10+ International Student Jobs in the United States: USA Work-Study Programme
- euwechue
- Jan 15
- 7 min read
So, you are planning to study in US? You also can experience study-related work experience through work-study designed specifically for international students. Dive deep into this spirited guide to qualify the most advantageous work-study gigs that help you afford school and put you on the path to a budding career!
Relevance of Work Study for Foreign Students
Balancing Studies with Work: For International Students, this option is a game-changer for the most part! Work-study programs offer:
· Financial Support: Help fund tuition, books, and living expenses.
· Work experience: Gain practical experience in your chosen field.
· Career networking: You take the time to meet those who can help you out with your career after graduation.
· Cultural Adaptation: Integrate and learn to understand American culture on campus.
Explained: The USA Work-Study Programs
That includes organized jobs on campus called work-study programs that are included as part of your financial aid award. They are also more likely to be related to your field than a part-time job would normally be, making this one of the only times where work, and school might merge somewhat seamlessly.
Key Features:
· Federal Funding: Supported by the government, ensuring reliability and compliance.
· Schedule Your Calendar: Make your academic calendar work around us—not the other way around.
· Relevant to Your Career: A few jobs are related to the area that you hope to work in post-graduation (especially relevant if your major has a direct career connection).
Top 10+ Work-Study for International Students
Learn about other positions that provide financial benefits, but are also designed to mitigate your experience as a researcher.
1. Library Monitor
· Average Salary: $10.57/hr
· Role: To keep the library a calm, orderly place. Ideal for keen readers or anyone who likes a quiet workplace.
· Benefits: Bonus hours of study & access to thousands of books during breaks.
2. Barista
· Average Salary: $11.65/hr
· Title: Make coffee, take orders from customers, and maintain the art-the-space area on campus — but one that so far has begun to be disadvantaged.
· Employer Benefits: Drink discount to all staff and flexible shifts around your studies.
3. Babysitter
· Average Pay: $10-$15/hr
· Description of role: Assist in taking care of children of university employees or families of employees.
· Pros: Flexible hours, working with kids.
4. Teaching Assistant
· Average Salary: $25,672 per year
· Job: Grading, tutoring, and keeping class in order – help the professors with the workload.
· Benefits: you can learn more in-depth about your field and get some great experience teaching;
5. Tour Guide
· Average Pay: $15.64/hr
· Duties: Conduct tours of respective campuses for potential students and families.
· Benefit: Improve the skills of public speaking while expressing appreciation to the university through sharing story with us.
6. Peer Tutor
· Average Salary: $20,347/yr.
· Title: Help other students with hard classes and methods of studying
· Benefits: Solidify your basics and build long-lasting relationships in academia.
7. Academic Department Assistant
1) Average Salary: $41,709/yr · Average Salary: $41,709/yr.
2) Work: How the business part of your academic department gets done.
3) Benefits: Networking with Faculty, and Gaining more insight on how the department operates.
8. Campus Tech Support
· Average Salary: $16.10/hr
· Position Title: IT Support for Campus Facilities (Libraries and Laboratories)
· Pros: Get hands-on IT experience and be part of a technology centered working environment.
9. Production Assistant
· Avg Salary: $13.81/hr
· Responsibilities: Help with behind-the-scenes and technical support for campus events like dances, concerts and plays.
· Benefits: Specialization in event management and free entry in shows
10. University Bookstore, Assistant
· Median Salary: $57,805/yr.
· Roles: Bookstore operations, customer service and inventory management
· Benefits: Discount at campus store, work location.
11. Call Centre Representative
· Average Salary: $28,499 /yr.
· Title: Help clients and provide support for campus services.
· Pros: Hone and improve communication skills; a rapid and fast-paced work environment.
How to Get a Work-Study Job in 5 Steps
By following these practical steps, the application process is easier than ever!
1. Start Early
· As an action: Your search should begin early, ideally before the academic year starts.
· Pro tip: Few spots available and even fewer deadlines.
2. Understand the Requirements
· Measures: Review the eligibility of your college
· Note: You still have to qualify for the visa and the enrolment.
3. Complete the Paperwork
· Action: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
· Pro Tip: File your FAFSA as soon as you can file in order to be considered for the maximum amount of aid.
4. Search for Positions
· Do: Lean on your university job portal, on your university’s career services office, on your university’s financial aid office.
· Recommendation: Look for positions that match your skills and interests.
