Balancing Work And Study As An International Student

Owing to globalization, a foreign education is no longer a distant dream for middle class students. With the help of Forward Pathway, so many students leave their countries to study in the top universities of the world, and with excellent scholarships available, your education costs are covered. While it is true that the living costs are higher, most student visas allow international students to take up jobs to support themselves in the country. With a little planning, you can easily balance your job and studies to get yourself a coveted degree.

Pick The Right Job

Do not take up the very first job you find out there, but instead go for the right job. Pick a job, which is preferably close to where you are living or somewhere between work and uni. Do not go out of your way for work, as you will simply end up wasting a lot of time, energy and money on transport. You can also look for online jobs you can work from home. Ask your employer for options of flexible shift so that you can change your timing for your classes or other academic needs. 

Work Out A Schedule

A schedule is most important when it comes to juggling multiple things, because not only studies and job, you will also need a social life, rest and some time for relaxation as well. Therefore, it is a good idea to set yourself a schedule, allocating adequate time for all your needs. This will help ensure that you do not end up spending too much time for something, and thus, ignoring an aspect of life for another. 

Don’t Keep Backlogs

Whether in work or academics, do not keep anything pending as it will come back to pull you down later. Finish your work in time so that you are not forced to work extra shifts later. When it comes to your studies, ensure that you stay up to date with your classes, notes and preparation. Procrastination can absolutely wreck your work-study balance as you will be left with both hands too full to handle at the last moment.

Focus On Your Goals

Always remember that your education is the primary goal for which you are here, and your job is simply a support for your studies. While you definitely should not slack at work, do not make it the most important thing and try not to carry any work outside your job. Set yourself some goals for your academics as well as for your personal growth so that you can work on these in your time. Reward yourself every time you achieve your set goal and this will propel you further.

Set Your Boundaries

One of the most important things you need to work on is setting your boundaries. Understand what your hard limits are, when it comes to work and get them through to your employer. Late night or back to back shifts can leave you tired the next day, which, in turn, will affect your ability to concentrate on work. Communicate your needs and limits, which will create a healthy environment for you.

Being able to establish a healthy work-study balance is a crucial skill, and it will serve you well soon when you start a fulltime job.

Annika Bansal
 

Annika "The Chick Geek" is the founder of AnnikaBansal.com. Small Business Sense shares small business ideas, tips and resources for independent Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners.