Looking to make between $50 and $100 per week.

From Spain to Spending Money: Your Guide to Earning $50-$100 Weekly Remotely as a US Grad Student

Being a graduate student is a demanding journey, and doing it abroad adds another layer of complexity – especially when your budget covers essentials but leaves little for those much-needed creature comforts or spontaneous adventures. If you’re a US grad student in Spain, well-resourced enough for rent and tuition but craving an extra $50-$100 weekly, you’re not alone. The digital age offers a wealth of opportunities for remote work, many of which are US-based and require minimal upfront investment.

This guide will explore practical, flexible, and low-barrier ways for you to boost your spending money without compromising your studies or breaking the bank with platform fees.

Key Takeaways

• Explore low-barrier entry points like user testing, transcription, and online surveys for immediate, flexible earnings.
• Leverage your academic strengths in research, writing, and critical thinking for roles like virtual assistant, content creation, or academic proofreading.
• Bypass upfront platform fees by directly reaching out to US-based small businesses via LinkedIn or professional networks.
• Consider small digital business ideas such as creating templates or simple guides for a more passive income stream over time.
• Prioritize time management and set clear boundaries to integrate part-time work seamlessly with your demanding academic schedule.

Navigating the Remote Work Landscape from Abroad

The key constraint for you is finding remote work with a US-based company or branch, which is often crucial for tax purposes, payment processing, and cultural fit. Thankfully, many companies are open to hiring remote talent globally, especially for roles that don't require specific in-country physical presence. The internet bridges the geographical gap, making it entirely feasible to work for a US entity while enjoying life in Spain.

Low-Barrier Entry Points: Quick Wins for Students

When you need to start earning without a hefty portfolio or significant time investment, these options can be excellent stepping stones:

• User Testing: Companies like UserTesting.com pay individuals to test websites and apps, providing feedback on user experience. Each test usually takes 15-20 minutes and pays around $10. It’s flexible, directly relates to US-based digital products, and requires no prior experience beyond basic tech literacy.
• Online Surveys & Microtasks: Platforms like Prolific Academic (often preferred for its academic focus and better pay rates) or Swagbucks offer small payments for completing surveys or simple data entry tasks. While the pay per hour can be low, it's incredibly flexible and can be done in short bursts between study sessions. This won't meet your $50-$100 goal alone, but it can contribute.
• Transcription & Captioning: Services like Rev.com or GoTranscript often hire freelancers to transcribe audio into text or create captions for videos. These roles usually require good listening skills, fast typing, and strong grammar. You can typically set your own hours, and many clients are US-based. These platforms usually have a quick qualification test rather than an upfront fee.
• Basic Data Entry: Simple data entry tasks, which involve inputting information into spreadsheets or databases, can often be found on various freelance platforms or by directly contacting small businesses. These roles prioritize accuracy and attention to detail and typically require minimal onboarding.

Leveraging Your Academic Skills: Beyond Tutoring

As a grad student, you possess valuable skills in research, analysis, writing, and organization. These are highly sought after in the remote work market, and often better compensated than simple microtasks. Forget archaeology tutoring; think about the transferable skills your studies have given you.

Service Type	Potential Weekly Earning (for 5-10 hours)	Startup Effort	Ideal For
Virtual Assistant (VA)	$75 - $175	Low to Medium	Organized, multi-taskers, good communicators, adept at email management, scheduling, or light research.
Content Writing/Editing	$100 - $350+	Medium	Strong writers, skilled researchers (your archaeology background is great for research-heavy content!). Focus on blog posts, articles, web copy.
Proofreading/Copy Editing	$75 - $200	Low to Medium	Detail-oriented, excellent grammar, keen eye for inconsistencies. Ideal for academic papers, business documents, website content.
Online Research Assistant	$100 - $250	Medium	Analytical thinkers, skilled in academic and web research, data synthesis. A perfect fit for a grad student's existing abilities!
Social Media Management (Entry-Level)	$100 - $225	Medium	Creative, trend-aware, good with platforms, capable of basic content scheduling and community engagement.

To give you context, a typical rate for a new freelance writer might be $0.05-$0.10 per word, or $20-$30 per hour for editing. Even at the lower end, 5-10 hours a week can easily meet your goal, especially if you focus on value-added services like research or specialized writing.

