Anyone who lives abroad can attest that looking for work abroad is challenging, and it is no different for those looking for part-time student jobs. For any student, finding time to work between classes, study, and extracurricular activities is an epic feat that requires the best time management skills.
When you add a foreign language and a new culture to the mix, working while studying abroad can seem almost impossible!
Despite the challenges, working part-time in college can generate extra income that can be used for weekend excursions, fun cultural activities, and exotic dining experiences.
Landing part-time jobs is also a great way to meet the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the host country’s culture.
For those of you looking to work while studying abroad or need advice on getting a job as a college student, our student writer Suci wants to share the four tips that helped her get none; but two part-time jobs while studying for her master’s degree in Sweden!
Below are the tips she hopes will show you how to find a part-time job abroad and balance work and study abroad.
How To Get A Part-time Job While Studying Abroad
Keep your options open
When you’re looking for part-time jobs abroad, keep an open mind! Since these jobs involve financing your weekend trips and other living expenses, try to worry less about how your resume looks and focus on how flexible it is. You want a part-time student job that works with your class schedule, not against it.
I searched for all kinds of student jobs including housekeeper, babysitter, kitchen helper, office helper, and more! Try to find a part-time student job that you can easily commute to from your college or neighborhood.
Is there a coffee shop near you that hires part-time baristas? Does a local family need a dog walker at lunchtime?
Taking advantage of your diverse educational background, studying and assisting jobs abroad could also be a great fit for you. Positions like these include international student ambassador and study abroad program assistant.
Being creative and being flexible to as many opportunities as possible is necessary when looking for a job abroad. After all, studying abroad is synonymous with new experiences!
Prepare your resume in advance
While you can search and apply online for part-time student jobs, many openings are filled informally by simply walking in and handing your resume to the manager.
That’s why it’s important that you always carry hard copies of your resume with you when you’re out and about, so you can easily apply if you see an establishment that sounds interesting to you.
When I was looking for part-time student jobs in Sweden, I prepared two resumes: one in Swedish and two in English (one for corporate work and one for administrative work).
Sending resumes in English to companies that recruit online is helpful when looking for a job abroad or landing an international job.
When I rode my bike or walked downtown, I would take the other two versions of my resume with me to hand out to stores and restaurants. Using this method, I was called in for many interviews and hired for two different management positions.
Dress to impress at the job interview
When it comes to finding part-time student jobs abroad, first impressions are everything! If you deliver your resume in person, give the manager a warm smile and a friendly greeting that you’ll remember when you review your resume.
If they like your resume and call you in for an interview, make an effort to dress nicely and appropriately for the student job you’re applying for. Wear neat and clean clothing that shows you are professional and serious about this potential job opportunity.
If the interview is conducted in the native language of the host country and you are not yet fluent in it, practice the language at home, concentrating on words or phrases you may need for the interview.
Even if you are confident in your language skills, practicing at home will make you appear calmer, collected, and in control when you sit down for the interview.
Use your networking and time management skills
While some people may be lucky enough to apply for some part-time student jobs and get them right away, others may need weeks or months to land one. If you belong to the second category, don’t worry!
Keep focusing on your studies and use your free time to look for a job. Tell your friends, or people you know, who might have information on part-time student jobs or some helpful tips on getting a job. Strengthen your connections and keep applying! Your time will come.
When you manage to find a part-time job, discover here tips that will help you balance your work and study. By managing your time effectively between working and studying abroad, you’ll be successful in both the classroom and the workplace.
