To be honest. I have never studied overseas.
However, when running my marketing agency in China, I had the pleasure of working with three international students as our marketing interns.
And the truth is, being a student means you are not going to have a luxury lifestyle (unless you are from the wealthy families, of course.)
They often have to juggle between school assignments and part-time jobs within limited hours.
One of my friend, Mei for example.
Mei came from Shanghai to study computers in America. She knew it would be hard, but she didn’t expect money to be such a big problem.
Looking at her empty wallet, Mei felt sad. “How can I enjoy life here if I can’t even buy food?” she thought.
But Mei was about to find a way out. This new idea would help her make money and make her time as a student much better.
It’s called a side hustle — a small job that helps students like Mei earn extra cash while studying.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is more than just a part-time job. It’s a flexible, often passion-driven venture that complements your studies, allowing you to earn extra income while gaining valuable skills and experience. For international students like Mei, it’s becoming an essential tool for thriving in a foreign academic landscape.
Why are side hustles crucial for international students?
- Financial Freedom: A side hustle can ease the monetary pressure of student life, providing that extra cushion for both necessities and experiences that enrich your time abroad.
- Skill Development: Each side gig is an opportunity to hone existing skills or develop new ones, making you more competitive in the global job market post-graduation.
- Network Expansion: Side hustles often lead to connections with people from diverse backgrounds, broadening your professional and social circles.
Exciting Side Hustle Ideas for International Students:
- Digital Freelancing: Leverage platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services in writing, programming, graphic design, or digital marketing.
- Language Tutoring: Use your native language skills to teach others through platforms like VIPKid or iTalki.
- Virtual Assistant: Help businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, or social media management.
- Content Creation: Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast about your international student experiences. A lot of YouTubers started their vlog channels when they were still a students. So can you!
- Online Surveys and User Testing: Participate in market research or website usability tests for some extra cash.
The Global Money Challenge: Receiving Payments from Abroad
As international students dive into the world of side hustles, a common challenge is this: how to receive payments from overseas clients or platforms without losing a significant chunk to bank fees and poor exchange rates.
This is where WISE (formerly TransferWise) comes in as a game-changing tool for international students.
WISE: Best Tool for International Money Transfers
WISE offers an innovative solution for receiving money from overseas. Here’s how it can supercharge your side hustle:
- Local Bank Details: Wise provides you with local bank details in multiple countries, allowing you to receive payments as if you had a local bank account.
- Real Exchange Rates: Unlike traditional banks, Wise uses the real, mid-market exchange rate, ensuring you get more of your hard-earned money.
- Low, Transparent Fees: Say goodbye to hidden charges. Wise’s fees are clearly displayed upfront and are typically much lower than traditional bank transfers. It’s 4 times cheaper than Paypal!!
- Fast Transfers: No more waiting days for your money to arrive. Wise transfers are often completed within hours.
- Multi-Currency Account: Keep your earnings in multiple currencies or convert them as needed, offering flexibility perfect for international students.
- E-commerce Advantage: For those venturing into cross-border e-commerce, Wise is a game-changer. It’s approximately four times cheaper than PayPal, making it an excellent choice for international transactions. This cost-effectiveness can significantly boost your profits if you’re selling products or services online to an international audience.
By using Wise, you ensure that more of your side hustle earnings actually make it into your pocket, whether you’re tutoring students in your home country, freelancing for a company abroad, selling digital products globally, or running an international e-commerce business.
The substantial savings compared to traditional payment platforms like PayPal can make a real difference in your bottom line, especially as your side hustle grows.
Final Thoughts
For international students worldwide, starting a side hustle can be transformative. The added income eases financial pressures, while the skills gained and networks built can shape your future career path.
Remember to check the working regulations for international students in your host country to ensure you’re operating within legal boundaries. Choose a side hustle that aligns with your interests and skills, and leverage tools like Wise to overcome financial barriers.
With the right mindset, a strategic side hustle, and smart financial tools, you can turn your international student experience from a financial challenge into a launchpad for personal and professional growth. Like Mei, you too can write a success story that goes beyond academic achievements, embracing the full potential of your global adventure.
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