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Part-time Jobs Popular in Campus
Qiao Zhe, a teacher at Beijing University of Science and Technology (USTB), never imagined so many students would attend a part-time job fair held at the university last Saturday.
Some 5,000 university students looking for part-time work during the summer holiday attended the fair.
"These students are competing for 878 jobs," said Qiao.
"I sent resumes to three companies," said Qiao Bingjie, a sophomore. "I hope to earn some money to support my studies next year. My two roommates are also looking for work."
About half of students will stay in Beijing to work part-time over the summer, according to estimates by teachers at USTB and Beijing University of International Trade and Economy (BUITE).
"Annual tuition and living expenses are quite expensive," said Qiao Bingjie, a student from Shanxi Province."I have to pay my way through school because my family can only cover a small proportion of the expenses."
In Beijing the average annual expenses of a college student are about 8,000-10,000 yuan (US$967-US$1,209).
Tuition costs alone increased an average of 1,500 yuan (US$181) this year. Tuition at most universities is 4,800 yuan (US$580) per year, which can be a heavy burden on low-income students.
Low-income students account for 15-30 per cent of the country's total students, according to Ministry of Education statistics.
To help low-income students continue their studies, the ministry has drafted a policy to provide scholarships, loans and reduced tuition.
"But many of us poor students feel uneasy about accepting financial support. We would rather depend on ourselves," said Cui Haiyan, a graduate student from BUITE from Qinghai Province. "Working part time is the best way to do our part to pay for our schooling."
Most students find part-time jobs through placement agencies working in sales, tutoring, distribution, translation or design.
"But agencies often defraud students," said Qiao Zhe.
Qiao said one of his students paid 120 yuan (US$14.50) to a placement agency, but only got a job sweeping for 2 hours and the pay was 20 yuan (US$2.40).
"I have heard many such things, some students aren't even placed in a job after paying the fee," said Qiao. "It's time to regulate the part-time job market to benefit students and the companies they work for."
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