Simple Side Jobs for Students Living in Rome
For American students abroad in Rome, the thrill of new experiences is non-stop. However, the costs of pasta, coffee, and Aperol spritzes can quickly add up, and weeks of careful budgeting can go out the window.
The idea of working in Rome can sound daunting without a full understanding of the language and culture. One important consideration is what your visa offers, most student visas allow twenty hours of work a week. So if this applies to you, there are a lot of low-stress work options out there to help you make some extra cash.
Babysitting is a great option for students. Without a set schedule, you can find gigs that fit easily into your busy life and maybe even figure out a weekly gig. Not speaking Italian usually isn’t an issue and might actually be a plus. Many Italian parents prefer English-speaking babysitters so their children can hear the language and practice it. You can sign up on websites such as Sitly.com and Babysits to get connected with families in your area that are looking for support.
Dog walking is another great way to make some cash on the side without speaking Italian. Rover.com offers an easy way to showcase your services as a pet caregiver. On Rover, you can work doing overnight gigs like house-sitting or boarding, or just offer walks and check-ins.
Some cafés, restaurants, and bars in the center might not mind the language barrier. Since those establishments mostly cater to tourists, English is commonly spoken. It is worth inquiring about job opportunities. American students have been known to be hired at bars like Drunken Ship, Abbey Theater Irish Pub, and Mr. Brown’s Pub.
Many Italian families are in the market for an English tutor. You can come to their house privately and help the children or the whole family with conversational skills. To find jobs like this, you can go old-fashioned and post flyers near commonly trafficked areas, or you can share your offer on Superprof or Facebook.
It is important to put your safety first when considering a job like this. When you are going to someone’s home, make sure to verify their identity, schedule a phone call before going over to their place of residence to make sure everything feels comfortable, and always tell a family member or a friend the address you are going to and the approximate amount of time you plan to be there.
Some key differences you should be aware of before inquiring about opportunities in Rome are the differences in CV style. You should alter your CV to the European style before applying for positions. This requires adding some more information. In Europe, a personal statement is expected, usually one paragraph long and written in the third person. Adding a professional photo of yourself is also more common in Europe and can help set you apart from the competition.
Consider these options if you are looking to make some extra cash and add some experience to your résumé. Working while in school can be a difficult task, so make sure you don’t overload your plate; only agree to hours you know you can handle.
Rome has no minimum wage, so the hourly pay will differ depending on the job. For babysitting and dog walking, pay ranges from approximately €9 to €12 per hour; however, you can set prices higher depending on past experience. For café and bar work, the average hourly pay is €9 per hour. For private English lessons, you can probably set prices a bit higher, somewhere between €15 and €20 an hour.
Finding a part-time gig in Rome can add more to your life than just money. It can be a way to immerse yourself in the culture and become a part of the community. Make sure to go about this process in a safe and legal way, and find a position that excites you and fits well into your busy academic schedule.
