Should I go abroad or wait?
 

I'm 23, and only in my 1st year of community college (2nd semester). Lately I've been worrying about what will happen after I am done with community college. I can't afford to go to a University.

I've read of dreamers going abroad to study because it's cheaper, especially in Europe.

I've been looking and found some schools in a few countries in Europe that are significantly less expensive than any school in the US, and they are good schools too.

Here's the catch, though-- They don't have an equivalency of a 2 year degree, so they said that I would have to apply as a 1st year student, and basically start from zero.

I have an appt with a lawyer for this, coming up.

I'm conflicted whether I should do it or not. I am 23, and although it's not old, I don't want to have to wait to continue school or be older when I get my bachelor's.

Advice would be helpful

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

If you have DACA, have you considered, you know, work?

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

I do work...

Sorry if I still don't make enough money to continue my studies!

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

You sure are as bitter as you say, aren't you? Always with condescending responses.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

The thing with other countries is that if you do start from zero, you're usually going to need the amount needed for your studies+living expenses already set in place. So if you need let's say 5k a year for studies there instead of 10k here, the catch is that you might need 5k for living expenses. Meaning you still spend 10k.

Now it might not be what you want to hear, but working and maybe taking 2-3 classes a semester might be the better option economically , since you save money for those 2- years of cheap college credits, with 2 years (worth of credits) left, which you should be able to finish in 3 years, maybe sooner if you see you can afford it, you can still take summer classes to speed up the process.

While you will take a year longer than usual, you will also come out of school debt free. Plus it's just a year. Worst case scenario 2. Not too bad a deal.

Now graduate school might be the point where it's smarter to move, since you might also get citizenship there.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

Which state do you reside in? Maybe you can attend your local university in your city or some state university, they should be much cheaper than your elite schools. Probably its a good idea to start meeting people in the field you want to study (professors, dean). Maybe you could work as a research assistant or TA. If you could meet the dean of your particular field of study, you could explain your situation and see if there is any available scholarships.

At least in Texas you can get the Texas Grant if you graduate from high school (complete all 4 years), covers pretty much all your tuition, the biggest catch is that you need to apply on time and sign up for the selective service. When I was doing my masters I knocked on professors doors trying to get a paid research assistant position, I had no luck because I did not have a permit. I was able to get a scholarship by talking to several people until i reached the Dean. The only condition was that i needed to get a 4.0 every semester. The scholarship covered my Masters in mechanical engineering and allowed me to buy time until DACA happened. I did not graduate from an elite school, but now I'm working as a mechanical engineer. Trying to make every day count.

Its not easy talking to people, and along the way you will meet disgusting people. but you will also meet great people. Try knocking some doors.

That's my advise Azul.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

I admit I am bitter at times, but that doesn't change the reality. Let me put it this way. If someone like me who didn't have DACA was able to work 80 hour weeks and still finish undergrad school, and graduate school, AND pay for family, what's your excuse? You're looking for an easy way out of work but the reality is you need to do a combination of these:

1. Be a genius and get a full scholarship.
2. Have a rich family.
3. Work until you fall asleep standing up
4. Maybe find a school that costs less - community college, state university, etc.
5. Take a couple of years longer to graduate and take less classes

Who are you kidding about going to study abroad to save money? You're still undocumented and you'd still have to work. Maybe you'll find a loophole in AP and figure out a way to be out of the country for 3 years but let's be honest here - it's not about saving money.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

Excuse me?!? I work 40 hours a week, and any opportunity I am given to work over-time I do it! Plus, I said I AM IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE!!!

I go to community college full-time while working full-time and volunteer at the local shelter on weekends.

You don't know me, you don't know what I do, or have done! Yet, you have the audacity to try to judge me and tell me I am looking for an easy way out of work?!?

Thanks for attacking my work ethic, though, even if you knew absolutely nothing about it.

And OF COURSE it is about saving money.... what else is there?

That's just an insult to assume otherwise.

Your bitterness has really clouded your logic as you seem to assume that you're the only one who has put in the work, and the rest of us are just looking for an easy way out --NEWSFLASH!!! You're not the only one who deserves DACA, and you're most definitely not the only one who has to work hard.

And unlike you, at least I am exploring other options. Even if I am wrongly criticized for them.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

You came here for advice and he gave it to you. You can take it or leave it.

But my own advice is that research if your state provides in-state tuition for your situation. You'd probably end up saving money in the long run.

Re: Should I go abroad or wait?
 

Everyone else, thank you for the advice. It's given me much to think about.