Traveling while studying exposes you to new cultures and improves your foreign language skills while you work towards your degree. It also looks great on your resume. In fact, 97% of students who studied abroad found a job within twelve months of graduating college, while only 49% of students who didn’t study abroad were employed within the same time, a study by the University of California reveals. So, don’t let your financial circumstances stand in your way of travel. Even as a student, there are ways to see the world without putting your studies on hold.
Work part-time
Fund your travels by getting a part-time job while studying. Students work 19 hours a week on average, leaving roughly 20 hours for studying, but it’s advisable to only do what you can handle. Getting an on-campus job — such as barista, library assistant, admin assistant, or research assistant — eliminates time wasted commuting and travel expenses. Alternatively, local restaurants and bars are fun environments for students to work in. Avoid working nights, however, since it’s tiring and disruptive to studying.
In non-English speaking countries, English tutors are in high demand. You can advertise your services on-campus and set your own rates. If you want experience relevant to your degree, consider an internship or office job. This will take more effort to secure, so don’t let it interrupt your studying. Ask your university career center to get started. As for pay, most countries have a set hourly minimum wage even for casual work. You could earn $9.54 in Australia, $8.24 in France, and $7.06 in England, for example.
Study in a cheap city
You’ll automatically save money by choosing a cheap, student-friendly location. Latin America, Germany, Poland, and Malaysia rank as some of the cheapest places for students to study. New York City is also an affordable and exciting place to live and there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re not working or studying. Museums, movie theaters, stores, and restaurants all offer student discounts if you show your card. You can help your money stretch further by sticking to a budget, cooking your own meals, and walking rather than taking the subway.
Take an online course
Many colleges offer online courses to help students build up college credit. Online courses offer students greater flexibility to travel while studying. You’ll be in control of your schedule and able to learn at your own pace. You must, however, have good time-management skills and always have access to fast and secure WiFi. You’ll also need to contact local international schools to make arrangements for sitting proctored exams. Moreover, online courses are typically cheaper than regular ones; the fees differ depending on the specific course and your nationality. You can use the money saved for flight tickets and other travel expenses. Finally, it’s important to thoroughly research your options before rushing into any decision making. You want to make the right choice for you. Where ever you go, you’ll experience a new culture, successfully work towards your degree, and have an impressive addition to your resume.