Interning and Working as an International Student in the USA
During the school year, your primary focus as a student should be academic success. However, if you have free time, you should consider a part-time job. You will gain valuable work experience and may be able to cover some of your college costs and pay off your student loan faster.
As an international student, you have a few options:
1. On-campus jobs
Many universities have on-campus jobs available for international students. On-campus positions usually include work at the campus library, gym, cafeteria, or even at the career center. During the semester, students can work up to 20 hours a week and up to 40 hours a week when classes are not in session. Check with your university career center to learn about options.
2. Teaching and Research Assistantships
University professors often need help in their classes and with their research. Reach out to departments you may be interested in to find out about available opportunities. In many situations, your university will give you a scholarship grant or subsidized tuition if you have an assistantship, making paying for college that much easier.
3. Internships
While many students work as an intern in the summer, there are also part-time positions in the fall and spring if you have time in your schedule. Many businesses look for interns during the school year, so keep this option in mind. Check with your career center and take advantage of internship search tools like Looksharp to find something that fits your needs.
MPOWER Pro-tips 1 and 21. Present yourself professionally for an interview, even if it’s for a job on campus. Dress for success!
2. Do you need more help on applying to internships? Check out our recent blog post on finding your dream internship.
Have you ever held a job during the school year? Tell us about it in the comments section.
