Indian students in US take up babysitting to make ends meet

Students in the United States are only allowed to take only on-campus jobs, although many have earlier sought part-time (and often illegal) work off campus to supplement their income.

However, as such chances become increasingly limited in today's work environment, many students are turning to more local work, like babysitting, to supplement their income.

Students from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other states are now reaching out to the Indian community in the area to help them get out of debt.

This is also a popular choice for many girls because it provides a safer working atmosphere and pays somewhere between $13 and $18 per hour, with some even providing food, lodging, or both.

"I babysit a six-year-old boy for about eight hours a day and get paid $13 an hour. I also get a meal for taking care of the boy," said a student from Hyderabad studying in Ohio in the US.

She added that it was way better than working in a local store or gas station.

Another Telugu student in Connecticut said that her company provides her with housing and food.

"I have to take care of a two-and-a-half-year-old six days a week. For those six days, food and accommodation are taken care of by the girl's parents. On Sundays, I stay in my friend's room," she said.

She said that although she only receives $10 per hour, she was more than willing to accept the position because it would cover her rent.

In the US, a student typically pays $300 a month for rent. There are over 39,000 Indian students in Texas, 20,000 in Illinois, 13,500 in Ohio, and 7,000 in Connecticut, according to the Open Doors 2024 report.

Telugu students make up roughly half of this group.

"But even with $10 per hour, I feel this job is much better than others. Except when I have classes, I take care of a four-year-old girl almost daily. The best part is I don't even have to look for transport, as I am provided with pick-up and drop-off service by parents. One of my meals is also taken care of," said a student in Texas.

Students highlighted that in places with a large number of Indians, such as California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois, babysitters are paid less because supply exceeds demand.