On-Campus Jobs: Three Options for UIC Students

International students flock to South Korea with dreams of cherry blossoms, academic achievement, and samgyeopsal—starry-eyed from watching too many Korean dramas. However, their Korean dream is often offset by the cost. While the cost of living is comparatively affordable to other countries, the combined cost of tuition and rent can take its toll. Considering this, what can an international student do to earn some extra income? What is the best way to do so? A wide array of part-time jobs is available for international students, but the best option is probably on-campus jobs. On-campus jobs are perfect for students with busy lives—riddled with assignments, student clubs, and friends. Listed below are three potential on-campus jobs to boost your student life. If you are on the fence about applying for one, here are a few reasons why you should consider it. 

You can enjoy a flexible schedule! One of the major benefits of working at an on-campus job is flexibility. It will provide you with more flexibility in choosing and altering your hours based on your academic schedule. In case you need to pull an all-nighter to cram for an exam at the last minute, on-campus jobs are likely more forgiving. Because on-campus jobs are part of Yonsei University, your bosses are more likely to be understanding of academic conflicts. Overall, it provides you with a sense of stability and an assuredness that your part-time work will not interfere with your studies. Another important point to highlight is convenience. Walking ten minutes to reach the Yonsei campus cannot be compared to a 30-minute combination of subway trains and buses. The convenience of an on-campus job is unmatched. Having your job right by your dormitory or within a 10-minute walk is a luxury few can afford. It is convenient, and it will also help you cut down on commute time and transportation costs.  

Are you passionate about writing? Are you looking for a way to apply your interest? Then, you should consider applying for a tutoring position at the UIC Writing Center. Based at the International Campus, the UIC Writing Center aims to help students become better communicators through developing technical writing skills and a substantive view of writing as a process. The UIC Writing Center recruits upperclassmen from all divisions and majors who display excellent writing skills and are passionate about helping others with their writing. Job openings are regularly posted towards the end of the semester, and you have to apply and undergo an interview process. After being accepted as a peer tutor, you have to pledge to attend a pre-semester training workshop, hold weekly tutoring sessions, which are usually 3-4 hours a week, and have regular meetings with Professor Hong to report on students’ progress and needs. If you feel confident that you can provide the necessary services and resources, look out for recruitment postings on the UIC website.

Perhaps, you would feel more comfortable taking a more administrative role? If so, look out for announcements on the UIC website looking for UIC office assistants. Recent recruitment ads looking for an office assistant for the summer at the UIC Office at the International Campus outlined a few requirements, which are the following: you must be an undergraduate student with a GPA above 1.75, you cannot simultaneously work as a teaching assistant, you cannot be taking a leave of absence, and lastly, you must be fluent in Korean and English. While it might not be as engaging as working as a peer tutor, working in an office setting can help you develop important skills. Whatever department you work in, it will help you develop professional skills that can help you in the future. As you also get the opportunity to work closely with faculty and staff, they can become mentors. Fostering relationships can help you land future internships and opportunities, and faculty or staff supervisors can provide letters of recommendation later on.

Do you want to experience the behind-the-scenes of teaching at a university level? What does it take to run a class of 20 students or even 70 students? By working as a teaching assistant (TA), you perform academic and administrative tasks on behalf of the professor—giving you the opportunity to develop your communication skills and time management. Recruitment ads for teaching assistant positions are usually posted on the UIC website—with specific posts for specific professors. Similar to the position as a peer tutor, job openings are usually posted towards the end of the semester or before the start of the next one. If you have a strong desire to help your fellow students master their courses, then you should apply for a position as a TA. As long as you are invested in the success of others, you will be a good fit.

On-campus jobs offer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to engage with university life on a deeper level. Gone are the hour-long lines at the immigration office, job searching, and rejections —you have viable options right in front of you! Whether working as a peer tutor, office assistant, or TA, on-campus jobs will provide you with the opportunity to better engage with your university and supplement your time in South Korea!