Great question! In the UK, there is a difference between sandwich placements (also called work placements as part of your course) and regular part-time work for international students on a Student Visa.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sandwich/Work Placements (as part of your course)

- If your placement is an integral and assessed part of your degree programme (e.g., a "sandwich year" or an internship/placement arranged through your university), the hours spent on your placement do NOT count towards your 20-hour per week work limit.
- This means you can work full-time on your placement, even during term time, as long as it is an official part of your course and approved by your university.

2. Other Paid or Unpaid Work

- Any other work you do outside of your course requirements (such as a separate part-time job) is subject to the 20 hours per week limit during term time (and full-time during official university vacations).

Important Notes:

- The placement must not exceed 50% of the total duration of the course (unless it is a statutory requirement).
- Your university should confirm the placement is an official part of your programme.

Summary:
Sandwich/work placements that are part of your course do NOT count towards the 20-hour limit. Separate paid/unpaid work does.

If you need help finding courses with sandwich placements or want to know more about work rights in the UK, feel free to ask!