Sometimes studying abroad could be pretty difficult for international students especially those who are self-sponsored. Most times, some of the expectation of getting menial jobs or some little support to augment their expenses like living cost, feeding, clothing, etc. might be dashed. And yet, life still has to go on. So, how do you as an international student (especially from African or developing countries)who happens to find yourself abroad survive?
We are all aware that international students can work abroad for at least 20 hours per week, But sometimes finding job for the first year of your study might be difficult. In some other country like India, international students are not allowed to work in order to support their studies. At other times, you might find a job while studying abroad, but the wages might not be enough to support yourself. So, how do you do survive the hurdle?
That is why this post is meant for you. Of you find yourself studying abroad as an international student, there are many things that you can do to eke a living in order to augment your expenses and still continue your studies.
1. Tutorial: If you are good at teaching, teaching other colleagues or international students like yourself English Language could be an income stream for you. We have many international students who are from India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, Niger, Cotonou, Congo, etc whose lingua franca aren't English. As English Language is the medium of communication in most universities and colleges, you can help to brush of their English for a small fee. You can even organize a group tutorial for them and charge them for a fee.
2. Selling Stuffs: If you have a Midas touch and you can count your bean, then you can engage in selling and buying to make a living as a student while studying abroad. One thing Our local attire or fabric is a pride that people from other culture usually fascinate because of its uniqueness. Nowadays, 'Ankara' and 'Kente' is trending as it is becoming a fashionable trend loved by all. You can get a good tailor to make different sixes and you can sell your for a price and make money.
3. Running your Own E-Commerce Store: Online store is trending and growing because of the internet. Since people can just go online and order some stuffs, they don't have to stress themselves going to the boutiques and stores to buy them. Designer labels like bags, shoes, belts, cloths, perfumes are some of the things that many fashionista go online to buy. Not peculiar to those who are fashion freaks, nearly everyone likes to look. By heling people to look nice, you can also make some cool dough too.
4. Photography: The other time, I was in Europe, I saw a students who was our paparazzi while we tour some campuses in Europe. Upon inquiry, I discovered that he was a student from the Middle East or one of the Arab countries. He said he makes a living with photography. If you are good at taking pictures, you can also make money without necessarily depending on the odd jobs out there while studying abroad.
5. Creativity: Do you like some creative work like graphics and website designing? If you can build website or do some graphics or even develop software, then you don't need to look for any job. You can monetize this and make money. That is why it is good to have some good skills here before going abroad to study.
Watch out for more on this topic soon!
