Studying in the U.S. has been a dream of many youngsters in the world, and every year, the North American country welcomes international students with open arms. Before starting your academic journey, you should do some research on how to manage your finances you will need to bear while pursuing studies. This is an important factor that needs to be considered while planning to study in the U.S. If research is not done properly, tuition fees, textbooks, cost of living and personal expenses can add up quickly. Thankfully, you have arrived at the right place where we’ll discuss 10 options to earn money as an international student in the U.S. without hampering your studies.
1. On-Campus Job Opportunities
The best way to manage your daily expenses is working part-time on the campus. Many universities offer on-campus employment opportunities to their students. These opportunities help students manage living expenses and gain valuable skills while studying.
Here are some on-campus jobs:
- Library Assistant: In this role, students assist staff in carry out library work, which includes managing resources under supervision. Many universities open library assistant positions on a part-time basis to students.
- Administrative Assistant: For the smooth functioning of an educational institute, manpower requires to certain extant. To meet the requirements, many students are hired for carry out administrative tasks. Some front desk positions are also available in various departments of the university.
- Research Assistant: Research is a crucial aspect of higher education and it is a time-taking task that requires assistance. The federal and provincial governments issue grants for research projects and professors seek students’ help on these projects in a supportive role. Working with professors on research projects can prove beneficial in the job hunt after studies.
- Teaching Assistant Roles: Keep an eye on the career section on the university’s website for teaching assistant roles. Helping teachers in their tasks is a great chance to gain valuable experience.
- Tutor: It is one of the best options for international students to earn money. They can offer tutoring services to fellow students or juniors. You can post an advertisement on the campus bulletin board and student forums for getting this opportunity.
2. Freelancing and Remote Work Options
The expansion of the Internet has allowed many creative individuals to earn money from the place and time of their choice. Students can also earn money through freelancing and remote work options. Freelancing gives flexibility and options to work on projects that suit you. Students can manage their study and work schedule. Some popular freelancing opportunities include:
- Blogging or Content Writing: In this digital age, many small and big businesses rely on bloggers or content writers to promote their brand online. Upwork, Textbroker, and Freelancer provide such options. An individual can earn up to USD 40 per hour depending on the skills and experience.
- Online Tutoring and Translation: Strong writing skills help you get online tutoring and translation work. You can offer tutoring services in your native language in any subject. Many individuals or organizations need translators and you can opt for it to make the ends meet. For tutoring services, you can explore Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, VIPKid websites. Gengo and One Hour Translation are great platforms for translation work.
- Graphic Designing and Web Development: Graphic Designers and Web Developers are in high demand. International students in the U.S. can design graphics or develop websites for their clients. Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer great opportunities to connect with clients around the world. You can earn up to USD 80 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and your skills.
- Social Media Management: Managing social media accounts of clients is another way of earning money. International students in the U.S. can showcase their skills. By making account on websites such as Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour, you can find clients who need professionals for social media management.
3. Part-Time Jobs
In the U.S., international students can take up part-time jobs outside the college or university campus, an effective way to increase their income. Part-time jobs have several benefits, including exploring local culture and building connections. Here are some options:
- Customer Associate: Local stores, cafes, and restaurants always need customer associates. Working part-time in these settings helps you earn money and gain work experience in the retail and food sector.
- Food Delivery or Ride Sharing: Engaging in food delivery or ride sharing is a great way to earn money. DoorDash or ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer such services. You can work according to your schedule without compromising your studies.
- Babysitting or Pet Sitting: International students can earn money by offering services to families who need assistance for babysitting or pet sitting. Platforms like Care.com or Rover help them connect with the prospect clients.
- Fitness Instructor: Students passionate about fitness can work as part-time fitness instructor or personal trainer. It is also a great opportunity to earn money while studying in the U.S.
4. Passive Income
Passive income is money earned from other sources than a traditional job. In the U.S. international students are not allowed to work full-time. Therefore, generating passive income is one of the ideal options to manage their day-to-day expenses. Many passive income ideas initially may take time or investment, but they are worth it in the long run. Here are some options suitable for international students:
- Stock Dividends: Students can actively invest money in stocks and mutual funds to earn passive income. With proper knowledge, and mind alertness, students can earn well from stock dividends. They must have good knowledge of stocks and how they work.
- Mutual Funds: As part of the immigration process, an international student is required to show some money while applying for a visa. The objective of this practice is to ensure the immigration officer that an individual can look after their daily expenses. Students can invest their money in mutual funds with proper guidance. Many banks provide mutual fund options, which can be a great option for students to earn profit from their investment.
