Part-Time Job Exploitation: How International Students Are Underpaid and Overworked Abroad
By Ravi Kumar · Senior Visa & Student Financial Policy Analyst · Published 2025-06-29T13:39:25.350Z
Discover how international students are being underpaid and overworked in part-time jobs abroad. This eye-opening article exposes exploitation, reveals country-specific data, and offers practical tips every student should know before taking a job overseas.
Studying abroad is a dream for many students. It gives them the chance to get a better education, explore a new culture, and build a better future. However, the dream quickly becomes stressful when international students realize how expensive life abroad can be.
To survive, many students take part-time jobs . But behind these jobs is a harsh truth — many of these students are underpaid and overworked. In simple words, they are being exploited , and often, no one talks about it.
This article will explain everything you need to know about how international students are being treated unfairly in part-time jobs abroad. You’ll also learn about the rules in different countries, the kind of jobs students do, how much they are paid, the risks they face, and how they can protect themselves.
What Is Part-Time Work for International Students?
What Does “Part-Time” Mean?
Part-time work means working a few hours per week — not full-time . Most students work part-time to support themselves while studying. These jobs can include working in restaurants , cleaning, delivery, sales, or working in supermarkets .
Why Do Students Take Part-Time Jobs?
To pay for rent, food, transport, and other living costs
To send money home to family
To gain local work experience
To practice English (or the local language)
But unfortunately, these jobs do not always follow the rules.
Countries Where Students Work and Often Face Exploitation
Let’s look at how part-time work is structured in some popular study destinations and how students are often underpaid or overworked in each:
Country
Legal Working Hours
Minimum Wage
Common Jobs
Exploitation Level
USA
20 hours/week (on-campus)
$7.25/hour (varies by state)
Library, cafeteria, sales
Medium - limited job options
UK
20 hours/week
£11.44/hour (as of 2024)
Delivery, waitress, cleaner
High - many work cash-in-hand
Canada
20 hours/week (during term)
CAD $16/hour (varies)
Barista, store staff, warehouse
High - students work illegally to survive
Australia
48 hours/fortnight (20-24/week)
AUD $23/hour (as of 2024)
Restaurant, delivery, cashier
Very High - many underpaid
Germany
120 full or 240 half days/year
€12/hour (as of 2024)
Cleaning, warehouses, farms
Medium - strict rules, low pay
New Zealand
20 hours/week
NZD $23.15/hour
Hotel, retail, cleaning
Medium-High
The Real Picture: What Is Actually Happening?
1. Students Are Working More Hours Than Allowed
Many students end up working more than what is legally allowed . For example, if the rule says 20 hours per week, students may work 30 or even 40 hours. Why? Because part-time wages are not enough to cover their costs.
Landlords ask for high rent. Groceries are expensive. Tuition is high. Without extra hours, students cannot survive — so they break the rules without wanting to.
Some employers know this and use it to their advantage . They say:
“If you want more hours, we’ll pay you cash without reporting it.”
This sounds good, but it is illegal and dangerous. If caught, the student could lose their visa and get deported .
2. Employers Underpay Students
Even though each country has a minimum wage law, many international students don’t get paid the full amount .
Let’s look at a few real examples:
In the UK, fair pay should be £11.44/hour. But many students working in restaurants or cleaning only receive £6–8/hour in cash.
In Australia, legal wage is AUD 23/hour,butinternationalstudentsworkinginkitchensoras[deliveryriders]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicyclecourier)arepaidonlyAUD23/ hour , butinternationalstudentsworkinginkitchensoras [ deliveryriders ]( https :// en . wikipedia . org / wiki / Bicyclec ourier ) arepaidonlyAUD 12–15/hour .
In Canada, students may work at local shops for CAD 10/houreventhoughthelegalwageisalmostCAD10/ houreventhoughthelegalwageisalmostCAD 16.
Why do employers do this? Because they know students are desperate and cannot complain.
3. No Contracts or Job Security
Most jobs that international students do have no paper contracts , especially cash jobs. That means:
No job protection
No insurance
No paid holidays or sick leave
No proof of work experience for future jobs
If the employer decides not to pay one week’s salary or suddenly fires the student, nothing can be done . No legal action, no help.
4. Dangerous Working Conditions
Some students work in unsafe environments :
Long night shifts with no breaks
Heavy lifting without training
Working in kitchens with sharp equipment and no safety gear
Delivering food in severe weather conditions — rain, snow, or high heat
Some students fall sick or get injured, but they cannot afford to stop working. In many cases, they also cannot visit a doctor because they don’t have job-related health coverage .
