3 Benefits of Working as an International Student in Canada

By: Cristina Matteis

If you are trying to determine whether or not it may be worth your while to work while you study, here are 3 benefits to consider:

1. Globalizing Your Resume: Adding Canadian work experiences to your resume will make you a more attractive candidate for future employment, not only within Canada, but also in the rest of the world. In today’s global economy, it is important to develop an understanding and appreciation for other cultures, work practices and procedures.

2. Strengthening Your English: Working while you study will force you to utilize your English (or French) communication skills. You will need to communicate with your fellow co-workers, clients and/or customers in an environment that it very different from the classroom. In this way, you will be fully immersed in Canadian language, learning its nuances and the vernacular.

3. Paying-Off Your Fees: Tuition fees and living expenses are much higher for international students and this burden can be hard to handle. Working while you study is a great way to start paying off these fees. Waiting until you’ve finished your studies before earning an income can result in a significant amount of accumulated debt.

It’s important to know that most Canadian employers (especially those that are on-campus), are very understanding of your situation as a student. As a result, most employers will cater to your schedule and availability. In fact, most on-campus employers typically allow students to work between 12 to 15 hours per week in order to ensure that students will still have plenty of time to focus on their school work!