Working and studying internationally (2024)

FAQs

Am I allowed to work while studying abroad? ›

Check with both study abroad program administrators, and with the country's embassy, as one or both may forbid work by foreign students. Students may also need a work permit in addition to a student visa. Most embassies have information about working as a student or temporary work permits on their websites.

International students enrolled full time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies.

Remote work for international students on F-1 visas

Work off-campus including remote work is generally forbidden during the first year of study. After their first year, F-1 international students will need proper work authorization to work remotely for a US or non-US company.

This summary of academic literature over a 50-year period by AIM Overseas shows that over 60 percent of employers agree that an overseas study experience is a positive on a résumé. Additionally, 72 percent of employers agree that knowing a second language adds to the appeal of a prospective employee.

Accessing money while abroad. First of all, it is important that you don't just rely on one way to access money or pay for things while you are abroad. So our first suggestion is that you have at least two ways to access money. This could be a debit/ATM card and a credit card, local currency and a credit card, etc.

Find a part-time job

Having a part-time job is a great way to earn money while learning, and at the same time improving your language skills. A basic level in the local language is essential as this is a local job. It might be difficult at first, but it will get easier over time.

If you violate your status by committing either type of authorized-employment violation; whether working at an illegitimate on-campus location or working over your weekly limit; you are required to apply for reinstatement to lawful F-1 status.

You must have permission to be employed.

In some cases, permission is included with visa status. For example, F-1 students can work on their campus for up to 20 hours a week without applying for permission.

An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines: May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)

Non-US citizens can work remotely for a US company from their home country or anywhere in the world if they have consent from the hiring company, follow local visa laws, and pay taxes in their country of tax residence.

How long can you legally work remotely in another country? ›

Most countries allow you to work on a traveler visa for up to 6 months, after that period you'll likely need to apply for a residence permit.

F-1 students must obtain work authorization for ALL off-campus work conducted in the United States. This includes freelance work, work for a US company while abroad, work done for internationally based companies while present in the U.S, and selling artwork online.

Candidates who studied abroad possess highly desirable qualities like cross-cultural communication skills, cultural awareness and maturity, according to more than 90% of employers.

Working while studying is a great way to earn some much-needed money, learn the language to a high degree of fluency, and coming away with stories we'd never have if we had just stayed in the library. Read on for tips on getting a job while studying abroad.

Study abroad experience can help flesh out your education details and make your resume more attractive to employers. It's especially useful to feature if you're a new college graduate or your relevant work background is limited.

An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines: May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)

Digital nomads are professionals who perform their duties while traveling the world. The term is most commonly associated with self-employed professionals such as freelancers or independent contractors; however, remote workers who are employees of a specific company can also fall into this category.

Generally, International or foreign students do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study program. Students must be one of the following to receive federal student aid: U.S. citizen. U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island)

Travellers find working in a paid job abroad a great way to combine travel with learning new skills and gaining work experience to enhance your CV. For more top work and travel advice, check out our list of types of jobs abroad for further inspiration!