Diverse landscapes, beautiful landmarks, and historical universities appeal to students from all over the world. Many countries make it possible for international students to work to help them pay for academic expenses while benefiting the local economy. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on work experience, build an international network, or sip more lattes, working while studying abroad will help you accomplish all three! The money you save from your job abroad will also help give you a source of income to cover additional travel expenses.
If you know that you need to work while studying abroad, but don’t know where to look, you’ll be tickled to know that many English speaking countries offer international students the opportunity to work and study abroad. Why not level up though by working in a country that will improve your foreign language skills like Germany, France, and Spain? Some employers need certain skills of international students to help fill positions, so you might even have an advantage! From tutoring to nannying to serving and more, you’ll find lots of opportunities to work while studying abroad.
Can I work while studying abroad?
If you’re wondering: Can I work while studying abroad? The short answer is yes, absolutely! But what’s the catch? Many countries where you can work while studying abroad usually have some requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to submit some paperwork to the proper authorities to obtain a permit or visa.
Study abroad coordinators are usually in the know about requirements and can help you gather your bearings. Some countries don’t allow students to study and work abroad, while others make it nearly impossible with lots of paperwork. But never fear! The following countries are our picks for the best countries to study and work thanks to more lenient requirements and job opportunities!
8 best countries to study and work
1. Australia
The Land Down Under calls international students from the world over to study and work abroad thanks to its surfable beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and top-notch universities. All you’ll need to study while you work in Australia is a student visa, mate!
You can work up to 20 hours a week usually, and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods. Hundreds of job boards look for students to work on campus in recruiting, admissions, and student services. Most students can also easily find part-time work in the industries of tourism, hospitality, and retail.
2. Ireland
From the expansive Cliffs of Moher to the historical forts and castles, you’ll always find something to do in the Emerald Isle. If you’re applying for a work permit, you must prove that you have enough money to cover the cost of your studies. Your academic course must also be at least a full academic year.
As long as you meet those requirements, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic term and full time during vacations. Most students work in nearby pubs or local hotels, but you could also look for jobs in your field of study if you have some previous experience.
[Related: 9 Ways to Travel With Student Debt]
3. Spain
Decadent tapas, afternoon siestas, and gorgeous beaches. Spain is one of the most popular countries for international students with a sunny climate and affordable cost of living to boot. International students can request a work permit from the authorities, which allows students to work up to 20 hours a week in an area related to their study program.
You may also need to sign a part-time contract, and your work permit will last as long as your work contract (but no longer than a student visa). If you can speak Spanish fluently, you’ll probably have an easier time finding a part-time job!
4. France
Croissants, baguettes, macarons, oh my! The enriching culture of art, fashion, and architecture combined with the innovative academic programs make France an alluring place to study and work abroad. International students love to work and study abroad in France because the requirements aren’t as strict.
As long as you’re enrolled in an institution in France that is part of the social security system and you have a residency card, you can work up to 964 hours a year. (Algerian students need an APT or temporary work permit). Working as an au pair, a foreign language instructor, a server, and a campus marketer are some of the more popular jobs as a student in France.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is a favorite among the best countries to study and work. Lord of the Rings Landscapes, hospitable locals, world class institutions, affordable tuition, and thrilling adventure activities — need we say more? New Zealand allows students to work while studying abroad as long as they have a student visa with working rights.
Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time during vacations and holidays. If students need to gain more work experience for their study program, they will usually receive permission to work more hours a week. Many students can find jobs in restaurants and retail as well as in seasonal work in orchards and vineyards.
[Related: 11 Countries With No Tuition Fees (or Close to It)]
6. Germany
Germany attracts students worldwide with its beautiful castles, high-quality education, and low tuition fees. You’ll also be able to apply for many scholarships if you have good grades! After obtaining permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigner’s office, students can work up to 240 days a year part time and 120 days full time.
Students can look for jobs through student services, the Federal Employment Agency, online job boards, university posting boards, and much more. Most students find jobs as an academic assistant, babysitter, server, or as a courier. Your best bet is to try to work in something related to your field of study!
7. Sweden
With stunning landscapes, cathedrals, and national parks, how could you resist the land of the Nobel Prize? Sweden boasts an internationally renowned education system with student-centric programs that focus on creativity and innovation. As long as you have your residence permit (student visa), working while studying abroad in Sweden is possible!
Sweden does not have a cap on the number of hours you can work every week, but your studies will keep you busy. Part-time jobs can be hard to land, and they usually require that you speak Swedish. However, some students have found a job as a teaching or resident assistant, a babysitter, a market researcher, a coder, and many more.
8. United Kingdom
One of the most popular destinations for one of the countries where you can work while studying is the ol’ UK. The United Kingdom boasts impressive high quality universities, historical landmarks, multicultural communities, and ample work opportunities. You can work and study abroad in the United Kingdom if you have a Tier 4 student visa and if you’re enrolled in courses for at least six months.
As long as you’re taking the right courses at the right type of university, you can work up to 10-20 hours a week during study periods and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods. Plenty of jobs are available for students in the service and hospitality industries, call centers, retail, and more.
Help cover your study abroad costs with FundMyTravel
Working while studying abroad gives you the opportunity to pay for schooling fees, basic necessities, and social activities. However, some study abroad programs may require up to 40 hours a week of studying outside of classes. You probably don’t want to spend all of your free time working. Not only that, but the money you make from working probably will only cover so many expenses. Here’s where FundMyTravel comes in to help! With the support of your network, your campaign will help to raise funds to cover more expenses and give you more time to enjoy your time abroad!
Working while studying abroad will save you $$$
Can I work while studying abroad? Now you know the 8 best countries to study and work that answers your question! Plenty of resources from campus services to job fairs to online job boards offer hundreds of opportunities to bring in some bacon while participating in study abroad programs. While “under the table” jobs may look appealing, going the legal route is the best way to avoid breaking any laws. Additionally, many university programs also offer exchange programs and internship placements to help you study while you work.
Working while studying abroad won’t cover all of your expenses, so you’ll want to consider funding your studies and travels in other ways. Many students have used FundMyTravel and have raised thousands of dollars to help necessary expenses. You’ll then be able to spend more time abroad trying the local foods and traveling to fun locations with the money you make from working. The skills you gain from working while studying abroad along with immersing yourself in the local culture will provide you with an enriching experience you’ll never forget!
Looking for more work-study-life balance? Create a FundMyTravel campaign to tip the scales in your favor!
This article was written by Sydney Lutz. Growing up as an “army brat,” Sydney could not help but develop a thirst for traveling. She has visited all 50 states as well as England, France, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Sydney graduated with a master’s degree in public communication and technology in Colorado, and taught abroad for a year in Quito, Ecuador. Her favorite things to do include studying Spanish, practicing yoga, and travel writing.
Hi Sydney…
Please what are the requirements to study and work In new Zealand?
Hey Sydney, I would like to know the requirements for study and work in Germany?