When I was studying at University in Canada I always had a job. Just something part-time to help with the costs of life as a student, but not too many hours so I could still get my homework done. What I have noticed in Sweden is that having a job while you study is not very common.
In Sweden being a student is a full-time job and going to school needs to be the highest priority. A full course load is intended to be equal to that of a 40 hour work week. Even though the amount of time you spend in class may be less, the expectation is that work done from home makes up the difference. Students do readings and assignments from home when they are not in class.
This entails more of an individual responsibility. The amount of time you put into your studies is equal to what you will get out of it. From this point of view, having a job would interfere with the responsibilities of being a student.
That is not to say that students don’t have jobs. Not all programs or courses are quite so intense. This can leave time for a little job on the side. Even many international students manage to find jobs to help with the cost of studying in a foreign country.
Students studying in Sweden from the EU are able to work during their study period without a permit. For those of us from other countries it is also possible to get a job while studying, assuming you have a valid residence permit. While part-time jobs are limited (especially if your Swedish skills are lacking), as a student you always have the opportunity to work.
One of the best places to find student jobs is at your university, for masters students especially. While these jobs may be hard to get, there are usually a few positions available in every department for teachers and course assistants.
And, there is always the option of a working for a nation. Most nations hire international students to work in their pubs, restaurants or cafes; however, this work is usually paid very little. If you are looking to make money, than a nation probably isn’t the right choice for you. If you are looking to make new friends and practice your Swedish then it could be the perfect fit.
Finding a balance between work and school can be hard when your studying abroad. But if you can find the time, working while your in Sweden is always an option.
Photo By: roamallday (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Gothenburg in a year or so..? Photo (cut):
