Indian students paying for

their studies abroad . . .

Unless one has a scholarship or their own funds to pay for their studies abroad it may not be possible to go overseas for studies as the cost of study in foreign countries especially for international students is very high. Most countries subsidize the fees for their citizens. However international students get no such benefit and are required to pay full fees. Usually such high fees are not within the reach of middle class families in India. While some students from affluent families, may have the required funds to study abroad. The majority of students dream of working their way through the education system. Some prospective students are mislead into believing that they can work while studying abroad and hence need not worry about financing. Agents paint a rosy picture to sell their services, they may give the impressions that jobs for students are just waiting for them. However this may not be true. Western countries are not immune to the problem of unemployment. No government would allow foreign students to take up jobs in their countries unconditionally. International students need permission to work and follow rules and regulations of the country they intend to study in. While students may be permitted to do some work, the salaries from such work are certainly not sufficient to pay for their studies and stay abroad.

Student Fees and Working Rules for

International Students:

Prospective applicants for student visas should consider the financial aspects of studying abroad. University students abroad, especially in popular countries like USA, Canada and UK do have a tendency to work during the summer months to support their educational and living expenses. However this is not possible for foreign students as their student visas have restrictions that may not permit them to seek employment. One of the requirements of getting a student visa is to show that the prospective student has the funds to pay for their education and stay abroad. While limited work is allowed for student visa holders in foreign countries there are rules and regulations that need to be followed.

Working Abroad with Student Visa

In the United States student visa holders from overseas may work on the university campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Full time work during the summer vacation is usually permitted. Working off campus can be allowed if permission is obtained for valid reasons, such as the need for practical training to help with your course. In some cases rules may be relaxed in cases of severe economic hardship. However permission from the authorities has to be taken before working off campus. It is illegal for international students to work off campus in the United States without prior authorization. There are many jobs posted on campus bulletin boards and students are paid the market rate for the job in question. What types of Jobs are available on a university campus? Here are some examples: 1. Networking 2. Teaching Assistant 3. Research Assistant 4. Library help. 5. Cafeteria help 6. Tutoring junior students. Many studies create additional income for example by making resumes etc for students, accounting faculty students may offer to do income tax returns for students for a small fee. For detailed information on student visas to the United States visit http://educationusa.state.gov/usvisa.htm

United Kingdom

As in the United States international students in UK are also permitted to work for 20 hours a week (unless the work is a necessary part of the studies, as agreed by your school) during the study semester and full time during the vacation break. Comprehensive information on studying in the UK can be found at http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/advice.htm#wo rking Remember rules for students from European Economic Area (EEA) are different when compared to students from countries that are not a part of the EEA so do not get confused. Cautionary Note for prospective students It should be noted that while a student may be able to make some money to help with their finances while studying, the amount of remuneration received from 20 hours per week work or other odd jobs in no way sufficient to fully finance a students study abroad. Prospective students must have financial resources to meet their needs and not depend on part time jobs to pay for their education. Students, depending on their course schedule may not have the time to take up part-time employment due to heavy course work requirements.

Canada

Work permits are required to work in Canada. Although full-time students, working on campus can do so without a work permit at recognized educational institutions. Off campus work is available for students studying in institutions that have signed agreements with the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. To work off campus international students need to apply for a work permit. The work permits usually authorize work up to 20 hours per week during the educational term and full time during the vacation months in summer and winter. For further information on work permits for students in Canada visit the Canada Immigration and Citizenship website for students studying in Canada. This is an excellent website for prospective students with loads of information and best of all its FREE!

Australia

International students in Australia are also allowed to work 20 hours a week during the academic session and full time during the vacation periods. Additional details for international students to work while studying in Australia are available at http://www.studyingaustralia.com/work-and- study-australia.html While there are many genuine firms that offer great advice, help and services for students planning to go abroad. There are a small fraction of unscrupulous agents who only wish to make a fast buck and try and entice students with unrealistic information. Students who plan on going overseas should take the time to check with the consulates of the country they wish to go to for higher education to determine the financial costs and other required formalities. Most countries gladly provide information free of cost.

How much can students earn?

The majority of students work for around the minimum wage as they only work on a part-time basis. Times of course are tough in the west for overall employment and this affects students getting work also. However to get an idea of what minimum wages are select the country link provided below. Students enrolled in university courses usually earn higher than minimum wages when working on campus. Minimum wages of some of the countries are provided in the links below. • Minimum wage United States. • Minimum wage Canada. • Minimum wage United Kingdom. • Minimum wage Australia