It is the end of the holiday season, a new beginning in itself.

The second semester has just started, all the students are back and campus life has resumed.

As with every year, there are new people who come to continue schooling at AIC, sometimes students who come from far away, including from other continents.

To be autonomous and to support themselves, they usually have to find a job after classes.

However, not having American papers, they cannot work. But, there is an option.

AIC allows foreign students to work directly on campus. Several job students are available, such as to work at the library, the Dining Commons, at the bookstore or to accompany students with mental difficulties in their class and their daily homework.

Three international AIC students shared their experiences.

Paddy Clark is a Business major from England. He’s been at AIC for one semester. His opinion about his work is rather positive.

“I really enjoy my work,” Clark said. “It’s one of very few places that allow international students to work in the United States, so I was very grateful to my boss for hiring me.”

Clark continued, “my main job is making the sandwiches at the Mondo station. I am also frequently on the cashier desk which I like as I get to speak to customers all day. I especially like seeing how people react to my accent. My colleagues are all really chilled out so there’s no pressure and makes the job feel fun.”

Ivy Chepyegon is a student from Kenya who has been living in the United States for four years.

This international student is in her final year as an Accounting major. Chepyegon works at the mailroom at AIC.

It is with a big smile that she gives us her impressions.

“Finding a job on campus has helped me to adapt at this new life. Here I could meet friendly colleagues. I can save money and be independent,” she said.

Finally, William New from England arrived last semester at AIC and he found a job at the bookstore.

He is a Business major. For New, finding a job that has a link to the sales trade and close to home is a real opportunity.

“Being able to work on the campus is a good thing because thanks to this flexible schedule I can go to class, to sports practice and do my homework,” he said.

Working at school with good a schedule is a great opportunity – indeed it is not possible everywhere in the world. But it allows international students to get to know other students and work directly on campus – a time saver and a way to make money.

This opportunity has many advantages it is a good compromise between the university and foreign students wishing to make pocket money.