Studying in america

smaJ

Hey everyone,

just after a bit of advice really.... I am currently in yr 2 at university, and in January I am due to study in Texas for 4 months. I have read mutterings about ERASMUS students receiving extra funding. Obviously I am not eligible for this, but does anyone know if i can get any financial help??

I do not receive a means tested loan if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance

James

The_One_Who

Because you are only going for four months and are an undergraduate there probably won't be much in the way of funding available. You could ask the university you are wanting to go to if there is any possible funding, because I don't think your visa allows you to work in America.

Is this a voluntary study abroad? Erasmus students tend to get more help and funding to access than if you go to America.

tumbleweed261

I spent 5 months in Canada (and a year elsewhere after that) on exchange during my degree and as soon as I told the Student Loan Company I was eligible for a fairly large increase on my loan for every term abroad which really helped for airfares etc. Definitely enquire with your exchange uni as to funding opportunities, something else I did was get a permit to work part-time but having had work visas for the States it's probably a lot harder than in Canada. Also check with the international office at your uni, you never know they might have stipends for this sort of thing?

Best of luck and have an amazing time!

roxalana

If you are studying at another University Abroad you would be entitled to the Abroad rate of maintenance loan which is more than the standard 'elsewhere' rate. I'm not sure how this rate will compare with the 'london' rate of maintenance loan next year. It is likely that your LEA will need evidence of your study abroad from your Uni before they will pay an increased rate.

However, please note that if you are on a placement (paid or unpaid - although there are a few exceptions) you are entitled to LESS maintenance loan whilst on the placement than you would usually get.

If you don't get means tested support you can claim for travel costs.

Hope this helps

BigBouncyBall

I expect you'll be on a J1 Student Visa, which i *think* though i'm not sure (don't quote me) allows a small amount of work.

I'd advise you to contact your LEA with a nice long, get the violins out, "my parents don't give me a penny but i need to go on this educational exchange" type letter and see. I was due to go on an exchange to the US, but (as long time readers will know) it was not to be. Anyway i was told to write to the LEA as they might stump up the cash for a plane ticket or two

good luck!

tumbleweed261

A J-1 visa is for "cultural exchange" purposes, which is what I had for working there several years running - if memory serves from when I applied for US unis I think for full-time students it's actually the F-1 visa category that applies? I found this which might explain it better - but I guess that if you're off in January you have probably already been through the visa mill so ignore me if you already know all of that!