The USA is home to top-ranking universities, making it a favorable study destination for international students. It has various institutions offering employment and work-study programs for international students.
Entering a work-study program can be a great way to gain practical experience, make new friends, and earn extra money to help pay for your education and other living expenses.
If you are looking for the best work-study program, here is a list of five work-study programs in the USA for international students from some of the top universities in the country.
What is a Work-Study program in the USA?
A work-study program is a part-time job for students with financial needs, which allows them to earn money for college expenses. They can use the income to pay for tuition, books and supplies, transportation, and other education-related costs.
Work-study programs are set up differently at each institution in the USA. They involve on-campus and off-campus jobs related to your educational objectives or field of study. You will also find programs like Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT Extension for international students as part of employment or work-study.
Who is eligible for Work-Study programs in the USA?
Your eligibility for work-study programs in the USA depends on your nationality, educational level, visa status, and other factors. International students enrolled at a degree-granting college or a university in the USA with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible for a work-study program.
Other requirements needed to be eligible for work-study include having a superb academic standing or satisfactory academic progress each term and having a valid student visa. Additionally, you must have completed one academic year of full-time studies or enrolled for at least six months before starting the work-study program.
What are the benefits of Work-Study programs in the USA?
For many students, work-study programs in the USA offer the perfect balance of academic studies and exciting work opportunities that are both educational and financially rewarding.
With a work-study program, you can choose when and where you work and save money while gaining valuable job experience. The work-study programs also give you access to crucial industry networks to help you land future job opportunities. After completing your work-study program, employers are more likely to consider you for jobs due to your prior experience in the classroom and the workplace.
Work-Study Programs in the USA
1. Harvard University Work-Study Program
Harvard University offers work-study opportunities to international students, like working in computer centers, libraries, administrative offices, and other employers on Harvard’s premises.
International students are eligible to work on-campus while school is in session for a maximum of 20 hours per week, with an option of working full-time during Harvard’s vacation periods. Once you accept on-campus employment, you must apply for a Social Security Number for payroll and taxation purposes.
Additionally, international students with F-1 status are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training or 24 months of STEM OPT Extension after graduation. Other employment opportunities include working for international organizations and volunteering with the local community.
Students receive an average wage rate of $17/hour for on-campus jobs.
2. University of Pennsylvania Work-Study Program
International students at the University of Pennsylvania can only participate in on-campus work-study programs during the academic year. They can choose from work-study opportunities like research, administrative work, and teaching.
However, once you secure a job, you must apply for a Social Security Number to be allowed to work. Furthermore, the University’s hiring manager has to appoint you to a job requisition number from the University’s employment portal, where you will complete the University’s onboarding tasks. You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
Payment is made bi-weekly and based on the number of hours worked. Undergraduate students receive an average of $12 per hour, while graduate students receive $14 per hour.
3. Yale University Work-Study Program
Yale University offers work-study opportunities, including research, community outreach, and teaching positions.
International students with F-1 or J-1 status are eligible for on-campus work-study programs if enrolled in a full-time program of study. They may work up to 19 hours per week during school sessions and more than 20 hours during vacations or holidays. You must also apply for a Social Security Number to be allowed to work on campus. Other opportunities for work include the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offered as part of the academic program or curriculum, working for recognized international organizations if in good academic standing, and the STEM OPT extension.
If your work-study falls in the YALE School of Environment, you will receive $15.75/hour for Work-study or $4,000/semester for 6 to 10 hours/week for a teaching fellowship job.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Work-Study Program
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a comprehensive work-study program in the USA for international students in research and teaching assistantships.
International undergraduate students can work on campus under federal regulations. International graduate students, however, are not eligible for work-study during a fully-funded semester. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week during school sessions and more hours on official vacation periods. F-1 students may also engage in off-campus employment opportunities if authorized and in good academic standing. Options include the 12-month Optional Practical Training or the 24 months STEM OPT Extension.
The minimum student wage is $15 per hour, with many students making an average of $2,100 per semester.
5. University of California, Berkeley Work-Study Program
International students with F-1 or J-1 status at the University of California Berkeley can choose from various work-study opportunities in research, teaching, and administrative positions. F-1 students may work on-campus without authorization if issued I-20s by Berkeley. J-1 students, however, must obtain written approval from their program sponsor.
You must apply for a Social Security Number for payment and taxation purposes and submit your I-20 form fully signed by a BIO adviser. Students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic sessions and more than 20 hours on holidays or during recess. Additionally, you may pursue a 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunity if you have a valid F-1 status or a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension.
A Student Crew Lead on-campus job pays $17.66 per hour and requires one to work a minimum of 12 hours per week. A Fundraising Writer and Researcher job pay $25 per hour with the ability to work for 15-20 hours.
Finding the right work-study program in the USA may help you cover your tuition or living costs and provide valuable career experience. From on-campus work-study programs to Optional Practical Training opportunities, you can never run short of available programs from various institutions across the USA. We hope this article on work-study programs in the USA for international students was informative and helpful. Feel free to visit our USA Scholarships Page for more information about the different universities and scholarship opportunities in the USA!
