Part-Time Job Opportunities at St. Thomas Aquinas College

For Indian students dreaming of studying abroad in the USA, St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) in Sparkill, New York, offers a supportive environment where balancing academics with part-time work is not just possible but encouraged. As an F-1 visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks like summer or winter holidays. This is a great way to offset living expenses, gain practical experience, and immerse yourself in American campus life. With New York's vibrant job market nearby, STAC students often find opportunities that align with their studies in business, education, arts, or sciences. Whether you're preparing for the next intake in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025, exploring part-time jobs early can help you build financial independence and a strong resume for future careers back in India or globally.

On-Campus Employment: Convenient and Flexible Options

STAC prioritizes on-campus jobs for international students, making it easy to manage your schedule around classes. These positions are ideal for freshmen and sophomores, requiring no commute and often accommodating cultural or religious needs, such as time off for festivals like Diwali. Earnings typically range from $15–$18 per hour (about ₹1,250–₹1,500), helping cover essentials like groceries or transport in Rockland County.

Key Rules for On-Campus Work:

• Eligibility: Maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits per semester) and good academic standing (GPA 2.0+).
• Hours: Maximum 20 hours/week during terms; unlimited during official breaks.
• Authorization: Secure a job offer first, then get approval from the International Student Office—no separate work permit needed.
• Taxes: Earnings are taxable; expect 14–30% withholding, but you can claim refunds via Form 1040NR, especially beneficial for Indian students under the US-India tax treaty.

Common on-campus roles at STAC include:

Job Title	Description	Skills Gained	Typical Pay (USD/hour)
Library Assistant	Assist with book shelving, circulation desk duties, and digital resource support in the Ryan Library.	Research skills, customer service, organization—perfect for humanities or education majors.	$15–$16
Dining Services Worker	Help in the Spartan Grill cafeteria: serving food, cleaning, or inventory management.	Teamwork, hospitality—valuable for business or hospitality students eyeing Indian hotel chains post-graduation.	$15–$17
Administrative Aide	Support offices like Admissions or Student Affairs with filing, data entry, and event setup.	Office software (MS Excel, Google Workspace), communication—boosts corporate job prospects in India.	$16–$18
Campus Tour Guide	Lead tours for prospective students, sharing your international perspective.	Public speaking, cultural exchange—great for building confidence in group settings.	$15
Lab or Tutoring Assistant	Aid in science labs or tutor peers in subjects like math or English.	Technical skills, teaching—ideal for STEM students planning OPT extensions.	$16–$18

STAC's Career Services Center posts openings on the student portal (SpartanLink) and hosts job fairs twice a year, often featuring sessions tailored for international students on resume building with an Indian twist—highlighting transferable skills from your home country.

Off-Campus Opportunities: Expanding Your Horizons

Once you've completed one academic year, off-campus work becomes accessible through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows paid internships related to your major during the term (up to 20 hours/week), while OPT offers up to 12 months post-graduation (or 36 months for STEM fields). For Indian students, this is a golden opportunity to earn $20–$25/hour (₹1,650–₹2,100) in nearby New York City or Rockland County, covering rent in affordable areas like Nyack.

Popular Off-Campus Roles Near STAC:

• Retail and Hospitality: Positions at local malls (e.g., Palisades Center) or cafes in Sparkill—cashier, barista roles teaching customer interaction in a diverse setting.
• Tech and Tutoring: Freelance coding gigs or online tutoring for Indian expat communities via platforms like Upwork (must comply with visa rules).
• Internships: Business majors can intern at nearby firms in finance or marketing; education students at local schools.
• Seasonal Work: Summer jobs in tourism around Hudson Valley, aligning with breaks to maximize earnings without affecting studies.

To pursue off-campus work:

1. Consult STAC's International Programs Office for CPT/OPT advising—start 3–6 months in advance.
2. Enroll in a related course if needed for CPT authorization via USCIS Form I-20 update.
3. Network through STAC's Indian Student Association (ISA) events, where alumni share job leads in sectors like IT and consulting.
4. Use resources like Handshake or Indeed, filtering for "international student friendly" to avoid visa pitfalls.

Remember, unauthorized work can jeopardize your visa status, so always prioritize compliance. STAC's proximity to NYC (45 minutes by bus) opens doors to high-demand fields, but on-campus jobs are safer starters for the next intake.

Benefits Tailored for Indian Students

Part-time jobs at STAC go beyond money—they're a bridge to American professional culture. Earn while learning: Use wages to fund H-1B visa prep courses or send remittances home. Build a network with diverse peers, enhancing soft skills like adaptability, crucial for India's competitive job market. Many Indian alumni credit these gigs for landing roles at firms like Infosys or Deloitte post-OPT.

Pro Tip: Track expenses with apps like Mint to maximize savings. Join STAC's Work-Study Program for priority access, and attend workshops on "Balancing Studies and Side Hustles" designed for South Asian students.

Embracing part-time work at STAC empowers you to thrive in the USA. Visit the Career Services page or email international@stac.edu to kickstart your journey for the upcoming intake. Your American adventure starts with one step—and one job application!