Working while studying abroad - why this could be the best decision for you!

One of the best things students can do for themselves as they pursue their undergraduate studies abroad is to take up a part-time job simultaneously. This is incredibly common in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

While this move can be considered risky or daunting for some, working while studying overseas can bring about a plethora of benefits and opportunities.

This includes things such as being able to make extra pocket money, improving your time management skills, as well as learning more about the local working culture and community firsthand.

Consider it the best kind of “scholarship” or immersive experience you can give yourself, if you may.

Now, let’s get into them in greater detail!

4 amazing benefits of working while studying

1. Defray your tuition fees and lifestyle costs

There is simply no hiding behind the fact that university tuition fees come at a very hefty price tag, especially for international students who often have to buy twice or thrice the amount compared to local students.

On top of that, having to move out and live alone in a different country also equates to spending on your expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation.

This is why many students overseas take up part-time jobs to help reduce their living costs and fund their college fees. Furthermore, some undergraduates may be supporting themselves in their university studies and not relying on their parents for allowance or money.

Some of the most common part-time jobs that university students can consider include retail sales assistants, cashiers, restaurant or cafe staff, and even tutoring.

But before sending out your resume to prospective companies, always make sure to check the university requirements on the minimum number of hours allowed and the other necessary conditions.

They might even have on-campus jobs for you to explore!

2. You can build a network beyond your school

While interacting with your peers, classmates, and professors in university can already do wonders in growing your network, why stop there and limit yourself to just your connections on campus?

Take it a step further by expanding your network in your part-time role.

Indeed, your part-time job may not be directly related to your degree program or the future career you want to have. But you’ll never know; every person you meet can become a useful connection or contact in the future.

This could be a supervisor or employer, your colleagues at the workplace, or even regular customers you interact with daily.

Not only will this help expand your professional network, but it also cultivates personal relationships and a sense of community that many international students lack because of moving abroad alone.

It’s like killing two birds with one stone - what’s not to love?

3. Build experience and resilience for your future internships

Although many students don’t intend to stay in their part-time jobs after graduation and see them merely as temporary positions, these roles help you build strong work experience and teach you a wide range of transferable skills.

For instance, most part-time jobs in the retail and food and beverage industry are very customer-forward. By interacting with these patrons on a regular basis, it enhances one’s people skills, confidence, and eloquence when speaking to the other party. In turn, this skill may be used in more client-facing internships or jobs in the future.

Another example would be working as a research assistant at your university. Regardless of the field of study, this role allows students to develop strong research and analytical skills which would come in handy for many positions across industries after graduation.

Future employers are always on the lookout for fresh graduates with work experience on their resumes. So, take this as an opportunity to show your potential employers what you’ve got.

4. Immerse fully into an English-speaking environment

Whether it’s in Asia or Europe, it’s a known fact that English is the universal language almost anywhere. In most, if not all countries around the globe, everyone can speak English to a certain degree - from native to elementary proficiency.

However, we must still consider the fact that a percentage of students looking to pursue university overseas are non-native English speakers.

Thankfully, one of the easiest ways to pick up the language and integrate into an English-speaking environment is by working while studying.

It’s one thing to learn English by the book and through online tutorials. But being able to apply the acquired knowledge to real-life conversations can be more effective.

It is through regular, daily interactions and exchanges with the locals that you’ll really be able to immerse yourself in the community and pick up the language with ease.

Let IDP help you throughout your overseas university journey!

Ready to kickstart your overseas study adventure? IDP has you covered through every step of the process.

Whether you need help in finding the right course, applying for a university scholarship, or preparing for departure, our team of education counsellors are here to guide you from start to finish.

Simply book your free counselling session with us today to get started!