazil
- Living expenses on a monthly average (including rent): $550–$850
- The typical price for a semester (without housing) when enrolled directly is between $1,000 and $5,000, and students can offset some of these costs by finding part-time jobs abroad.
- A third-party provider’s typical semester cost (including lodging) is between $7,000 and $19,000.
Brazil can be a fantastic choice for your next study abroad experience if you’re looking for a nation with a vibrant social scene.
Brazil is not only a country full of lively music, mouthwatering cuisine, beaches, samba dancing, and other attractions, but depending on the program or university, it can also be quite reasonably priced.
Compared to studying abroad in a nation like France or Japan, your living expenses, including rent, will be substantially lower even though your tuition may appear expensive.
2. Enroll Straight Away at a Language School or University Abroad
While American institutions are typically quite expensive, several other nations provide free or inexpensive education, even for students from overseas, allowing students to save money while they’re pursuing their degrees.
For instance, La Sorbonne in Paris charges no tuition and a nominal $200 registration fee. The sole drawback is that enrollment requires proficiency in French, the language of instruction used in French colleges.
The University of Tasmania in Australia is reasonably priced for non-francophones, at roughly $6,000, whereas the University of Auckland in New Zealand is slightly more expensive, at just less than $9,000.
Consider putting together a shortlist of five potential study-abroad destinations. Next, visit the websites of those nations’ public universities to see if the tuition cost is within your means.
Remember the cost of living in these nations as well. Although international students can attend free public colleges in Norway, the high cost of living may make this option less appealing than others.
3. Finish a Work-Study
Working while studying abroad might be challenging for international students because they need more visas to work in other countries. However, certain programs allow you to overcome this difficult scenario and make money while studying abroad, which can help you pay for the program.
Consider taking a course to become an EFL instructor or picking a destination like Australia or New Zealand where you can work while completing your program.
Additionally, remember that numerous E.U. Depending on how long you plan to stay abroad, certain nations will let you work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, enabling you to earn money while studying. For instance, if you want to stay in the U.K. for more than six months, you can work part-time; in Spain, you can only work if the employment is related to your subject of study.
You may learn more about the labour regulations in different study-abroad locations with our helpful guide.
4. Select an Affordable Study Abroad Program
You can always choose a less expensive study abroad program to avoid the hassle of creating your study abroad experience.
Here are a handful that come with a far more affordable price:
- Starting at $5,500, Lorenzo de Medici, Florence, Italy
- Berlin, Germany’s FuBIS (beginning at $2,000)
- Edinburgh, Scotland’s Equine Summer Program (beginning at $4,895)
- Hutong School, China’s Various Cities (from $881)
- Rome, Italy’s John Cabot University Summer Program (beginning at $2,830)
When examining your possibilities, consider short-term and summer study abroad programs, as their costs are also lower.
5. Submit Award and Scholarship Applications
Applying for scholarships and fellowships is The simplest way to lower your study abroad expenses. They may only be suitable for some, as they are also more expensive than some of the other solutions we’ve suggested.
Could You Work While on a Student Visa (Getting a Job While Studying)?
You may have your sights set on a renownedly pricey location. Is it possible that you are entering “Can you work with a student visa? It truly depends on where you want to study and where you can work while studying overseas.
There are nations where overseas students can work while learning, even though certain well-known study-abroad destinations have strict policies against it.
Be sure you are up to date on job and visa requirements where you are going by double-checking rules as they are subject to change at any time. The last thing you want to do is tamper with immigration laws.
Although less-than-legal ways to make money could be alluring, breaking the law can result in expulsion from the nation.
These six nations let international students work throughout their studies. Don’t worry if the high cost of studying abroad and expensive airfares deter you from applying. It is possible to work while you study in these six countries:
1. Australia
View of the Australian Gold Coast skyline at nightfall from the beach. While studying in Australia, look for a part-time career in hospitality!
While studying, international students are permitted to work up to 40 hours every two weeks (and unlimited hours during the holidays).
Studying in Australia has numerous benefits, including working while studying overseas. Hundreds of thousands of international students enroll at elite colleges where they can study almost anything.
And you won’t have to worry about language barriers at work or school.
Of course, there are other reasons why Australia is a fantastic place for overseas students to study.
Thanks to trendy cities and distinctive landscapes, you can easily select a location worthy of your study abroad aspirations.
You can finance your education and some well-earned adventures with the additional money you’ll generate from your part-time job.
So, when you’re not studying or working, schedule some time to explore the Great Ocean Road, go scuba diving or bungee jumping, and enjoy the sunlight.
2. France
One of the best places to study abroad is regularly France. However, besides its reputation for romance and artistic excellence, the nation is sometimes associated with the less flattering moniker of being extremely wealthy.
If you’re wondering if it’s possible to work while studying abroad in France, you’re not alone.” repeatedly while you look into your possibilities.
It’s legal for all international students to work while they’re here. International students can work up to 964 hours a year, but if you’re not a citizen of the E.U., you’ll need to obtain a student residence visa.
