Kenyan students travel to other countries to access high-quality education and enjoy educational opportunities that can advance their careers. However, the high cost of living abroad forces students to get jobs to make extra income. Unfortunately, finding jobs abroad is not always easy.
Kenya students face many challenges ranging from obtaining a visa or work permit to transportation, cultural differences, work expectation, and even trying to balance work with study. Regardless, these challenges are easier to manage depending on the country Kenyan students choose to study and have work experience.
Read this article until the end for the five best countries for Kenyan students to find work and why it is suitable for them to work in that country.
What Are the Challenges Faced by Kenyan Students in Finding Work Abroad?
Kenyan students do face challenges while studying abroad. These challenges range from not being allowed to work as a student, strict visa enforcements, language barriers, financial stress, loneliness, cultural shock, health care issues, adaptation, building a supportive system, etc.
But these challenges are not impossible to overcome. Kenyan students can deal with cultural shock by learning about the country before they travel so they would be able to slowly learn how to adapt to their new environment. Financial stress can be handled by buying only things you absolutely need to save more. It is also a good idea to ask questions when you are confused in order to get the help you need.
And since you are in a new country, it will take a while to adapt to it, so avoid putting too much stress on yourself so it wouldn’t affect your mental and physical health.
Top Countries for Kenyan Students to Find Work
Although several countries make it almost impossible for foreigners to work while studying, here are some of the best countries Kenyan students can find work in while studying.
1. Sweden
Sweden is a great place to study, despite its high cost of living, Kenyan students can enjoy some of the best amenities and services. Although the job market is favorable for people looking to work, it can be challenging for students, simply because there aren’t a lot of jobs that are willing to employ students.
However, students can apply for paid internships at organizations like Matera Deutschland, EURESA Consulting, etc. These companies are on the constant lookout for digital marketers, writers, graphic designers, office assistants, etc. Moreover, Kenyan students can also work part-time at supermarkets, bars, and stores. They can also consider looking for work at restaurants like Tamu Afro-dishes, Tembo African, etc., where authentic Kenyan cuisine is served.
Compared to other countries, Sweden does not have an official time limit on how many hours you are allowed to work and only requires that you have a resident permit which will be given to you as a student there.
2. Canada
Canada is home to several thriving industries that demand both skills and experience. However, there are plenty of opportunities for students with little skills and experience to build up their resume and become employable even before graduating.
This is one of the reasons Canada is an excellent place for Kenyan students to find work. Students have the option of working on-campus or off-campus. However, only students at public universities or schools partly funded by the government can work on campus.
Students must also have a study permit and social security number to work on campus. There are also no time limits for working on campus, meaning you can earn more. Plus, you can also work as a tutor, teaching areas that match your field of study, making your job more than earning a living but also building experience. There are also opportunities to work as library assistants and clerks.
On the other hand, students who prefer to work off campus either at a Kenyan-owned restaurant or bar, as an Uber driver, or as a Valet can only work for a maximum of 20 hours, but will still require a work permit. While there are great work options for Kenyan students, avoid engaging in factory jobs that can affect your health, jobs that are flagged as illegal or jobs that will prevent you from focusing on your academics.
3. Australia
Kenyan students looking to work while studying should consider Australia. This country has one of the best working conditions for international students. Their student visa not only allows them to work, but it also allows family members to be included in the student visa application to work, providing more income collectively.
Kenyan students can work part-time for up to 20 hours every week, but they can work full-time for more extended hours during a semester break. And since Kenya is a hotspot for tourism, Australia is interested in hiring Kenyan citizens into their tourism industry for more input on how to make it more attractive.
Students can work as tour guides for travel agencies like Central West Travel, Helloworld Travel Saints, etc., guiding tourists, especially those coming from Kenya. They can also work as venue finders, souvenir salespersons, cashiers, and many more.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand’s standard of living is relatively high. However, it is still one of the easiest countries for Kenyan students to find jobs. Not only that, it also has one of the smoothest processes for applying for a student visa.
A Kenyan student who wishes to work in this country must check their visa or the letter that comes with the student visa for their working rights. If it is included, that means you are eligible to work in the country.
Eligible students can work as translators for organizations looking to hire students that speak Kenya’s native language. They can also work as nannies, salespersons, dog walkers, freelancers, etc., on a part-time basis for up to 20 hours but can work full-time during holidays. Graduate students, on the other hand, can work full-time with no time limit.
5. China
China is a great country for Kenyan students to find work. Kenyan students can find jobs like teaching, modeling, and translating. However, China expects students to follow its guidelines when it comes to working as a student.
China expects students willing to work should be more than 18, must have studied in the country for up to one year in order to help them get used to the language and culture, must have a valid residence permit, and sign an agreement with the company they are working with.
NYU Shanghai offers internships to international students. Students can work on-campus as scientific research assistants, teaching assistants, administrative management assistants, etc., and off-campus as store attendants, kitchen hands, etc., for 8 hours a week while school is in session and 26 hours a week during vacation.
Kenyan students are, however, warned to avoid jobs that are harmful, toxic, and dangerous or will interfere with their studies.
These countries are some of the best for Kenyan students to work. However, it is still essential to have the required skill suitable for the job you will be applying for and ensure that it will not affect your academic schedule. Also, ask questions from the appropriate channel when you are confused about the eligibility status of a student looking to work in that country.
We hope the article has been informative, especially for Kenyan students looking for work abroad. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
