subject: Work and Study: Job Opportunities for Foreign Students [print this page] Work and Study: Job Opportunities for Foreign Students
Many programs, when attracting foreign students to study in English-speaking countries, indicate the possibility to work as one of the program's advantages. Why is it important to combine work with study for a foreign student? It cannot be stated that money is an issue, as the job positions offered are generally very simple, with largely a small salary. In this case, the possibility to work for a foreign student can be seen as an extension of the education process, which should provide benefits to academic performance. This article will attempt to explain such statement, covering the main benefits provided by the work experience. Language For foreign students, the language aspect can be seen as one of the most difficult to master while studying. Students travel abroad to study with different levels of language. However, those students whose enrollment does not require initial knowledge of English might end up taking English courses during the first semesters. During those semesters, the work opportunity will serve as an additional educational instrument for the student to learn and practice English. Many students come from their countries in groups, inside which they usually speak their native language. Dividing the time spent in the classroom and within the company of fellow countrymen, the process of learning the language might slow. On the other hand, a work environment will lead to students practicing communication with other students, either native speakers or from other countries. In turn, such opportunity will lead to a faster progression in mastering the language. The factor of money, although not that important, should not be ignored as well. Foreign students travel abroad and learn to live independently from their families. In that regard, self-earned income can be a good chance to learn responsibility.