You will also be required to pay into Social Security. Thanks to flexible guidelines that allow you to work both on and off campus, you can find a job that fits your needs while attending school.
When you combine the history, cuisine, and architecture that entice students from all over the world to study in France with some tried-and-true methods for making studying there affordable, you’re well on your way to enjoying them all.
3. Sweden
Sweden may not be included in your list of the best places to study abroad. This is your alert to check that list again. If you’re looking for a country where overseas students can easily understand the nuances of work permission, Sweden is the place to go.
You may work for the duration of the validity of your residence permit if you need it for your education.
As easy as that! If you don’t already speak Swedish, you might have difficulty finding employment, but you might ask your institution if they have any opportunities for on-campus employment.
Simple employment regulations are just the beginning of the many benefits of studying abroad in Sweden. Sweden has everything needed to provide a life-changing study abroad experience, including a warm atmosphere, prestigious colleges, stunning scenery, elegant cities, and a commitment to sustainability.
4. New Zealand
This nation should be on your radar if you’re looking for an overseas vacation spot with a strong sense of adventure.
Reputable colleges provide a wide range of excellent study-abroad options for you to consider in New Zealand. In addition to exploring snow-capped mountains, colorful coral reefs, and everything in between, take classes toward your major.
New Zealand, well-known for its adventurous activities and amiable Kiwis, provides a warm atmosphere and many educational options. However, when you’re anxious about how you’ll pay for your time abroad, those alluring features are just so much.
Working in New Zealand while on a student visa is entirely possible. Depending on your program, you could work up to 20 hours a week, including full-time work on holidays.
Additionally, New Zealand eliminates uncertainty regarding work authorization by documenting your rights to work in a letter, on your eVisa, or on the visa label in your passport.
To be eligible, you must enrol in a full-time course that lasts two or at least one academic years and is part of an authorized student exchange program.
5. Germany
Reduce the expense of your study abroad trip by gaining job experience in Germany.
Your dreams of studying abroad can soon come true in Germany thanks to its unique blend of vibrant metropolises and charming university towns.
This is a cheap European location that offers high-quality education. The cherry on top is that you can work as an exchange student in Germany.
International students’ rights are essentially the same as those of German students, whether they are studying in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Foreign nationals can work 120 full days or 240 partial days annually. If you wish to work over certain hours, you must obtain authorization from the Ausländerbehörde (the foreigners’ office) and the Agentur für Arbeit (the federal employment agency).
Additionally, you cannot work for yourself as an international student and freelancer.
Some notable exceptions do exist. There won’t be a daily limit if you work as an academic assistant (but you must notify the Ausländerbehörde).
However, you can only work during the break time and with authorization from the Agentur für Arbeit and Ausländerbehörde if you are studying a language course or attending a preparatory college in Germany.
6. United Kingdom
Whether you are longing to spend time studying in London or are considering study abroad programs in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland because they are on your wish list, you are probably balancing the cost of living with the centuries-old history and renowned universities.
Can you, therefore, work and study abroad? It varies across the U.K.
It’s important to know how you will enter the U.K. Citizens of the United States may normally apply for student immigration permission or entry into the United Kingdom as a Standard Visitor if they want to study for one semester or up to six months.
You cannot work in paid or unpaid jobs while visiting the U.K. Working up to 20 hours a week throughout the term is permitted with student immigration approval (you must apply for student immigration permission if you’re studying for longer than six months).
The drawback is that applying for visitor immigration is far less expensive than doing so through the student authorization process.
Furthermore, obtaining student permission makes working overseas possible; it doesn’t ensure you’ll find employment in the U.K. If you are a student with a choice, you should carefully examine whether it is worth following the student visa route simply because you can work on a student visa.
Is it Possible to Work and Study Abroad?
Yes, working and studying abroad is possible; however, the feasibility depends on the country’s regulations and visa policies.
Which Country is Best to Study and Work?
The best country to study and work varies based on personal preferences and career goals. Popular choices include Canada, Germany, Australia, and Singapore.
What Degree is Best for Working Abroad (Careers for Students to Work While Studying?
Degrees in fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), international business, and healthcare are often valued for working abroad. However, the best degree depends on individual career aspirations and the demand in the chosen country.
Which is the Cheapest Country for Study?
Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland are known for offering low or no tuition fees, making them more affordable options for study.
Is it Possible to Work and Study Abroad (Work While Studying Abroad)?
Yes, it is possible to work and study abroad, but knowing the specific regulations in the chosen destination is essential.
Which Foreign Country is Best for Study and Work (Countries That Provides Opportunity to Working While Studying)?
Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore are often considered favourable for a balance of study and work opportunities.
Which Job is Best for Going Abroad (Jobs That Allow International Students to Work)?
Jobs in IT, engineering, healthcare, international business, and academia often provide good opportunities for working abroad. Research the demand and requirements in your chosen destination.
What are the Key Cultural Aspects to Consider When Planning to Study and Work in a Foreign Country (Working While Studying)?
Understanding cultural norms, language proficiency, and social customs are crucial aspects to consider when planning to study and work in a foreign country.