5. Mental Health and Stress
Being overworked, underpaid, and constantly worried leads to mental health problems like:
Anxiety
Depression
Loneliness
Extreme tiredness
Burnout
Many don’t talk about it. They hide the stress from their families back home and just keep pushing through.
Why Students Don’t Report These Problems
1. Fear of Losing Visa
Most students know they must follow visa rules. If they work more than allowed, they risk losing their student visa . Employers also threaten them:
“If you complain, I’ll report to immigration.”
Scared of being deported , students stay silent.
2. Lack of Knowledge
Some students don’t know their rights . Others are new in a foreign country and don’t understand the system. Some think:
“Maybe this is how it works here.”
This confusion helps employers take advantage of them.
3. Language Barrier
In non-English speaking countries like Germany or France , many students cannot speak the local language well. This makes it hard for them to:
Read contracts
File complaints
Understand job rules
So, employers use this to avoid legal obligations.
The Most Common Part-Time Jobs and Their Pros & Cons
Job Type
Wage (Average)
Pros
Cons
Restaurant/Kitchen
Low (70% below legal)
Easy to find, flexible shifts
Long hours, unhealthy conditions
Delivery Rider
Low to average
Decent tips, fast money
Dangerous, no insurance
Cleaner
Low
Cash jobs, simple tasks
Physically hard, underpaid
Retail/Store
Average
Learn English, customer skills
Hard to find for foreigners
Farming/Seasonal
Low to average
High hours per week
Often remote, physically tiring
What Can Be Done to Stop This?
1. Know Your Rights
Before starting any job, international students should search for labor laws in the country they live in. Visit official government websites, university career centers, or talk to previous students.
2. Say No to Cash Jobs
Cash jobs often mean:
No payslip
No tax record
No legal protection
Even if the money looks better, it is a risk. Employers can stop paying anytime, and you can’t do anything about it.
3. Keep Evidence
Even if it is a cash job, always:
Save screenshots of messages with the employer
Record working hours in a diary
Ask for written confirmation of role and salary
This will help in case you ever need to take legal steps.
4. Part-Time Jobs Through University
Many universities offer on-campus jobs that follow all rules. These jobs may not pay a lot, but they are:
Legal
Safe
Good for your future resume
Examples include working in the library, cafeteria, IT support, or being a student ambassador .
5. Join Student Unions
Most countries have student unions or organizations that support international students. They can help you understand your rights, file a complaint, and even find better jobs.
Helpful Resources (Country-wise)
Country
Labor Support Website
Student Help Organization
USA
https://www.dol.gov
International Student Office at your University
UK
https://www.acas.org.uk
UKCISA ( https://www.ukcisa.org.uk )
Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)
Australia
https://www.fairwork.gov.au
Council of International Students Australia
Germany
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
What Should You Do If You Are Being Exploited?
Leave That Job : If you feel unsafe, underpaid, or unfairly treated, quit. Your health and future are more important.
Talk to Your University : Most schools have counsellors and legal advisors.
Report the Employer : Use the resources above to inform government authorities. Many allow anonymous reporting.
Tell Your Friends : Spread awareness so others don’t fall into the same trap.
Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Be Safe
Going abroad to study is a brave decision. Managing studies, work, and life in a new country is not easy. But being exploited is not what you came for.
Work for your future, not just survival.
Do not let any employer treat you like you don’t matter. You are a student who is learning, growing, and building a strong future. Know your rights. Follow the rules. Work legally. And always look out for your mental health.
If you’re reading this and feel like you’re going through this situation — don’t stay silent. Reach out for help. There are people and organizations that will support you.
You are not alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students get deported for working more than allowed?
Yes, in many countries, working more than the permitted hours under a student visa can lead to serious consequences, including deportation. It is important to follow the rules and avoid illegal work arrangements.
Why do international students accept jobs that pay less than minimum wage?
Most international students face high living costs and limited legal work options. As a result, they often accept low-paying jobs out of desperation, especially when employers offer more hours off-the-books in cash.
Are cash jobs legal for international students?
Cash jobs are usually not legal unless they're properly registered and taxes are paid. Working cash-in-hand often breaks visa conditions and denies students basic protections like health insurance or legal contracts.
What should I do if my employer refuses to pay me?
If your employer withholds pay, gather proof like text messages and work-hour records. Report it to local labor authorities, student unions, or your university’s legal support service. Don’t fear — many places offer help even if the job was unofficial.
Is it normal for international students to feel burnout from part-time jobs?
Sadly, yes. Many students overwork themselves to pay for living and studies. Long hours, poor job conditions, and academic pressure often lead to burnout. If you're struggling, it’s important to seek mental health support and reduce hours if you can.