Studying and working abroad can be an exciting yet challenging experience for international students. Think about adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, studying and living expenses, restricted working hours, the tedious visa application process or even looking for a job in a market that is already saturated or biased towards foreigners.
Iranian students are no exception. Coming from a dominant Muslim nation, they may encounter extra challenges especially when settling in a more secular country. However, there are several countries that are favorable for Iranian students to find work. In these countries, the job market is open to international students, the cost of living is affordable, and the culture is generally accommodative to foreigners.
Let us look at some of the top countries to find work for Iranian students.
Top Countries for Iranian Students to Find Work
For Iranian students looking for work abroad, here are some of the best countries to consider.
1. United Arab Emirates
The beauty of the UAE is that it is a predominantly Muslim nation, just like Iran, hence is a minimal culture shock for Iranian students, and easy to blend in. In fact, statistics from the UAE government show that out of the 10.17 million people in the UAE, Iranians make up 4.76%. There are several work opportunities in the United Arab Emirates for Iranian students looking to gain experience and earn some income.
For a start, Iranian students could work in in-demand industries like the healthcare industry. For example, qualified Iranian students could work as healthcare staff in facilities like the Iranian Hospital-Dubai, which traces its roots back to Iran. Additionally, they can use several online job boards that list jobs in the UAE, like Dubizzle or Buzzon, to search for jobs by keyword, location, and industry.
Another advantage of working in the UAE is its close proximity to the Persian Gulf, making it easy for Iranian students to travel back home if and when necessary.
2. Canada
Canada is a popular destination for international students, and it’s also one of the easiest countries for Iranian students to get a work permit after graduation. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada for international students is relatively cheaper, especially in cities like Alberta where they can spend an average of $1,000 monthly on living expenses.
The Canadian government offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows international students to extend their stay in Canada and work for up to three years. The government has also taken extra measures to protect Iranians who are not ready to return to their country, like the ability to extend their stay in Canada through work or studies.
There are several work opportunities in Canada that Iranian students can pursue including Marketing executives, Research and Data assistants, Farsi translators, and Business Consultants for Canadian firms that have Iran as a target market.
3. Australia
Australia is another great country for Iranian students who want to combine their studies with work experience. The job market in Australia is very lucrative, with an employment rate of 77.4%. Some entry-level positions for graduate students pay an average of $65,000 annually. Additionally, Australian universities offer a variety of work-study programs that allow students to gain paid work experience while they’re studying.
After graduation, Iranian students who have studied in Australia will be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. This visa allows them to stay in Australia and work full-time.
Some of the best jobs for Iranian students to pursue in Australia include Arabic translators, customer service representatives or assistants in places like the Iran embassy in Australia, and Persian Language Tutors.
4. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students, and it’s also an excellent country for finding work after graduation. The United Kingdom employment rate stands at 75.8% with industries such as healthcare, e-commerce, transportation, and support services being among the fastest growing.
While Iranian students can find jobs in these industries, they can avoid jobs such as credit agents, cleaners, and cooks, some of the UK’s lowest-paying and most demanding jobs. They pay an average of £20,960 per year.
Additionally, the UK government offers a two-year graduate visa that allows Iranian students to stay in the UK and work full-time after graduation, with the option of switching to a skilled-worker visa that permits them to stay for up to five years.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the best countries for Iranian students to find work for various reasons. With Islam being the majority religion in Malaysia, Iranian students would find it quite easy to assimilate into the culture.
Additionally, the cost of living in Malaysia is low when compared to other Asian countries, with the city of Kuala Lumpur being voted as the third most affordable city for students in the world.
The Malaysian job market is very competitive, with industries such as technology and tourism being in high demand. Iranian students with relevant knowledge and skills in hospitality and Information technology would find it easier to land jobs in these two industries. For example, being a renowned tourist destination, Iranian students could work as travel guides for incoming tourists, earning around $460 to $1000 per month.
With the many job fairs held in Malaysia throughout the year, you will get the opportunity to meet potential employers and learn about job openings that match your interests.
FAQs on How to Search for Work Abroad
What Are the Challenges Faced by Students in Finding Work Abroad?
It can be daunting for international students to find work abroad even when they possess the necessary skills. One of the main challenges faced by international students abroad is the language barrier, especially if they need to be fluent in the language of the country they are trying to work in. It makes it difficult to communicate with other people, who could be potential employers, and even search or respond to job listings.
Another challenge relates to visa restrictions in some countries, which can make it difficult to obtain a work permit. Most often, international students are usually limited in what jobs to do and the number of hours to work. Additionally, international students may encounter other challenges including cultural differences and a competitive job environment, especially for entry-level positions.
Despite these challenges, it is possible for students to find work abroad. You can start by researching countries and companies that you are interested in working for before you graduate to understand their requirements. Additionally, learn about the local language, culture, and visa requirements. Finally, you need to network. You could do this by attending industry events, connecting with people on LinkedIn, and reaching out to your professors and classmates for help.
The above-mentioned countries are great for Iranian students to find work. Not only do they offer a variety of job opportunities in different industries, but they are also welcoming to international students. If you are an Iranian student who is looking for work, we encourage you to research these countries and start your job search today.
We hope this article about the Best Countries for Iranian Students to Find Work was informative. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
