Studying MBBS in Barbados is an enriching experience- especially at Victoria University of Barbados (VUB), where students of different nationalities gather to pursue MBBS and define their profession in medicine. Many foreign students have some concerns relating to finances, such as managing daily expenses and finding part-time job opportunities.
However, what does the law of Barbados say about part-time jobs among international students? What are the legal prohibitions and possible alternative options to work or save in medical studies in VUB?
This blog presents valuable insight on students intending to study at VUB and seeking valid insight on sources of employment that they can pursue as they pursue their MBBS courses.
At present, international students in Barbados cannot get involved in part-time jobs during their academic years. The academic visa is provided as a student visa, which is not provided with employment conditions. This is applicable to every student with no exception to nationality or university.
The student visa is also focused on how students can commit themselves to an academic program without the burden of work. This is the guideline that any student pursuing an MBBS in Caribbean at the VUB will strictly observe in order to avoid any hassles of legal or immigration issues.
There are a number of causes explaining the unavailability of part-time work to international students in Barbados:
Student visas are granted solely for educational purposes in Barbados. Students are prohibited from working on or off campus with these visas.
Barbados is a small island country; hence, it possesses a constrained job market. The majority of the jobs available are reserved for locals or permanent residents. As a result, opportunities related to student jobs Barbados are limited, making it difficult for foreign students to find casual or part-time employment while studying.
Full-time attention is required in medical education, especially MBBS. The program includes lectures, labs, clinical training, and self-studies- all of this does leaving little time for work without compromising academic performance.
The regulation strictly prohibits traditional part-time jobs. However, Victoria University of Barbados students tend to seek some other solutions to earn money, receive a certain amount of experience, or even grow professionally, but not to violate laws.
Freelancing provides the students with an opportunity to work online from any place. Skills that can be marketed include writing, graphic designing, tutoring, programming or digital marketing on boards like:
Freelancing is not opposed to student visa conditions in Barbados since the occupation is not a local one.
Most agencies provide the virtual internship experience, which exposes the student to the industry. Students pursuing MBBS in Barbados are particularly suitable for roles in medical research, public health awareness, healthcare material production, and online marketing. Moreover, these internships often provide certificates and sometimes stipends, helping students build their resumes while studying.
Due to the emergence of mediums of online content, numerous students produce their work on YouTube, Instagram, or personal blogs. Moreover, posting MBBS study tips, medical facts, or life as an international student can be useful to create a certain personal brand and even earn passive income in the long term.
Lack of the part-time working option makes proper planning of finances very important. Since a VUB Barbados job opportunity is not available for international students, the following are some of the ways to make savings and have a lower cost of living in Barbados:
With a smart approach to expenditures, the students can afford comfortable living without any income from part-time work.
There are different financial support schemes and fee flexibility with international students at the Victoria University of Barbados. Scholarships or fee waivers can be given based on academic merit or entrance exam scores (eg NEET to Indian students).
Besides this, tuition payment plans enable students to make regular payments instead of making payments in large sums, which can easily be managed when undertaking an MBBS course. Moreover, prospective students are advised to talk to the recruiting team of the university to discover what help it can give them and their qualifications.
There can be dire consequences if one dares to engage in any unofficial activity beyond the law, such as:
Ultimately, any sort of illegal work is highly discouraged. So, students are advised to contact the international office or immigration support services at the university before deciding which option to take regarding becoming employed or a freelancer.
After knowing all of the points, we came to the conclusion that traditional part-time employment cannot be accepted during the study of MBBS in Barbados. There are a few alternatives that are available to the students at Victoria University of Barbados, and these are safe and fruitful. Online freelancing and remote internship opportunities as well as good savings plans will aid the student to acquire requisite skills, solve cost issues and live within their means.
Additionally, studying MBBS in VUB is not all about academic life, but a complete life experience. Students can even afford to work part-time, given planning and innovative ideas, laying emphasis on becoming a qualified, confident and globally competent Doctor.
Consequently, in order to get the best out of your trip to Barbados to do your MBBS and not be bothered by the issue of a work permit, concentrate on your studies and look into other legal options such as a virtual internship and freelancing. Get personal guidance and advice on admissions and support. Connect with VUB today!
Q.1 Is Victoria University of Barbados accredited?
Ans - Victoria University of Barbados is formally accredited by the Ministry of Education in Barbados and provides international students with medical programs.
Q.2 Are there any work permits available for VUB MBBS students from India?
Ans - At this moment, Indian students in VUB are not provided with a work permit, specifically directing them to the ability to work part-time during studies.
Q.3 Does VUB offer scholarships or financial aid to help with expenses?
Ans - Yes, the issuance of scholarships based on merit and easy payment plans is offered by VUB to support international students with paying tuition fees and living costs.
Q.4 Can VUB students do internships during their MBBS studies?
Ans - There are virtual internships available in the field of medical research, public health, as well as healthcare content, and encouraged to gain experience.
Victoria University of Barbados, School of Medicine (VUB) is one of the well-recognized and fastest-growing medical universities in Barbados, North America. Among other recognitions, the University is listed in World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), chartered by Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Government of Barbados, approved by Medical Council of India (MCI), and offers US-Based International-Standard MD Program (equivalent to MBBS).
Know more about The University, MD Program, or contact us for admission inquiries.