Insufficient jobs for international students
Wed 01 June 2011
Becci Asquith, Bachelor of Arts
International students on the Sunshine Coast are struggling to find employment to subsidise rising fees and the cost of living in Australia.
Students from around the world go through lengthy visa processes and rigorous checks, travel thousands of miles and leave loved ones behind to come to Australia.
However, many have found when they arrive, the rising dollar means their saving are not enough to live on and they require an extra source of income.
A recent statement from University Australia cited financial factors among the reasons for this year’s decline in international students.
International students currently account for over 12 per cent of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s student body, but many are worried about their futures in Australia.
Those feeling the financial strain have searched for part-time employment to help support themselves, but due to rising unemployment rates, class timetables and cultural differences they are often unsuccessful.
University of the Sunshine Coast Swedish student Johanna Ehrenborg Staffas said she had applied for many jobs since she arrived in Australia.
“I’ve mainly tried shops, cafes and restaurants but had no luck,” Miss Ehrenborg Staffas said.
“I was told when I first arrived that it was difficult to find a job.
“Most international students I know have the same problem - some are lucky and find something, but not many.”
The lack of available part-time employment means many international students are relying on loans or their parents to pay their fees and other essential costs.
The Australian dollar is at an all-time high, so students who do rely on funding from their home countries are required to borrow more than initially expected.
The higher fees of international students are an important source of revenue for most universities, but without means to support themselves while in Australia, the number of international students may continue to decline, especially if the dollar remains strong.
“I like living on the Coast - the climate, the friendly people, the relaxed lifestyle and the beach,” Miss Ehrenborg Staffas said.
“But university keeps getting more expensive and I’m scared that I’m not going to be able to afford it soon.
“I’ve taken loans from the Swedish Government, but it’s not enough anymore because of all the increasing costs.
“If I don’t get extra money soon, I’m not sure I’ll be able to complete my degree here in Australia.”
International students face fees of up to $A10,000 per semester, as well as the cost of accommodation, food and transport, leaving them short of funds to experience what Australia has to offer.
“I can’t go out and enjoy myself that much anymore,” Miss Ehrenborg Staffas said.
“I would like to travel around more but I can’t, which is very bad because I’m in Australia to experience other things, not just study.”
Statistics from the Sunshine Coast Council show the local unemployment rate has risen to over 7 per cent, meaning international students are competing for jobs with more people than ever before.
Recruitment consultant Louise Ellis said that most employers are looking for staff that can make a long term commitment.
“It takes time and money to hire someone new,” Miss Ellis said.
“(Businesses) …have to advertise when a position becomes available and train new staff.
“It’s a long process so locals probably appeal more to employers.”
Miss Ellis said that some employers may have other problems with hiring international students.
“Sometimes there are language barriers or even cultural differences that stop a company hiring someone.”
Miss Ellis said that it is not just international students that can have difficulty finding work.
“With all students there is the hassle of working around timetables, especially as they change every semester,” Miss Ellis said.
“Bars or restaurants are probably the best places for students, to ensure they can work outside of their classes.
“But there’s only a few of those jobs and a lot of people competing for them.”
International students who do manage to find part-time employment may face other problems.
Study visas restrict working hours to 20 per week which, combined with a higher tax rate, can lead to insufficient take-home pay for international students.
UNITE, a union for fast food and retail workers, is campaigning to have the 20-hour restriction abolished.
It feels it does not allow international students the chance to earn enough money to support themselves.
In a 2009 statement, the then Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans said international students were expected to have enough money to support themselves before they applied for a course in Australia.
“International students can supplement their income through part-time work in Australia but the primary purpose of a student visa is to study and students should not rely on part-time work to meet their expenses,” Mr Evans said.
Image(s) designed by Rebecca Asquith
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Submitted Comments
I think this is a good article. I am a study abroad student and this is an issue for me.
Camille Smith
Nice article. It is really relevant to the local community because we have such a large international intake at our University. I also thought it was interesting to read the comments from a recruitment consultant. Good interviewees :)
Caitlin Ryan