- YouTube Channel: Starting your YouTube channel costs you nothing. Creating engaging and informative content on your favourite topics help you earn passive income. It is important to monetize your channel through ad revenue and sponsorships.
- Sell Stock Images: If you have passion for clicking photographs, you can sell these on stock photo websites, including Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
- Sell Old Study Material: Earning money by selling old study material is also a great option. You can sell your old study material to other students or through online marketplaces like Amazon, BookScouter, or Chegg.
- Transcribing: Students with brilliant listening, and typing skills can earn money by transcribing audio files into written documents. TranscribeMe and Rev offer transcribing platforms.
- House Sitting: It is one of the excellent options for students to generate passive income by enjoying a change of scenery. It offers several perks, and it can be lucrative and enriching if a strategic approach is adopted. Students should consider this option for passive income. Housesit Match and MindMyHouse are house sitting platforms.
5. Entrepreneurial Venture
If you want to be your own boss, starting your own business initially at a small level is a good idea, which can be rewarding and profitable. However, it may require certain investment and efforts. Their results will have potential to offer significant financial rewards. Here are some ideas for entrepreneurial venture:
- Small Business: After proper market research and a business plan, international students can identify demand in the area, and can start their own small business, maybe in partnership. A tutoring center, food delivery service, or a niche retail store can be good options.
- Selling Products Online: Etsy or eBay are some platforms that provide opportunities to people to sell their homemade crafts, unique items, and vintage products. You should properly explain your products on these platforms to attract customers.
- Offer Services: Using your skills, you can offer specialized services such as photography, video editing, or event planning.
6. Gig Economy Opportunities
International students in the U.S. can grab gig economy opportunities that offer short-term, and project-based employment chances. They can avail these opportunities as per their schedule. Here are some gig economy roles:
- Freelance Videography and Photography Gigs: By demonstrating strong portfolio, you can offer videography and photography services at events, and weddings.
- Event or Party Organizing Services: Organizing a big event or party requires planning and proper execution, and if you are good at coordination, you can offer event or party organizing services.
- Social Media Influencer: If you know how to promote business on social media platforms like Facebook, and Instagram, you can work as a social media influencer. Your job responsibility includes promoting products and services of clients on social media.
- Administrative Supportive: As an administrative supportive, your primary task is to handle email, data entry, scheduling, and social media management. If you can carry these tasks efficiently, you can work part-time for organizations virtually.
7. Online Marketplaces and Platforms
In this digital age, you can earn as per your convenience. You just need a laptop and an Internet connection. You can work as per your capabilities and skills on various online platforms. Here are some ways to earn money while studying in the U.S.:
- Offering Online Freelance Services: Several online platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr allow you to provide your freelance services to clients. From graphic designers, and writers to programmers, and social media managers can find work on such online platforms.
- Participating in Paid Surveys or Market Research Studies: Some websites pay you for participating surveys or market research studies conducted by them or on behalf of their clients. This offers flexibility in earning extra money. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie conduct paid surveys.
8. Paid Internships and Co-op Programs
Many courses offer paid internships and co-op programs in the last semester of their degree. Students, while choosing a course in the U.S., should see if the program offers paid internship or co-op programs.
If the course doesn’t have these kinds of opportunities, students must attend events where they can build professional connections. After finishing their studies, they can reach out to their contacts and seek internship opportunities. They need to keep an eye on university career services where such opportunities are offered.
Moreover, most of the universities have their dedicated placement cells. Students must contact them for placement opportunities according to their skills and interest. Co-op programs are valuable as these help students gain professional and practical experience, which comes handy after their placement.
9. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial assistance and scholarships help international students reduce their financial burden to great extent. Students should explore scholarships for international students offer by universities. Information about financial assistance can be gathered on the university website. Here are some tips to find scholarships:
- Research Scholarships and Grants for International Students: Always research and review the eligibility of scholarships for international students. This will help you meet the guidelines to apply for scholarships.
- Seeking Sponsorships: Some companies and government organizations offer sponsorships to international students so that they can pursue their higher studies. You should inquire about such initiatives from relevant authorities.
- Look for Funding: Keep an eye on government schemes that provide funding for higher education abroad. Check with university to see if there is any scholarship being offered by the government.
10. Participate in Paid Surveys or Market Research Studies
Some websites pay you for participating surveys or market research studies conducted by them or on behalf of their clients. This option offers a flexible way to earn extra money. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie conduct paid surveys. The objective of conducting such surveys is to get an insight into customers’ liking, and paying behavior.
Success Stories: Students Who Earned While Studying in the U.S.
