There are so many amazing benefits to working part-time while being a student who is studying abroad. If you are questioning the possibility of balancing both studying and working, then you need to know that with diligent planning, you can absolutely make it work. The advantages of working while studying, without a doubt outweighs the disadvantages. It gives you valuable experiences that are both social and professional in nature.

Apart from the obvious reasons of earning and having some extra cash with you, here are a few other reasons why working part-time is good for you-

1. Learning to manage your money: As you start earning, you can start affording little luxuries and also treat yourself once in a while, like going for a road trip or a concert for example. But the most important thing is you learn to manage your expenses and be more cautious with spending it. Earning earlier in life helps you get a good understanding of budgeting and other money management skills.
2. Developing useful skills: A part-time job can help you gain skills that a college degree cannot teach you or equip you with. You learn money and time management skills, taking initiatives, working as a team member, effective communication, time-keeping, interpersonal skills, and so much more.
3. You become more confident: Most part-time jobs, if not on-line, are usually customer-facing jobs. You will have no option but interact with a lot of people on a day-to-day basis and as a result you will help you grow your confidence and be more comfortable around others. Learning how to talk to a variety of people from different walks of life eventually helps you be sensitive to cultural differences in the workplace. 
4. Helps build your professional network: Any type of work will give you the chance to network with other people and you are constantly making connections in the professional world. Eventually, when you complete your course, this will help you land a full-time job!
5. Gain independence: Balancing academics and work teaches you a lot of things, including having a sense of independence. You will be less dependent on others and will be responsible for your own schedule, money and duties. This prepares you well for your future as you move up the career ladder.

Working part-time as a student in Italy:

Students from non-EU countries can find paid employment in Italy based on their visa status or if it is stipulated in their visas. The Italian laws permit a student to work 4 hours a day and a maximum of 20 hours a week only. However, if you wish to work full-time before you graduate, you must convert your stay permit from study to work permit, but only within the annual quotas established by law.

Here are a few more pointers to give you a head-start into working part-time in Italy:

• It is important that you learn to speak at least basic Italian as that plays a key role in you landing a job to start with. 
• Depending on the location, it will also be helpful to connect with local Asian communities who might be able to help with a job-offer or other job leads.
• There are assisted internships for bachelor’s and post-graduation students offered by the University, which benefit not just monetarily also in terms of your career development and experience. 
• Many universities also employ students from the university to take up paid roles within the university. 
• Freelancing and online jobs such as graphic designing, web designing, digital marketing, social media marketing, etc. pay reasonably well.

Students can find decent pay by working in malls, bars, restaurants & cafes, newspaper distributing, supermarkets, warehouses, marketing or sales jobs and also with plenty of other online gigs as well.

As mentioned earlier, part-time work is a brilliant way to make money towards your education in Italy and for you have some extra cash on you. Discipline and diligent planning can help you balance both your student-life as well as your work-life. The benefits are immense. So, are you ready to take control of your future? We wish you all the best in your endeavours.