Studying in the USA can be an expensive endeavor, even with financial aid and scholarships. Many international students opt to work part-time while pursuing their degree to help cover their costs of living and studying. Working part-time in the USA as an international student is legal and manageable with proper planning and time management. Here are some things to know about working part-time while studying in the USA.
Legal Work Options for International Students
There are two primary ways international students can work part-time legally while studying in the USA:
On-campus employment: Most universities allow international students to work part-time on campus without the need for specific work authorization. Common on-campus jobs include working in university libraries, dining halls, dormitories and administrative offices. International students can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and more than full-time during school breaks.
Curricular practical training (CPT): CPT allows international students to work part-time or full-time in a job that complements their degree program. CPT must be authorized by your designated school official (DSO) and related to your field of study. Your employer must also be registered with the U.S. government. CPT is a good option for internships, research projects, and other work-based learning experiences.
After finishing one full academic year, international students may also be eligible for optional practical training (OPT). OPT allows up to 12 months of employment directly related to your degree program. Speak with your school’s international student office for details on CPT, OPT and other legal work options.
Key Considerations for Working Part-Time
Before taking on a part-time job as an international student, assess your individual circumstances:
Course load: Part-time work is most manageable during semesters when you have a lighter course load. Try to limit work hours during weeks with many exams, projects or finals.
Time management skills: You will need good organizational, prioritization and self-discipline skills to juggle work, school, study time and other responsibilities effectively. Create clear schedules and commit to sticking to them.
Immigration status: Check with your school’s international student office to ensure part-time employment will not jeopardize your legal student status or visa. Some visas have specific restrictions around work.
Finances: Calculate your total living expenses and set a realistic maximum number of part-time work hours to earn enough income without compromising your studies.
Health and wellbeing: Part-time work can add physical and mental stress. Ensure you still make time for self-care, proper nutrition, sleep and physical activity. Seek counseling or academic support services if needed.
Types of Part-Time Work
Common types of part-time jobs for international students include:
• On-campus jobs: Working for your university in roles like library jobs, food service, office assistants, tutors and teaching assistants. These jobs often align with your academic and work authorization.
• Retail and sales: Roles at stores, malls and shopping centers. Hours tend be flexible but often include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Food service: Jobs at restaurants and coffee shops often have flexible schedules that work well around class times. However, shifts can include nights and weekends.
• Tutoring/teaching: Tutoring local K-12 students in your native language or subjects you excel at. You may also be able to teach university-level courses as a graduate student.
• Internships: Paid or unpaid opportunities that match your field of study. Apply for CPT authorization for credit towards your degree.
• Babysitting/nannying: Flexible work caring for local children or families, often on weekday evenings and weekends.
• Freelancing: Independent, remote “gig” work like online tutoring, editing, data entry, social media management and more. Requires self-discipline and good time management.
By working part-time strategically and efficiently, international students can balance employment with academic success and a healthy lifestyle while studying in the USA. With proper planning and the right type of role, part-time work can also complement your studies by providing valuable experience, income and cultural exposure. Take things one step at a time and be kind to yourself as you adjust – ultimately your education should remain the priority. With discipline and good time management, working part-time as an international student is certainly possible.
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