In the United States, international students can take advantage of various part-time work opportunities to help cover expenses related to their study and living costs. With the right part-time work, international students can get the most out of their experience, earning money to support their education and gaining valuable skills and experience.
This article will outline some of the best part-time work options available to international students in the US. We will discuss the different employment options, including internships, student work permit programs, employment agencies, and more, so that students can make informed decisions about their career paths.
Overview of Part-Time Work Opportunities in the US
The United States offers a variety of job opportunities for international students studying in the country. Because of the tremendous competition in the American job market, taking on part-time work is an excellent way to gain practical experience and stand out from other candidates.
International students studying in the US are eligible to work part-time (20 hours per week) while school is in session and may work full-time during breaks such as summer holidays. Additionally, international students are allowed to stay in the US for a certain period of time after their completion of studies, making it a great way to make additional money and extend their stay.
Here are some common options for part-time work in the US:
- On-Campus Employers – International students may take on jobs within the university, such as being a student assistant or tutor, or working in the library.
- Off-Campus Employers – There are a large variety of jobs outside of campus, ranging from retail and restaurant jobs to research or administrative assistant positions.
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) – There are also opportunities to work as an English Language instructor either in the US or abroad.
Requirements for International Students to Work Part-Time in the US
The U.S. government offers many work opportunities for international students who come to study in an American college or university. In order to legally work part-time in the US, international students must meet certain requirements. These requirements include but are not limited to the following:
- An international student must possess a valid student visa, such as an F-1 visa.
- The student must attend a SEVIS approved school, such the University of California.
- The student must maintain a full course of study.
- The student must be enrolled in a degree program.
- The student must obtain prior approval before beginning a job.
International students may work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the school’s scheduled break periods. No more than 20 hours of work should be done during the regular school day, and the student must not take on any form of employment that is considered to interfere with their class schedule, studies, and homework.
Finding Part-Time Work as an International Student in the US
For international students living in the US, finding a part-time job to help pay for tuition and other expenses can be a challenging process. But with the right resources and dedication, students can find the job they need to help support themselves while studying in the US. Here are some tips on how international students can find part-time work in the US.
Search for Jobs at Your University’s Career Center
Most US universities offer excellent resources to help international students find part-time jobs. These resources, generally known as career or job centers, can be of great help in discovering jobs. Career staff usually has access to job openings that may not be available publicly, so it’s worth a shot to make an in-person appointment to explore all opportunities.
Research Off-Campus Resources
Most American universities have a variety of on-campus job opportunities for students, both foreign and domestic. However, there are some jobs that are only available off-campus. Some of these may include tutoring, nannying, babysitting, and working in a restaurant or retail store. It’s important to research what local laws govern these types of jobs to make sure you don’t break the law. Additionally, networking with local business owners may open up some potential job opportunities.
Check Out Job Sites Online
Undergraduate international students can now find job opportunities entirely online. There are many websites that cater to foreigners in the US. Some of them even offer job search services specifically for international students. For a thorough search, students should check out both job sites in their field of study and general job sites. Additionally, many job postings are tweeted or shared on social media, so it’s worth regularly checking your network for job postings.
Take Advantage of Your Unique Resources
International students often have access to resources that domestic students don’t. For instance, international students have more access to local cultural events such as festivals, art shows, and concerts. Additionally, international students often have an advantage over American students when applying for certain jobs. For example, businesses looking to hire a foreign employee may look to hiring an international student instead. It’s important to take advantage of all resources available to you as an international student when searching for a job.
Consider Opportunities in Your Home Country
Many international students decide to look for a job in their home country. While this may be more convenient for some, it also adds more paperwork to the job search process. Additionally, having to travel may be more expensive than finding a job in the US. Nevertheless, if an international student does decide to look for a job in their home country, they should research the necessary work visas and other paperwork required to make sure the process goes smoothly.
As an international student in the US, part-time work can be an excellent way for a student to gain experience, gain insight into another culture, and make some extra money to help pay for tuition and other living expenses. By taking advantage of the unique resources available to international students and utilizing the tips listed above, international students can easily find part-time work and do their part in contributing to the US economy.
Conclusion
International students wanting to work in the US part-time have great opportunities available in order to gain meaningful employment that can cover their costs while studying. It is important to research all available options and make sure to get the necessary permissions and paperwork in order to secure a job. Ultimately, international students will be rewarded with experience that will broaden their minds and teach them valuable skills.
Through the part-time work opportunities available, international students have the ability to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Whether they are hoping to gain work experience, build their resume, or cover the costs of studying abroad, taking advantage of their work options will contribute to their success in the future.
