Studying abroad is a pretty unique experience. The chance to immerse yourself in a new culture for an extended period of time and meet friends from all around the world doesn’t come very often. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to do an exchange, you should do everything you can to make the most of it.
However, living and studying in a foreign country can get pricey. From the costs of renting a dormitory to paying for daily necessities, expenses quickly add up. This isn’t even considering the money you’ll spend going on trips during your time off, which we highly recommend.
To help pay for all these expenses, however, you could find yourself a part-time job. Finding employment while studying and living in another country can seem like a daunting task, but it is doable. So, keep reading this article for some tips on applying for part-time jobs during your exchange.
1. Perfect Your Resume
A quality resume is always an essential requirement when applying for jobs. Thankfully, crafting the perfect CV is easier than ever thanks to all the online tools available to us today. For instance, you can use an online CV editor that allows you to customize your format, add and delete experiences at the click of a mouse and download your PDF to print or email to recruiters. Make sure your resume follows the standard requirements of your country – for example, in some countries a CV is expected to be no more than one A4 page, whilst in others it is not considered appropriate to include a personal photo.
As for the contents of your resume, it’s important to highlight all your relevant experiences in order to stand out. This can include any kind of work, whether it’s a full-time job, a part-time job or even an internship. If you haven’t had a job before, you can still mention experiences like being an officer in a university club or volunteering at an event.
Given that you’re a student, however, the most important part of your resume will likely be the ‘Education’ section. To truly write an impactful resume, it’s not enough to simply list your degree. You need to paint a picture of what you’ve done, whether that’s individual courses you’ve taken or projects you’ve worked on. In some countries, it can also be a good idea to include your grades. Make sure your resume fully encapsulates your strengths as a candidate.
2. Learn The Local Language
No matter where you live, learning the local language makes everything so much easier, from making friends to making money! While many employers are open to hiring foreign students, language skills are still a massive advantage, especially if your job involves interacting with the public.
If you plan to learn a language, it’s crucial to start well before leaving on your exchange, as the process won’t happen overnight. Take advantage of apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone to give yourself a solid foundation in vocabulary and grammar. It’s also a good idea to attend live classes or hire a private tutor if you’re able, especially if you’re looking to pick up a language in a short amount of time.
Aside from this, immerse yourself in conversations, TV shows and audiobooks in the language you’re learning, so that you get a feel for the natural flow and everyday expressions of the language. This will help you be better prepared for normal workplace conversations.
3. Understand Your Visa Conditions
Prior to your exchange, you’ll probably need to secure a student visa. It’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions of this visa even before you apply to understand your working rights in the country you’re going to be studying.
Working rights for student visas will differ from country to country. In Australia, for instance, a Subclass 500 visa only allows you to work 48 hours per fortnight while school is in session. Or if you’re venturing to Europe, you’ll need to research whether you need a Golden Visa, a Schengen or a student one? Some countries may not allow foreign students to work at all.
Familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of your student visa to make sure you don’t breach any laws. The last thing you want is legal trouble when you’re studying abroad. Explain these requirements or limitations clearly to your employer so you can ensure there are no misunderstandings before you start working for them.
4. Utilise University Resources
As an exchange student, among the best resources you have at your disposal when seeking employment is your university, which can help in a number of ways. For one thing, most institutes of higher learning have a career board on their websites. Companies that post here are explicitly looking for candidates who study at your university, which immediately gives you a higher chance of being considered.
Besides career boards, many universities also have career counselors. These professionals are deeply familiar with the job market of the country you’re studying in, and can make helpful suggestions to improve your resume and cover letter, as well as give you tips and tricks to ace job interviews. You should be able to access these resources on your devices, computer or study tablet before you begin your trip.
Lastly, remember to network with your professors and classmates, because you never know how or when an opportunity will present itself.
Find the Perfect Part-Time Jobs to Enhance Your Semester Abroad
Studying abroad, at its core, is a fundamentally exciting and growthful journey. As long as you prepare properly, you’ll be ready to venture on the semester of a lifetime in an international school.
And yes, finding a job when studying abroad can be a challenge. You will need to overcome language differences and find employment that’s compliant with your visa terms and education. What’s more, you’ll also have to balance your job hunt with excelling academically, making friends and exploring the country you’re living in.
However, it is possible for exchange students to secure a part-time job, and many have done so before. Just remember to perfect your resume and application to give yourself the best chance of your semester abroad being accepted and even to land a part-time job if you wish. Try to learn the local language before you go, and make sure you know which visa you need and secure it before you take off.
Finally, make use of all the university resources available to you to make the process as smooth as possible, and your time abroad more peaceful, exciting and rewarding.
(DISCLAIMER: The information in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of The Global Hues. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in this article.)
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