Part-Time Jobs Around AUS

Students at American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland study in La Tour-de-Peilz, close to Vevey and Montreux. Part-time work can be possible, but students should plan around Swiss visa rules, language expectations and the high cost of living.

Work Rules For International Students

AUS explains that international students in Switzerland can work while studying, but with limits. During the academic term, students can generally work up to 15 hours per week. During semester holidays, work may be possible up to full-time.

Non-EU/EFTA students should be especially careful: they may usually start working only after six months of study, and work authorisation requirements can involve the employer and local authorities. Students should confirm the rule for their permit before accepting any job.

Common Part-Time Job Options

Job type	Why it can suit students
Hospitality assistant	Hotels, restaurants and cafes around Vevey, Montreux and the Swiss Riviera may need service staff
Cafe or restaurant crew	Useful for students with customer-service skills and some French
Retail assistant	Shops, supermarkets and local businesses may offer evening or weekend shifts
Event support	Montreux and the wider Lake Geneva region host events where temporary support can be useful
Tourism support	Seasonal tourism creates roles in guest support, admin and service settings
Tutoring	Students with strong English, maths, business or language skills may find tutoring opportunities
Campus or admin support	Small institutional tasks may be available depending on AUS needs
Marketing or social media assistant	Business students may find small-company or start-up support roles if they have practical skills

Best Areas To Search

Students can look around:

• La Tour-de-Peilz for local convenience
• Vevey for retail, hospitality and services
• Montreux for tourism, events, hotels and restaurants
• Lausanne for a larger student and business job market
• Geneva for international organisations and business exposure, if commute and permit rules make sense

Language Expectations

French is important in the Vaud and Lake Geneva region. Some international or hospitality settings may use English, but students with French ability will usually have more options. Even basic French can help with interviews, customer-facing work and daily communication.

Students should start language preparation before arrival if they plan to work during study.

Earning And Budgeting Reality

Switzerland can offer strong hourly wages compared with many countries, but living costs are also high. Students should not rely on part-time work to fund tuition or first-term costs. Part-time income is better treated as support for food, transport, personal expenses and savings, not as the main funding source.

Practical Job Search Tips

Students should:

• Confirm work eligibility with AUS and local authorities before applying
• Prepare a simple CV in European style
• Learn basic French workplace phrases
• Apply early for seasonal hospitality and event roles
• Keep class timetable and study load as the priority
• Avoid cash-in-hand or unofficial work
• Track weekly hours carefully
• Ask employers about permit requirements before accepting an offer

Part-time work can help students gain confidence and local experience, but it should be planned legally and realistically around academic performance and Swiss permit rules.