When you are travelling as a student you need to make every penny count. One way to ensure you are always on top of the game is to earn whilst you travel, but how do you do that? My Baggage has put together a guide on how to get a job and earn money whilst travelling as a student.

First things first, how?

Visa
Before you decide to start working whilst travelling the most important thing to do is to double-check your visa and if you are legally allowed to do this in the country you are visiting. The last thing you want to happen is to get in trouble for tax fraud or find yourself violating the terms of your visa. It’s your job to know whether you can legally work there so do your assignments.

If you aren’t sure or don’t want the hassle, then the next best option would be work for accommodation exchanges. Although you will not actually gain any cash, you won’t have to navigate visa issues and potential legal trouble. You will also save a ton by not having to pay for digs, meals and sometimes even tours. It all depends on the role you take and the packages they offer.

If you are from a country in the EU, then you are eligible to work in the EU. Alternatively, Australia, New Zealand and Canada offer working holiday visas that allow you to travel and work at the same time.

Where to find jobs?
The best place to find jobs is online, either through designated websites or specific travel forums. You could also ask at your university’s international office. They might be able to put you in touch with some information for travelling abroad or work and volunteer opportunities abroad.

Below we have outlined 8 jobs that are most popular with student travellers:

Teach English as a Foreign Language
If you are a native English speaker, then teaching English as a foreign language is by far the most popular and easiest job you can do whilst you travel. There is a huge demand for native English speakers in Asia, South America and the Middle East. This does require some planning though as for most roles you will require a TEFL certificate.

If you want to be able to travel and move freely, then why not investigate teaching English online? This option will mean you can work remotely from anywhere in the world, providing you have a laptop and a strong internet connection. With an average hourly wage of $14.50 USD, this is a quick way to earn good money to help support your travels and will give you a flexible career around your studies during term time.

Hospitality jobs
One way to make quick cash is to investigate a hospitality job. This could be at the hostel you are staying at or your new favourite local. Many hostels and bars will want to have a tourist working there to help with any language barriers. You might find a job handing out flyers or party planning for clubs, restaurants or events, but these jobs will often be commission based only. Most of these jobs will be cash in hand and you can expect to earn a lot less than you are normally used to but depending on tips you might earn enough to get by.

Look into World Packers
World Packers is an online website where you can find free accommodation in exchange for your skills. Hostels and hotels will post the desired role from receptionist, handyman to social media marketer, with a set number of hours per week and bed and board options. If you want to save money on accommodation, make new friends, build up your cv and learn new skills, then this is the ideal compromise.

Seasonal work
Depending on the time of year that you travel there might be seasonal work that can help you support your travels. This could take the form of fruit picking, tending crops, or other manual farm jobs. You will often be paid for how much fruit you pick or the work you do by the day, so it isn’t always a guaranteed way of making a lot of money, considering how much work you will put into it. However, it can be an incredibly rewarding social experience and many people organise this work through hostels.

Work as an au pair
Are you studying health and social care or primary school education? Why not consider working as an au pair whilst travelling? Most opportunities will offer food and board included in the weekly wage and you will have the weekends to make the most of exploring this new destination. It’s important to note that being an au pair will require you to work full-time during the week. It won’t be as flexible as other jobs and you will sacrifice travel time, but if this is something you are interested in career-wise, it will be an enriching experience and will add extra points to your cv.

Ski or surf instructor
Are you a skilled surfer, skier or snowboarder? Why not spend your day teaching what you love and make money to fund your travels! You can either work as an instructor for a wage or you could work for a surf or ski school and offer lessons in exchange for free bed and board.

House sitter
House sitting is a great way to explore a destination and save money on accommodation, you may even gain a furry friend in the process! You can find short-term or long-term house-sitting options in accommodation you wouldn’t normally be able to afford or stay in. From chateaus in France, apartments in Manhatten to log cabins in Montana. Jobs often include looking after the family home, walking the pets, cleaning up after them and providing them with lots of company and belly rubs. If you want to travel at a slow and steady space and save money on accommodation in the process, this is the perfect choice.

Go freelance
Thanks to the wonders of technology, no matter what your skill set you can work remotely anywhere in the world and make cash whilst you travel. If you are studying graphic design, digital marketing, software development, photography, languages or any other creative subjects, you can still come up with and pitch ideas from afar. Check out freelance websites such as Upwork, People Per Hour or Freelancer.com to help create work on the road that will not only put much-needed cash in your pocket but will build your portfolio and enhance your CV and skillset.