Cracking the Freelance Market Without Upfront Fees

Your hesitation about Upwork's fees without guaranteed work is completely valid. Here's how to find clients without upfront costs:

• Direct Outreach via LinkedIn: Connect with small business owners, startups, or solopreneurs in the US. Many are looking for flexible help with administrative tasks, content, or social media. Craft a professional message explaining how you can help, focusing on your skills and availability. Utilize tools like LinkedIn for Small Business to identify potential clients.
• Niche Job Boards: Instead of general platforms, look for specific remote job boards that might have fewer fees or a different payment model. For example, remote.co or We Work Remotely list opportunities. Some industry-specific boards might also pop up if you niche down your service (e.g., "remote academic proofreading").
• Professional Networks & Referrals: Leverage your existing network. Let former professors, colleagues, or friends know you're looking for remote work. Word-of-mouth is powerful and free. Many small businesses prefer working with someone referred by a trusted contact.
• Build a Simple Portfolio: You don't need paid work to show your skills. For writing, create a few sample blog posts or articles on topics related to your studies or interests. For VA work, describe your organizational process. For research, outline a hypothetical research project you could undertake. A simple Google Drive folder or a free site builder like Google Sites or Carrd can host this.
• Expat & Digital Nomad Groups: While not exclusively US-based, many expat groups (especially on Facebook) have members who are US citizens running businesses from abroad and might need help, or know someone who does. These communities can be invaluable for networking and finding leads.

Small Business Ideas with Minimal Investment

If you're looking beyond direct service, consider creating digital products. This usually involves more upfront time investment but can lead to more passive income:

• Digital Templates: Given your academic background, think about creating templates for academic writing (essay outlines, research paper formats, presentation slides) or organizational tools (study planners, budget trackers). You can sell these on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad for a small fee, or even offer them for free to build an email list and offer paid services.
• Dropservicing: This involves reselling services. For example, you find a US client who needs graphic design, and you outsource the actual design work to a talented freelancer (perhaps from a country with a lower cost of living). You manage the client relationship and take a margin. This requires good project management skills and vetting reliable service providers.

Managing Your Time as a Grad Student

Integrating part-time work with demanding studies requires discipline. Set clear boundaries for your work hours, use productivity techniques (like the Pomodoro Technique), and communicate your availability transparently to clients. Remember, your studies are the priority, so choose work that truly fits your schedule and doesn't lead to burnout. Efficient time management is your greatest asset here.

FAQ

What's the best way to find US-based remote jobs when I'm physically located in Spain?

Focus on platforms and companies that explicitly hire globally or cater to remote workers, and specify "US-based clients" in your searches. Direct outreach via LinkedIn to small US businesses, leveraging your US network, and exploring niche remote job boards can also be highly effective.

Can I really earn $100 a week with low-effort online tasks like surveys or user testing?

Yes, it's possible, but it often requires consistent effort across multiple platforms and can be time-consuming for the payout. To reliably reach $100, combining these with higher-paying tasks like transcription, virtual assistance, or entry-level writing is usually more efficient, offering a better return on your time.

How do I create a portfolio for freelance work if I haven't had paid clients yet?

Create samples based on hypothetical projects or personal interests. For writing, draft articles or blog posts on topics you're knowledgeable about. For virtual assistance, detail a process you'd use for common tasks like scheduling or email management. Share these via a simple online portfolio (e.g., Google Drive, a free website builder like Carrd, or even a basic blog).

Are there any tax implications for a US citizen earning money while studying abroad?

Yes, as a US citizen, you are generally required to report worldwide income to the IRS. There are exclusions (like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) and credits that may apply, but it's crucial to consult a tax professional familiar with international taxation for personalized advice to ensure compliance and maximize potential benefits.

Is it legal to work remotely for a US company while residing in Spain on a student visa?

The legality depends on the specific terms of your Spanish student visa. Some student visas may restrict the type or amount of work you can do, even if it's for a foreign company. Always review your visa conditions or consult with the Spanish immigration authorities or a legal expert to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Earning an extra $50-$100 a week while studying abroad in Spain is not just a dream – it's an achievable goal with the right strategy. By leveraging your academic strengths, exploring low-barrier entry points, and strategically approaching the freelance market, you can find flexible, remote opportunities that fit your demanding schedule. Remember to start small, build your skills, and let your network know you're open for business. Your Spanish adventures await, made even better with a little extra spending money in your pocket!

Discipline life, Life Hacks, Remote Work, Student Finance, Freelancing, Side Hustle, Grad Student Life, Earning Abroad, Online Jobs