In addition to financial aid , another way many Americans finance their studies is to work their way through school. Many Americans would never finish their degrees without working to help pay the costs. Unfortunately, this option is not immediately available to foreign students studying in the United States.
Many colleges do offer work-study programs to foreign students.
These jobs usually entail manning a help desk, working at the library, or maybe even mowing the campus lawns. During holidays and school vacation, however, a foreign student with the proper paperwork can work an unlimited number of hours on-campus, so you may be able to earn a significant amount over the summers. After you have been studying in the United States for a year, go to the International Student's Office at your school or to the school's Registrar's Office, and they can give you the necessary forms to apply to work off campus. If you are approved, you will still be limited to working no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session, although you may work full-time during holidays or school vacation. Being able to work off-campus during the summers not only helps with money, but also allows you the opportunity to accumulate valuable work experience while you are still a student.