Studying in Greece is an incredible experience, offering you the chance to broaden both your academic and cultural horizons. But did you know that you can also gain valuable work experience and earn some extra euros during your studies?
Finding a job as a student in Greece can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Not only does it provide financial support, but it also offers valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.
However, whether you're an international student or a local, navigating the job market in Greece can seem daunting. This guide aims to simplify the process by providing comprehensive information on legal requirements, types of work, typical working hours, and more.
Whether you're an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA student, we've got you covered!
Key takeaways:
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Students, both EU and non-EU, can work in Greece while studying, with non-EU students requiring a work permit.
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Greece's job market offers opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and retail, particularly during peak seasons.
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Students can find part-time jobs, internships, seasonal work, and online gigs to suit their skills and schedules.
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Online job boards, networking, direct company applications, social media, and recruitment agencies are effective ways to find student jobs in Greece.
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While Greek language skills can be advantageous, many jobs are available for non-Greek speakers, especially in industries catering to international audiences or valuing specific skills.
Can I Work in Greece While Studying?
Yes, students can work in Greece while studying. But before diving into the job search, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements for working as a student in Greece.
The rules differ slightly depending on your nationality. For EU students, the process is relatively straightforward as they have the right to work in Greece without a special permit. However, non-EU students must obtain a work permit, which is typically granted for part-time employment.
To apply for a work permit, non-EU students must have a valid student visa and be enrolled in a recognized educational institution. The process involves submitting various documents, including proof of enrollment, a valid passport, and a job offer from a Greek employer. It's essential to start this process early, as obtaining a work permit can take several weeks.
What’s the Greek Job Market Like?
Greece's economy has faced significant challenges over the past decade, but it has shown resilience and growth, particularly in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and retail. In fact, as the
New York Times have put it, Greece is booming.
As a student, these industries offer a plethora of part-time job opportunities. The tourism sector, in particular, peaks during the summer months, providing a surge in job openings.
Additionally, cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have a vibrant job market due to their large student populations and numerous universities.
And while the job market can be competitive, students often find opportunities in entry-level positions that require little to no prior experience. Understanding the key industries and the seasonal nature of job availability in Greece can help you strategize your job search more effectively.
What Types of Student Jobs Are Available for Me?
Greece offers a variety of job opportunities for students, catering to different skills, interests, and schedules. Here are some common types of student jobs:
Part-time Jobs:
These are the most popular among students, offering flexible hours that can be easily balanced with studies. Common part-time jobs include:
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Tourism and Hospitality: Waiter/waitress, bartender, hotel receptionist, tour guide.
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Retail: Sales associate, cashier, stock clerk.
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Language Services: English teacher, translator, language tutor.
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Other: Babysitter/nanny, dog walker, delivery driver, administrative assistant.
Internships
Excellent for gaining practical experience in your field of study. Many companies in Greece offer internships to students, often with the potential to lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Seasonal Work
Wondering how to land the perfect summer job in Greece? Seasonal work is especially prevalent in the tourism industry, offering short-term employment during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Jobs include working at resorts, beach bars, and tourist attractions.
Online Gigs
Of course, you can always choose remote work or freelancing in Greece.
Freelancing platforms provide opportunities for students with skills in writing, editing, graphic design, programming, and more. These gigs offer flexibility and can be done remotely.
Ultimately, the choice of job depends on your skills, interests, and the time you can dedicate to working alongside your studies.
Where Can I Find Student Jobs in Greece?
Now that you know the types of jobs available in Greece, let's explore where you can find them:
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Online Job Boards: Popular platforms include JobsInGreece, XpatAthens, Indeed Greece, and the career portals of your university or other educational institutions.
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Networking: Connect with fellow students, professors, alumni, and professionals in your field. Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events organized by your university. Personal recommendations can be a great way to land a job.
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Direct Company Applications: Research companies that interest you, visit their websites, and check their career pages for open positions. Even if they don't have specific student job listings, you can send a speculative application highlighting your skills and eagerness to learn.
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Social Media: Join relevant Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and forums where job postings are shared. Engage in conversations and network with potential employers.
