All international students are studying in a foreign country and have an opportunity to work whilst they are studying. In addition, for the vast majority of international students studying in a private school, college or university, working is not only meant to be a source of gaining experience, but also to provide them with financial independence while they study. International students studying outside of their home country will have to pay for tuition fees, accommodation, everyday living expenses, which can create a burden on their finances, and thus they must look for part-time jobs to help ease this burden. So, how can you balance working, studying, and having fun while studying abroad? Here are some simple strategies to help you find a balance and enjoy the full benefits of your international education.

1. Time Management Is Everything

The most important thing when studying abroad is to manage your time effectively. There are so many things distracting you from maintaining your balance between your studies, work, language acclimation, the pressure of your new environment, that you will lose your ability to manage your time if you do not take the time to plan and organize yourself.

Here are some practical methods to manage your time:

• Plan your entire week, including the times you will study, the days you will work, and when you will take a break or relax.
• Use an online tool such as Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello to keep track of all your tasks and responsibilities.
• Do not put off things for the last minute — little by little will always get you farther than the panic stress at the end of the week.
• Schedule time to unwind; too much working will lead to burnout — especially in a new setting.

Effective time management will provide you the ability to achieve academic success and fulfil your responsibilities while studying abroad.

2. Choose the Right Type of Job

Flexibility is extremely important for foreign students attending private colleges/schools, since these institutions may have different requirements and expectations compared to public colleges/schools in the US. Therefore, it is important to find employment which is within the limits of your student visa requirements and will work well with your class schedule. Some examples of potential employment options include:

1. Working on campus — this could include positions such as a library assistant, IT support person, and/or administrative assistant.

2. Tutoring — this could involve providing instruction in your first language (native language) or assisting local students with subjects you excel in.

3. Freelancing — jobs in this category include online content creation, graphic design, coding, and online marketing. Because freelancing allows employees to work remotely, it offers greater flexibility than traditional employment.

4. Internships — many overseas educational institutions offer paid internships that are applicable towards academic course credit. However, before you pursue this opportunity, it is important that you confirm with the educational institution the exact internship limitations.

Lastly, keep in mind that some countries place restrictions on the number of hours (in a week) foreign students can legally work (e.g., 20 hours in the UK and/or Australia). Thus, make sure to check the applicable visa regulations before seeking employment.

3. Communicate and Stay Organized

Properly communicate with your employer and academic adviser, and establish a system of organization to stay on track. Since you will be a foreign student at a private institution, you recognise the importance of holding people accountable. This includes informing your employer of your exam week(s) ahead of time and discussing your employer(s) about the need for flexibility with regard to your work schedule with your course instructors. Additionally, managing both sides of attending school and working demonstrates to others that you are mature and professional. By communicating properly, you avoid creating distrust and promote the opportunity to meet your obligations without undue stress.

4. Make the Most of Your Free Time Abroad

If you’re a student studying abroad, your free time is more than just time to relax; it’s a way to grow and immerse yourself in the culture of that country.

Consider what you can do with your free time by exploring:

• Local culture, museums, language classes, etc.
• Attending networking events or career fairs for students.
• Participating in volunteer activities or student organizations to meet new people and expand your network.

While you may be studying and working at the same time, this doesn’t mean you don’t have the opportunity to experience a different culture; it just means that you will have the opportunity to learn to live independently and fully.

5. Heath and Budgeting While You’re Studying Abroad

Being a student and working while living outside of the United States can create a lot of stress on a student when they are also trying to pay for their tuition.

In order to remain healthy and financially secure, a student studying abroad should keep the following in mind while they are studying abroad:

• eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep to maintain focus and mental clarity.
• create a monthly budget to help you control your spending and avoid going into debt.
• set aside some of your income for emergencies or tuition fees.
• don’t be afraid to reach out to your school’s support office (student support office) – they will provide assistance for finding part-time employment, mental health assistance, and help with creating a budget.

The key to successfully studying abroad is not just the academic side of it, but also being able to maintain a balance between your emotions and your physical well-being while you are studying abroad.

6. Learn to Say “No” and Set Priorities

Being away from home gives you a lot of opportunities to work and explore new things at the same time. Depending on how much you take on, however, can affect both your academic and life performance.

From the start, establish a list of priorities; number one priority is education.

Part-time work, even in a country where education is of utmost importance, should assist you with your education and not take your focus away from your studies.

7. See Work as an Extension of Your Education

As far as working while studying abroad; it is not all about just earning money for things you want; you will also be gaining experience that will help you grow as a person.

The ability to work and learn in a foreign culture will help you develop skills such as time management, team work, communication, and adaptability. These skills are critical when looking for a job in today’s marketplace; therefore, if you are able to find a job in relation to your future desired profession, then you will be able to continue to make money and build experience that will improve your CV and create new international pathways to career success.

When you study in an international school or university; this is an investment for your future. By working part-time in conjunction with your studies, you can create a more sustainable and rewarding experience.

You will learn to manage your time more effectively and choose jobs and work opportunities that fit within your scheduling needs, and in turn, you will develop the necessary skills to be resilient, independent, and successful in a global marketplace.

Challenge yourself to learn and grow abroad, and the skills you develop will stay with you long after you graduate.