Working part-time during an exchange: how much can I earn?

The possibility of working part-time during the exchange is one of the main motivations for choosing a study destination. In addition to helping to pay for the experience, working abroad provides professional development, international networking, and priceless cultural experience. Find out how much you can earn working part-time in the main exchange destinations and how to maximize your income while studying.

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Why work part-time during the exchange

Working part-time during the exchange offers benefits that go far beyond extra income. It is a unique opportunity to apply the language learned in real situations, to develop globally valued professional skills and to build an international network of contacts.

Main advantages of working during the exchange:

• International professional experience valued by Brazilian employers
• Intensive language practice in a real professional environment
• Global networking with colleagues and local supervisors
• Development of soft skills as intercultural communication
• Income supplement to pay for local studies and experiences
• Greater financial independence during the experience abroad

Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand lead in opportunities and salaries for international students, while European destinations offer unique cultural experiences with good compensation.

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Minimum wages by country in 2025

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Regional highlights:

• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand offer the highest hourly wages
• North America: Canada balances competitive salary with reasonable cost of living
• Europe: Ireland and Germany lead among European destinations
• Middle East: United Arab Emirates surprises with salaries in US dollars

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Work Rules for International Students

Each country has specific regulations on how many hours international students can work. These rules were created to ensure that the primary focus remains on studies, while allowing for valuable professional experience.

Allowed hours during term (part-time):

• Spain: Up to 30 hours a week
• Canada: up to 24 hours a week
• Other countries: Up to 20 hours a week

Allowed vacation hours (full time):

All countries allow up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods, providing greater flexibility and income for students.

For programs such as Study and Work in Australia, the combination of a high wage with 20 hours a week allows significant gains. Already on Study and Work in Spain, the 30 hours allowed compensate for the lower hourly wage.

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Estimated monthly earnings by country

Based on minimum wages and allowed hours, we calculate the monthly earnings that students can expect at each destination. These values represent the salary floor - many students obtain higher-paying positions.

Top 5 destinations with the highest monthly earnings

1. Australia: 1,996 AUD monthly

• World's leading salary for students
• Strong economy with many opportunities
• Expanding hospitality and tourism sector

2. New Zealand: 1,880 NZD monthly

• Excellent quality of life
• Welcoming job market for foreigners
• Stunning landscapes as an added benefit

3. Canada: 1,776 CAD monthly

• Allows up to 24 hours a week (above average)
• Diversified labor market
• Pathway to permanent residence

4. Ireland: 1,080 EUR monthly

• Gateway to the European market
• Welcoming culture for Brazilians
• Growing technology and pharmaceuticals

5. Germany: 1,025 EUR monthly

• Strongest economy in Europe
• Engineering and Technology Opportunities
• Excellent infrastructure and public transport

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Conversion to Brazilian reais

To facilitate financial planning, we converted monthly earnings to reais using the June 2025 average quotes:

• Australia: R$ 8.383 (quotation: 4.20)
• New Zealand: R$ 7.520 (quotation: 4.00)
• Canada: R$ 6.575 (quotation: 3.70)
• Ireland: R$ 6.588 (quotation: 6,10)
• Germany: R$ 6.256 (quotation: 6,10)

These amounts exceed the Brazilian minimum wage (R$ 1,518) by up to 5 times, demonstrating the financial potential of working during the exchange.

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Strategies for maximizing gains

Before you travel:

• Invest in advanced English to access better positions
• Develop technical skills valued in the local market
• Search for sectors with the highest demand in the chosen destination
• Prepare international curriculum appropriate to the country

During the exchange:

• Start the job search in the first few weeks
• Actively network with classmates and teachers
• Consider seasonal jobs while on vacation
• Maintain excellent academic performance

Sectors with the best opportunities:

• Hospitality: restaurants, hotels, cafes
• Retail: stores, supermarkets, malls
• Technology: technical support, web development
• Education: tutoring, teaching Portuguese

For programs such as Public College in Canada or Private College in Canada - Co-op, paid internships are part of the curriculum, guaranteeing structured professional experience.

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Smart financial planning

Living costs to consider:

• Accommodation represents 30-40% of monthly expenses
• Food and transportation make up about 25% of the budget
• Reserve 15-20% for leisure and cultural experiences
• Keep an emergency reserve equivalent to 2 months' worth of expenses

Savings tips:

• Share accommodation with other students
• Cook at home and take advantage of supermarket promotions
• Use public transportation with a student discount
• Take part in free activities offered by the city

The program Study and Work in New Zealand offers an excellent balance between earnings and quality of life, while Study and Work in Malta provides European experience at more affordable costs.

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Legal aspects and documentation

Documents required to work:

• Student visa with work permit
• Social Insurance Number (Canada) or local equivalent
• Tax File Number (Australia) for tax questions
• Local bank account for receiving salaries

Labor rights:

• Minimum wage guaranteed by law
• Protection against discrimination
• Safe work environment
• Proportional paid vacation

Tax obligations:

• Mandatory annual income statement
• Possibility of refunding taxes
• Local pension contributions (where applicable)

Programs such as Study and Work in Ireland and Study and Work in Germany offer full support for legal issues and necessary documentation.

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Impact on the Brazilian career

Working part-time during the exchange adds significant value to the professional curriculum. Brazilian employers value candidates with international experience, especially in competitive markets.

Competencies developed:

• Actual foreign language fluency
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Intercultural communication
• Complex problem solving
• Leadership and teamwork

Sectors that value international experience the most:

• Multinationals and technology companies
• Consulting and financial services
• Tourism and hospitality
• Foreign trade and logistics

The experience of working abroad during programs such as University abroad may result in a 20-40% wage increase when returning to Brazil, according to labor market research.

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Choosing the ideal destination

The choice of destination should consider not only financial gains, but also personal and professional goals:

To maximize financial gains: Australia and New Zealand

For European cultural experience: Ireland and Germany
For North American networking: Canada

For cost-benefit: Malta and Spain

For emerging market: United Arab Emirates

Also consider factors such as:

• Easy to find work in your area
• Cost of living versus salaries
• Career progression opportunities
• Possibility of a visa extension
• International recognition of the experience

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that working during the exchange is essential for a complete and financially viable experience. Our specialized team advises you on the best job opportunities in each destination, from preparing the international curriculum to strategies for finding the best positions. We offer full documentation support and connect you with our partner network abroad. Contact us and discover how to transform your exchange into an investment that pays for itself and also boosts your international career!