Survival Jobs That Pay Well Abroad While You Study.
Let’s discuss survival occupations, which are important to all international students. I realize it’s not the most glamorous subject, but if you’re studying overseas and trying to make ends meet, this is one of the most crucial discussions you’ll have.
I’ve been there. The realization that your tuition is only the first part of your costs. You want a life outside of courses despite having to pay for rent, food, transportation, and books. Yes. It strikes with force.
The fact is, though, that you don’t have to put up with constant hardship. There are survival occupations overseas that pay enough to make life a little more comfortable in addition to helping you get by. If you play your cards properly, these occupations will keep you afloat, teach you useful skills, and, surprisingly, they may even be fun. However, they won’t make you rich fast.
Get a survival job abroad
Let’s get started.
Survival Jobs That Pay Well Abroad While You Study
A barista or a café employee
Although it may sound cliche, one of the most lucrative and adaptable occupations for students is frequently working in a coffee shop. International students are frequently hired for morning or evening shifts by neighborhood cafés and chain establishments like Starbucks and Costa Coffee.
Why it’s so good:
- Meeting new people and honing your communication skills are two benefits.
- A big perk is that you frequently receive complimentary meals or beverages while working.
- In certain nations, your hourly wage sums up nicely with tips.
Just make sure you can keep up with the pace—coffee shop rush hour isn’t for the weak of heart.
Cyclist or Delivery Driver
Delivery jobs can be surprisingly lucrative if you reside in a country with services like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or DoorDash and you have a bike and a driver’s license. You frequently get to pick your own hours, and tips can be high, particularly in places where prompt service is valued.
Benefits:
- Adjustable timetable.
- It’s just you and your route, no office politics.
- paid on a delivery basis plus tips.
Indeed, it can be draining, particularly during inclement weather. But this is a good option if you like working on your own and being active.
Remote gigs or freelancing
Possess abilities in social media, writing, programming, or graphic design? You can make a lot of money freelancing if you know how to market yourself.
Freelancers and clients from around the globe are connected by websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. You could make more money working a few hours online than you would working a shift in person if you develop a respectable portfolio and receive positive ratings.
Why it’s strong:
- Rates and hours are up to you.
- It pays the bills and enhances your resume.
- Working from your dorm is an option.
Starting is the difficult part. However, news spreads quickly if you have two or three satisfied customers.
Jobs on Campus
Students can work part-time as campus tour guides, library assistants, IT support staff, event coordinators, or even research assistants at several colleges.
These roles’ beauty:
- Flexibility is inherent since your company recognizes that you are a student.
- There’s no commute because you’re already on campus.
- The setting is structured and safe, and the remuneration is generally reasonable.
These positions fill up quickly, so check your university’s job board early in the semester.
Tutoring
You can teach high school pupils or even other university students if you’re proficient in a certain area, such as math, science, or languages.
The salary for tutoring is good. For qualified and trustworthy tutors, parents overseas are frequently prepared to pay top cash. ESL (English as a Second Language) tutoring is particularly popular if you are a fluent English speaker.
Bonus: One of the best ways to improve your own knowledge is to teach others.
Additionally, you can tutor online with no travel time by using services like Wyzant, Cambly, or Preply.
Bartender or Waiter/Waitress
There’s a reason why restaurant occupations are timeless. A single night’s tips can exceed your hourly income if you’re in a nation where tipping is customary, such as the USA, Canada, or some parts of Europe.
Why it’s worthwhile:
- You quickly develop people skills.
- Meals are frequently provided for free.
- Excellent for practicing the language and meeting locals.
Although it can be emotionally and physically taxing, it can also be enjoyable and fulfilling if you have the correct attitude.
Dog walking or pet sitting
Do you love animals? It’s for you.
Connecting with pet owners who require someone to walk or care for their furry pals is made simple by platforms such as Rover or Pawshake. Once you have regulars, this turns into a relaxed, stress-free source of revenue, but you may need to start small and establish trust.
Fantastic because
- Your own timetable is up to you.
- It’s a peaceful respite from the mayhem of students.
- You are compensated to spend time with animals.
Difficult to defeat.
Event Workers
Consider trade exhibits, seminars, and concerts. Temporary employees are frequently hired for setup, ticketing, ushering, and customer service at these events.
Because the work is time-bound and they require workers quickly, these gigs usually pay more than normal.
Anticipate:
- long hours, typically on the weekends.
- chances to get free admission to cool events.
- Work that doesn’t have a set schedule—ideal if you enjoy change.
Cleaning or housekeeping
Although cleaning isn’t a glamorous job, it’s reliable, honest, and pays well in many countries, especially when done for Airbnb hosts directly or through agencies.
Reasons to think about it:
- minimal engagement, which is beneficial if you’re reticent or require solitude.
- hours that are predictable.
- Some employment come with benefits like lodging or transportation.
Although efficiency and attention to detail are required, many students find this job’s simplicity to be refreshing.
Logistics or Warehouse Work
Part-time employees are employed by companies such as FedEx, Amazon, and other online merchants for tasks including inventory management, packing, and sorting, particularly during the holidays.
Advantages:
- higher-than-average compensation because of the job’s physical demands.
- Night shifts frequently pay more.
- No prior experience is necessary.
It’s solid and dependable, but you’ll be standing a lot.
How to Get These Positions
- Start Early: Before the semester really gets going, start looking for a job. The best roles are gone in a flash.
- Make Your Resume Shine: A clear and succinct CV makes you stand out, even for survival jobs.
- Utilize Local Resources: Student WhatsApp groups, university message boards, and Facebook groups are excellent places to find work leads.
- Be sensible and avoid taking on more than you can handle. For classes, the legal and healthy maximum is often 15 to 20 hours per week.
- Stay Legal: Verify the terms and work hour restrictions on your student visa at all times.
The More Comprehensive View
There is more to survival work than just making ends meet. They teach you time management, discipline, and interpersonal skills that no textbook can ever teach. They help you become more resilient and remind you of your greater potential.
You don’t have to know everything. Just do what you can right now. You will be shaped by the journey. And when the time comes, you’ll be pleased with how far you’ve come in both your academic career and life management.
You’re capable.
