Of the 44 countries in Europe, each region has its own special flair that might attract different folks for different reasons. Western Europe has European staples like France and Germany, while Eastern Europe offers an alluring smattering of Slavic countries like Poland, Romania, and Belarus.
Up North, you’ll find the cozy nordic countries and proper Brits, along with Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Southern Europe’s Mediterranean vibes are a dream come true, so there’s no going wrong when choosing a country. If you’re looking for a place to study and work, Europe is the place to go. Which is the best country to study and work in Europe? But now comes the age-old question: what is the best country to study and work in Europe? Spoiler: there isn’t one answer.
1. Spain
Spain is known for its flashy culture and vibrant people and is a great place to study and work abroad. The sunny beaches, rich heritage, and tasty food is a huge draws, but what is it like to study and work there?
Spain is a popular destination for international students, so the process of getting a visa and applying to universities is pretty straightforward. However, it’s important to note that non-EU students will likely have to pay a little extra (this is the case with most EU countries). The actual process for working in Spain while studying is pretty flexible, so you don’t need to worry about jumping through hoops.
You need to ask for a permit to work up to 20 hours per week from the local authorities. However, you need to have a student visa to do that. You can stick around until that expires, workin’ your bottom off along the way.
The cost of living will depend on what city you end up in, but on average, it’s a good place to get your money’s worth. It tends to be cheaper than the US or UK, with average monthly budgets ranging from 1,800-2,200 euros.
2. Sweden
Sweden may be a little cooler than Spain, but the people are warm and cozy, like their coffee and their sweaters. With vast snowy landscapes, enchanting fjords, and the Northern Lights, it’s an absolutely charming place to settle down in. It’s also an easy choice for working and studying because all you need is your student visa!
Sweden is well known for being environmentally friendly and innovative. Many universities teach courses in English, so you don’t need to worry about perfecting your Swedish before arriving. Education is important to the Swedes, so they made it free for their people. Unfortunately, as a US citizen, you don’t get to cash in on that. However, it can still be cheaper on average than many US institutions.
3. Germany
Hearty food, beer for days, lakes of plenty, and an active lifestyle are staples of German livelihood. If that appeals to you, look into working and studying in Germany. But wait, there are some rules (this is Germany, after all). First, you need to get permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigner’s office.
Then, the flexibility of hours is more strict for non-EU citizens. If you’re coming from the US, Australia, or any non-EU member state, working while studying in Germany is more complicated. You’re only allowed to work 240 half days or 120 full days per year, either in term or during vacations. However, there are loopholes depending on the work you choose.
If you’re working as a student assistant, the 120-day rule can be thrown out the window! There are virtually no limitations to jobs at a university. But you still need to get in touch with the foreigners’ registration office to let them know you want to work more hours.
4. Switzerland
The compact country is brimming with emerald snow-capped mountains, opportunities to explore the outdoors, dollhouse-like villages, and pristine lakes. If skiing famous slopes and living in a virtually crime-free nation appeals to you, Switzerland may be the ideal answer to your question about working and studying abroad in Europe.
Many people speak English, so you won’t encounter too many job search barriers. Switzerland has quotas for foreign workers, but if you’re there on a student visa, you don’t need to apply for a separate work visa—huzzah!
But you can only use it after living in the country for six months and only working 15 hours a week while there. It may not be the most lucrative option, but in terms of experience and culture, it’s definitely worth considering.
5- France
Oui, you can indeed work and study abroad in France. Heck, you might even be able to study abroad in France for free! France isn’t just on this list because it is filled with historical art and divine pastries (although that is a definite draw), but it’s also a great place for students to study and work abroad.
Like many countries on this list, you can only work part-time. But who wants to be working full-time as a student, anyways? There are different types of work visas in France depending on the work you end up getting. For example, if you end up doing an internship, you need to have an agreement of sorts signed by you, your employer in France, and your school or college back home.
You may also need to prove financial security. However, the baseline rule is that with your student visa, you can do paid to work up to 964 hours a year in France. If you’re working for the university you attend, the contracts may differ slightly, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the people in the departments you’re hoping to work for.
