The Production and Sale of Cigarettes Should Be Made Illegal

Case study
Part time – working and studying

Teacher: Aimee Everett
Students: Adelina Carly Tilman Lourdes Irina Sutyagina Jenan Alqudaihi
Date: 7 March 2013

Abstract
With ever increasing fees, part-time job allows students to combine studying and working and is very popular with students today. Therefore, they have to look for ways to juggle study and work. The issue of combining study and work is examined by looking at the case of Nosa, a student from Indonesia who has part-time job and is faced with a problem which is how to juggle work and study. Three possible solutions are put forward and evaluated, and one chosen as the best. Some conclusions and recommendations are then given relating to the wider issue, including the importance of creating a balance between study and part-time job, and the need for paying attention to student’s health.

Table of contents Introduction 1 Statement of the problem 2
Definition: 2
Analysis: 2 Suggestion of possible solutions 3
Solution A 3 Solution B 3 Solution C 3 Evaluation of possible solutions 3
Solution A. 3 Advantages. 3 Disadvantages. 3
Solution B. 3 Advantages. 3 Disadvantages. 3
Solution C. 4 Advantages. 4 Disadvantages. 4 Chois of possible solution 4
Choice: 4
Justification: 4 Conclusions and Recommendations 6

Introduction
Nowadays, most international students who study abroad are looking for part time jobs. It is because of the increasing cost of living expenses they need to pay. However, if students do not manage their timetable and work properly, this can also affect the students’ performance in class. As Brian Staines from Bristol University Careers Office has pointed out “At Bristol, we believe that if students work more than 12 hours a week during term time, this could have a negative effect on their studies” (The Guardian, 2004). This report will explore the issue of the effect of study and part-time work by looking at the case of Nosa, a student from Indonesia who came to Australia with the aim of completing her Master of Business. The report will begin with a statement of the problem, followed by a suggestion of possible solutions and an evaluation of these solutions. It will then outline solutions to Nosa’s problem. The final section will then put forward some observations and recommendations about the general issue will be made.

Statement of the Problem
Definition: Nosa doesn’t have a way to juggle part-time job and work in her life yet, that is why she has a problems with assessment, causing failing midterm test and essay. She couldn’t even keep up with work too much. She has trouble with her health too. She is moody, irritable, and incredibly tired. It prevents her from concentration on study and work as well. Relationships with class mates are deteriorating; nobody wants to deal with her. In addition, her financial problem is not solved. She still needs to work hard.

Analysis: According to Staines, working 20 hours has negative impact on performance of students at university (The Guardian, 2004). They are systematically failing mid-course tests and essay. One in ten students miss class due to work commitments. And Nosa is not an exception. Her relationships with her classmates are beginning to deteriorate. Her fellow students don 't want to work in groups with her, because she is unable to participate. They think that she is not interested in doing something well and being their friend. She cannot even go out with them, because of the time that she usually spend on her working. It is necessary to make a point that working 12 hours a week is an optimal index of part-time job. Staines from Briston University Careers Office says: '..if students work more than 12 hours a week during term time, this could have a negative effect on their studies ' (The Guardian, 2004). On the other hand, Monash Student Association President Shen Narayanasamy has another point of view, supporting her opinion by recommendations from Medicine Faculties, which provide 10 hours working as optimal index (Waverly Gazette, 2003). Nevertheless, a survey of about 2000 students in 2001 found 80% of students worked on average of 18.4 hours a week which is actually more than 12 hours as ms Narayanasamy said. It means that most of the students can not find an optimal way to combine work and study.
Suggestion of possible solutions
Solution A: She could continue of what she has been doing, but she should develop a study plan.
Solution B: Look for another job that is more flexible
Solution C: Take advantage of the Academic Skills Unit

Evaluation of Possible Solutions
Solution A – Develop a study plan

Advantages: Once she has the school timetable, she should be able to develop a study plan. The plan can give her best time for studying and submitting assignments. By doing this, she should be able to determine which times are good to continue her working, either in mornings or afternoons.

Disadvantages: If she is not disciplined, she might fail her class because of being more concerned about earning more money to afford her living in Australia.

Solution B – Find a job that is more flexible

Advantages: She will have the chance to allocate time herself for studying and doing assignments. She might also find an easy going supervisor who will understand and will be aware of her current situation, such as; giving her time off should there are any exams or tests.

Disadvantages: She may struggle with the new environment and make new friends in the new working place. She will also stress in the first or second week of learning the new tasks that she will be doing.

Solution C – Academic Skills Unit

Advantages: She may improve her English through note-taking, essay-writing and other skills. Also, she may find advisors who can guide and advise her how to adjust to difficulties which international students usually experience in Australia both in academic and daily life.

Disadvantages: If she does not concentrate on the extra English classes and does not do exercises or tasks given, she will still not improve her English. Similarly, if the advice is not helpful or the advisor does not understand the situation of international student, she may find herself in trouble as well. Choice of possible solution:

Solution A: developing her study plan of how to manage her time for study, work and social events is the best solution among three solutions.

Justification: Most of international students who study in Australia usually have a part-time job. Many of them also experience the same situation the first time of their studying and working. Therefore, it is very useful for her to develop a timetable for organizing the two activities: study and work. Once she has the school timetable, she knows what subjects she needs to focus on, what books she needs to buy and read and when she should submit assignments. As this is, she can allocate her free time from studying to work. If she does not change her job, it is likely for her to talk to the manager of the Indonesian restaurant and try to explain her current situation and also ask him to allow her work in the times that are proposed by her. As she needs money, she can work full time during the weekends and holidays. She can also include her timetable, apart from, study and work to get in touch with her friends or involve in social activities should there is any vacant time available.

Conclusions and recommendations

The aim of international student from study overseas is to gain an international degree in order to have better career in the future when returning to their home country. Some international students have made efforts to work hard and save money for the said purpose. However, upon arrival unexpected things surprise their mind, such as: high cost of living expenses, educational system, food and culture shock. For example Nosa did not expect that cost of accommodation and other expenses are high in Australia and so, she found her budget is insufficient and as the consequence she had to work. It is not easy though because educational system is totally different from back home. The lecturer demands students to study hard by giving so many assignments and group discussion which is good because it trains students to be more independent in critical and analytical thinking. However, in order to balance the work and study she should organize herself so that her home dreams of obtaining an international degree will become true.
In addition, it is recommended that the university to pay more attention to universities students who are suffering from part-time job. Universities need to provide counselling services which can help student to organize themselves. Moreover, each government have to also identify that student who study abroad and give them enough money.

References

Tola Awogbamiye, ‘How to juggle study and work?’, The Guardian, 27 March 2004
Belinda Richmond, ’Work study balance a concern’, Waverly Gazette, 12 August 2003 ‘The benefits of part-time work’ , The Age, 24 April 2004

References: Tola Awogbamiye, ‘How to juggle study and work?’, The Guardian, 27 March 2004 Belinda Richmond, ’Work study balance a concern’, Waverly Gazette, 12 August 2003 ‘The benefits of part-time work’ , The Age, 24 April 2004