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How Can I Finance My Studies If I Decide to Move to the US?
While an education in the US is undeniably beneficial, it is also undeniably expensive. A good education can cost as much as $20,000, when all things are considered. How do you find the financing that you need to ensure you get the best education possible? What are your options for financing if you decide to move to the US to addend school?
Thankfully, there are many options to help you finance your continuing education. However, don't rely on finding a scholarship for your needs. Competition for these scholarships is intense and they are very few in number. Graduate students may actually stand a better chance of attaining financial aid through US sources than an undergraduate student. However, undergraduates do have a few sources of potential financial aid, including:
- International Student Loan Programs
- Study Abroad Loans
- The World Health Organization
- ESL Programs
- World Council of Churches
- The United Nations
All of these entities do offer some form of financial assistance, though with the looming global economic crisis, attaining these loans can be quite difficult. Most international students will be forced to rely on school loans through their home nation, such as study abroad programs. Others will be forced to rely on their families to supply funding for their education. This begs the question: how do I afford to go to school in the US at all?
- First, consider attending a community college. These 2-year schools can put you in good stead to take advantage of savings and give you an opportunity to save money on your own.
- Consider working your way through school. Often, you can find programs that offer jobs related to your chosen field, that provide a means to reduce your debt load and afford to continue your education.
- Sign up for as many international scholarships as you can. This process should actually begin long before you decide on a school to attend. With the current economic situation, it can take some time to receive scholarships if you qualify.
- Consider nontraditional loans from lenders in your home country. While international student aid may be suffering, you might find that there are lenders in your home country able to provide school loans to you with reasonable terms.
- Consider combining all the above items into a single plan. This is actually the best course of action for the student committed to attending school in the US and will give you the most options possible to help you pay for school.