5. Apply Promptly
· Action: Submitting school applications with deadlines.
· Advice: Tailor your resume and cover letter for every job application.
6. Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter
· Mission: Present Corporate Talents and Experience
· Tip: Emphasize communication skills, time management.
7. Ace the Interview
· Measure: Know what the role entails and plan for the questions asked in the interview
· Tip: Convey excitement and how you will contribute to the team.
The Law and You as an International Student
This is important because knowing the visa requirements is how to maintain your status while working.
F-1 Visa Holders:
· On-Campus Employment: Limit of 20 hours per week when classes are in session; full-time during holidays
· Off-Campus Work: CPT and OPT both authorize you to work in the US Off-Campus.
J-1 Visa Holders:
· Employment on Campus: Same as F-1 visas
· Work Off-Campus: permitted only if with the documented authorization of your program sponsor
Key Tips:
· Be In the Know: Stay in contact with your international student office.
· Adhere to Restrictions: Ensure that you remain working within the allowed hours in order to maintain your visa status.
· Stay in Good Academic Standing: Maintain your grades as specified by the program.
Q&A (Questions and Answers)
1. Do international students have access to work programs? Yes, the same applies to work-study programs for international students as long as the requisite conditions (including visa regulations) are met. (For precise instructions, check with your university’s international student office.)
2. What can students do to get work-study jobs? From clerical work and tutoring and tech support to customer service jobs like baristas and library monitors.
3. How many hours can international students work? International students are allowed to work — though only up to a certain limit. Typically part-time, to 20 hours per week during academic semester, full-time between semesters. Ensure you know your visa limitations
4. Is working going to affect my grades/my struggle to keep up academically? These work-study jobs are intended to provide extra money for your studies without affecting your GPA negatively, with time management of course.
5. How do I find work-study jobs? How to Search for Work-Study Jobs Utilize university job boards, career services, and departmental listings, but also keep it on faculty and peer radars.
Useful Links
FAFSA Application
o FAFSA Link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
o Get federal student financial aid from the official FAFSA website.
o Federal Student Aid News and Updates
o URL: https://studentaid.gov
o Learn more about federal student loans, grants, and work-study.)
Student Loan Comparison Tools
o Website: https://www.credible.com
o Note: You will be redirected to a third-party site.
o Compare multiple lenders’ offers for private student loans.
University Job Portals
o Many university have an official jobs board for work-study opportunities.
o Website: https://www.linkedin.com
o Scouting Job opportunities and addressing that are into it.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
o Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada URL: www.canada.ca/en/immigation-refugees-citizenship.
o Trustworthy to offer Canadian settle systems and ask for visas.
The end — now the score to all your success
Working while studying in the USA as an international student is challenging yet possible and if properly managed, it makes your education a lot more fruitful. Joining work-study jobs means you can have financial assistance which also provides real-world work experience, and improves the chances to grow roots on campus.
Ready to leap? Explore work-study options here and start your journey toward academic and career success in the USA.
All the best to you success and learning as an international student in the USA!
1. FAFSA Application
o FAFSA Form https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
o To do so, fill out the federal student aid application at FAFSA.
2. Education Federal Student Aid
o Link: https://studentaid.gov
o Investigate federal student loans, grants, and work-study
3. Student Loan Comparison Tools
o URL: https://www.credible.com
o Many lenders make private student loan offers
4. University Job Portals
o If you are struggling to locate front desk positions local to you, check your university job board for work-study jobs.
o EXPLANATION: URLs will be different for every institution. Visit your university career services or employment office website
5. LinkedIn
o URL: https://www.linkedin.com
o Make a connection, be a member of groups and search for jobs.
6. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
o Two-for-one: Direct Canadian immigration policies, including visa application and citizenship.
Additional Useful Links:
1. Career Services Centre
o Your fall university career services centre website will have job search and employment resources that work best for you.
o Example URL Format: www.universityname.edu/career-services
2. Departmental Job Listings
o Search through departments at your university for more specialized work-study jobs.
o Example URL Format: www.universityname.edu/department/jobs
3. Campus Career Fairs
o Keep an eye on upcoming career fairs and other events on campus.
o Example URL Format: www.universityname.edu/career-fairs
4. Online Job Portals
o New part-time job opportunities for students listed online
This gives you the ability to open the doors of information who will help you apply for work-study jobs and employers, meet people with a dream of working for the same companies and enhance financial assistance to your studies in America. We wish you the best in studies and career!
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