Many international students have set examples for others when it comes to earning while studying in the U.S. Being an international student is not easy, as they have to follow strict rules and regulations. Despite odds, they create success stories by contributing to numerous tasks. Here are some individuals who have made a mark while studying in the U.S.:
- Travor from Venezuela worked as administrative assistant while pursuing his Master’s degree in Public Administration. He earned around USD 17 per hour, which helped him manage his daily expenses effectively. At the same time, he built professional connections and gained valuable professional experience.
- Tariq Ahemd from Bangladesh took up a part-time job as a research assistant at his university, earning nearly USD 23 per hour. This position not only helped him attain financial stability, but also provided with research experience and professional reference. His role helped him land a good job after finishing his studies.
- Tarren from Portugal worked as a freelance content writer, and undertook several writing projects. He earned USD 25 for writing a blog for his clients. With this, he built his strong portfolio while studying in the U.S. He secured a good-paying job after studies on the basis of work he did during his postgraduation.
Thousands of students share these similar stories, which reflect their positive mindset and impact of part-time employment during the academic journey in the U.S. These tales highlight how an international student can earn money while gaining essential skills and experiences that can benefit them in their future careers.
These international studies overcame several challenges, including restricted working hours, inflation, and pressure of studies. With strong determination and resilience, they wrote success stories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Earning Money as a Student in U.S.
International students are considered most vulnerable as far as managing finances are concerned. At a young age, students leave their home country for a better future. While studying in the U.S., a student cannot do full-time work, leaving him or her prone to making mistakes. Here are some common mistakes they should avoid while pursuing higher education:
- Overspending: Students should avoid spending on things which are not necessary for them. Their primary goal should be saving as much as money they can. They should also avoid taking any kind of new loan for buying necessary things.
- Pay Bills on Time: Maintaining credit history is crucial to avail several benefits in the future. Paying your bills on time improves your credit score, making it easy for you to do big necessary purchases.
- Mismanagement of Funds: As an international student, it is your responsibility to spend your money wisely. To follow suit, you should avoid the mismanagement of funds. The best thing to do is to have a balance sheet which shows your spending history.
- Neglecting Studies: The primary objective of an international student is to focus on their studies and earn good grades. It is important to earn money, but not at the cost of compromising your studies. The priority should be given to your studies.
- Fell Prey to Scams or Fraudulent Job Offers: As discussed above, international students are vulnerable and scammers try to deceive them. They should not be tricked into lucrative and fake job offers. They should do their proper thorough research and even consult their peers or seniors if they find it themselves in such situations.
- Not Tracking Earnings: International students must avoid the mistake of not keeping a track of their earnings because they are allowed to work beyond some limit. They must see if they are not earning beyond the level that raises doubt in the minds of immigration officials.
By keeping these things in their mind, international students in the U.S. can avoid common mistakes, which may cost dear in the future if ignored.
Conclusion
The U.S. is one of the most sought-after study destinations for students around the world. It is always recommended to explore and research about the university where you wish to seek admission. With proper research and awareness, you can overcome financial challenges while pursuing higher education in the U.S.
You should develop your skills as per the demands of the job to secure part-time employment or work as a freelancer during studies. In this fast-paced world, skills hold the utmost importance.
You can increase your income, and reduce financial anxiety by developing skills that will serve you well in your future career. The possibilities are endless—just get started today!
FAQs
1. Which job is the best for international students in the U.S.?
Ans. The best job for international students in the U.S. depends on the goals, skills, and interest of individuals. They can explore various job options, including on-campus employment, research assistance, paid internships, and freelancing.
2. How much work can you do on a student visa in the U.S.?
Ans. The U.S. immigration department allows international students on F1 visa to work up to 20 hours per week. Students should explore on-campus job opportunities because these are easy to obtain. For off-campus work, students may qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), depending on their academic program.
3. What is student income in the U.S.?
Ans. The income of students in the U.S. depends on the type of job and location. Students are allowed to work on the campus and most of the jobs offer minimum wages. However, paid internships offer higher wages depending upon the job profile. Freelancing also promises great income according to skills and demand.
4. How much do International students pay in the U.S.?
Ans. International students in the U.S. pay higher tuition fees than local students. The fees vary from one college to another, depending the program. On an average, international students pay USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 for undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, international students also pay for living expenses that can range from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000. They may have to pay for health insurance, textbooks, and personal costs.
5. Can anyone get a student loan?
Ans. Banks and government provide loans to students to pursue higher education abroad, including the U.S. However, an individual needs to demonstrate that he or she has the ability to pay off the loan. There is a room for students to pay the loan after finishing their studies. You should consult banks and explore government website to know more about loan requirements.