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Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in student or temporary work and can help you find suitable positions.
What are the Typical Working Hours and Wages for Student Jobs in Greece?
Working Hours
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Part-time Jobs: Typically offer 10-20 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate your class schedule.
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Internships: Can be full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time, depending on the company and your agreement.
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Seasonal Work: Often involves longer hours, especially during peak seasons, but offers the advantage of a shorter commitment.
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Online Gigs: Hours are entirely flexible and depend on your availability and workload.
Wages
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Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in Greece for employees under 25 is €3.91 per hour (as of June 2024). This applies to most student jobs.
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Average Hourly Rate: For student jobs, you can expect to earn around €5-€10 per hour, depending on the industry, your skills, and experience. Some specialized positions like language tutoring might pay more.
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Monthly Income: According to Glassdoor, you can estimate a monthly income of €558-€713 for student jobs. Internships might offer a stipend or a small salary, while seasonal work can bring higher earnings due to longer hours.
Tips
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Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary, especially if you have valuable skills or experience.
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Research: Before applying for a job, research typical wages in your field to ensure you're being paid fairly.
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Taxes and Deductions: Remember that taxes and social security contributions will be deducted from your salary.
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Hidden Costs: Factor in transportation costs and other expenses related to your job when budgeting your income.
Remember, while earning money is important, prioritize your studies and choose a job that fits your schedule and interests.
Working in Greece can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the culture, make new friends, and gain valuable skills for your future career.
Do I Have to Speak Greek to Find a Job in Greece as a Student?
While the Greek language is the official language of Greece, the language requirements for student jobs can vary depending on the industry and specific role:
Jobs where Greek is essential:
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Customer-facing roles: These positions, such as waiters/waitresses, bartenders, sales associates, and hotel receptionists, often require at least a basic level of Greek to interact with customers and understand their needs.
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Jobs with administrative tasks: Roles involving communication with Greek colleagues or handling Greek documents, like administrative assistants or office clerks, usually necessitate some Greek language proficiency.
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Jobs in local businesses: Small, family-owned businesses or those catering primarily to local clientele might prefer employees with Greek language skills.
Jobs where English (or other languages) might be sufficient:
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Tourism and Hospitality: In popular tourist areas, many establishments cater to international visitors, and English is often the primary language of communication. Some might even value multilingualism, particularly in languages like German, French, or Russian.
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Language Teaching: If you're a native English speaker or proficient in another language, you can find opportunities teaching your language to Greek students or adults.
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International Companies: Multinational companies operating in Greece often use English as their working language, creating opportunities for non-Greek speakers.
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Technical or Specialized Roles: Some technical positions, like IT support or programming, might prioritize specific skills over language proficiency, especially if the company operates internationally.
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Online Gigs: Freelancing platforms offer a wide range of remote jobs where language requirements vary depending on the client and project.
General Tips:
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Learn Basic Greek: Even if your job doesn't require Greek fluency, learning some basic phrases can significantly improve your experience and open up more opportunities.
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Highlight Your Language Skills: If you're proficient in other languages besides Greek, be sure to mention them on your resume and cover letter. It can be a valuable asset, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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Be Honest: During interviews, be upfront about your Greek language level and express your willingness to learn and improve.
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Consider Language Courses: If you're planning to stay in Greece long-term, investing in Greek language courses can be a worthwhile decision, both personally and professionally.
Overall, while Greek language skills can certainly be an advantage in the Greek job market, don't be discouraged if you're not fluent yet. Many opportunities exist for non-Greek speakers, especially in industries catering to international audiences or those valuing specific skills. In fact, you might want to take a look at
the most in-demand jobs for non-Greek speakers in Greece.
The Bottom Line
Finding a job in Greece as a student is an achievable goal with the right preparation and approach. The experience can be incredibly enriching, providing you with valuable skills, cultural insights, and financial independence.
Still, the job search process might take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't find a job immediately. Stay persistent, network actively, and tailor your applications to each position. With determination and the tips shared in this guide, you'll be well on your way to finding a job that complements your studies and enhances your experience in Greece.