<p>My parents will pretty much be paying for most of my first year at McGill, but I do hope to contribute to that if possible, as well as make some money for travelling during the holidays. (I also hope to get some scholarships, which would help cover the cost as well)</p>
<p>Is it difficult to get a job in Montreal? What would be some relatively easy jobs to get, but fun, and with decent pay for an 18 year old freshman?</p>
<p>If you're confident with your French, anything is possible for you really. Bartender is a popular one. </p>
<p>If you're not good at French, believe it or not, telemarketing. A lot of Montreal firms call to the US so you won't really need to know any French. You can also work for McGill if you're lucky enough (really flexible hours.).</p>
<p>My French is actually pretty good as far as knowledge. Unfortunately I'm not yet fluent, but I think living in the 2nd biggest French speaking city will change that quickly. But bartender? Seriously? For an 18 year old?</p>
<p>That job has always appealed to me...I'd be able to meet people, and it seems fun. I've done some research on it here in the states, and generally people go take a course and get some experience, and then just apply. Is that about it?</p>
<p>Easy, fun AND pays well? You're asking for a lot. Do you have any previous work experience?</p>
<p>Heh...yeah, as a doctor's assistant. I suppose "easy, fun, and pays well" is overkill. Average pay can substitute for "pays well"...do they have minimum wage there in Canada? I do want it to be fun in the sense of meeting people my age and such. And, I mean easy in the sense of not occupying my time and energy an unreasonable amount.</p>
<p>Yes you can be a bartender at 18. If you can drink at 18 there'd be no reason for you to not be able to serve drinks at 18. You may have to get certified first in Quebec, I'm not too sure. McGill's SSMU offers a certification course in it if you need it. </p>
<p>Minimum wage is Quebec is $7.50-ish. If you're an American, because of the recent currency problems of the American dollar it's about $6.80. However, international students on student visas aren't allowed to work in Quebec without special permission. Don't forget that Quebec has the highest income taxes in all of Canada. Might consider working under the table. Another sweet job, a floor fellow. Most of McGill Floor Fellows after next year will be graduating leaving a lot of open spaces. Floor Fellows get free meal plan cards, free residency and free monthly metropasses. The downfall? No money.</p>
<p>Internationals can't work as a bartender? I'm 21, asian and I have bartending experience... will it help? Or do I still need to get special certificate of anything first?</p>
<p>What's a Floor Fellow and what do they do?</p>
<p>Actually, my dad heard at the border that they're in the process of changing that law about ppl on visas working in Quebec outside of McGill. So by the time we get there, we will be allowed to work anywhere, even if we're not Canadian citizens/residents.</p>
<p>off-campus jobs for international students is legal. it's new legislation that came in a few months ago that allows international students to get a work permit (yet another application!) and work for up to 20hrs a week. here's the link <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/workopportunities/offcampuswork%5B/url%5D">http://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/workopportunities/offcampuswork</a></p>
<p>and yeah, i dont know how it works in montreal but i live in england where the drinking age is also 18 and a whole bunch of my 18yr old friends are bartenders and they just got trained on the job. i'd love to do it but i speak about three words of french so i'm thinking that won't work too well.</p>
<p>I'd like to know if it's hard to have a job and stay serious in school, plus lead a social life. I read a study that said ppl who have a job actually get better grades in school, because they know how to manage their time better, but I don't know... Does anyone have any experience with this? Also, when would you say is the ideal time to get a job? I suppose you should get settled first and get into the swing of things, right?</p>
<p>It's hard as hell to hold down a job, even if it's part time, and go to school at the same time. I went to a seminar at UofT on lower income students and one of the speakers stated that students who went to school full time and worked at least 20 hours a week were twice as likely to fail out of school then just straight up full time students.</p>
<p>If you are gonna get a job, I suggest trying to find one with flexible hours rather then high pay, something you can work your schedule around. If you're a bartender be prepared to give up a couple of weekends.</p>
<p>Do well in school, work a job, have a social life while getting enough sleep? Good luck milestephanie.</p>
<p>woot!... I've got bartending experience. I speak basic french. hahaha</p>