Would you send your daughter abroad to get a college degree?

I have always dreamed to send my daughter abroad to get a college degree. But, the problem is, we are very limited with financial matters, so I think I would not be able to do it. I am praying very hard that I would be able to have a second job so I could finance her education, anyway, I still have three years to prepare. Aside from having a second job, I am searching for scholarships that she could avail. How about you, would you send your daughter abroad to get a college degree if you have financial constraints like me?

 

Absolutely! University costs in the United States are extremely high. There are many countries, especially in Europe, where university education is seen as a basic right and is therefore tuition-free. It is extremely important to consider whether it's worth it to incur several tens of thousands of dollars in debt, especially when full-time, well-paid jobs are hard to find. It's absolutely worth it to study overseas, even in a country that does charge tuition, because the tuition will be nothing like in the United States. Caveat: The US does have extremely good graduate education - without a doubt the best in the world. So the best way to go might be to get a Bachelor's degree in another country, and if further education is desired, to come back to the US and get a Master's degree (and/or more).

 

I would be a hypocrite not to consider sending my child overseas to college. The reason being, I almost went overseas myself twenty-five years ago. I strongly believed that my career would take off faster if I were in a place where my profession was flourishing. I majored in Retail and fashion design, so Europe was the only place on my mind. However, the world is such a different place today then it was twenty-five years ago. More threats of danger are reasons why I would probably not favor the idea for my child.

 

I think it would be a great experience, at least culturally. Economically, it makes sense too. We're becoming a global market, and people in the technology, medical, and business fields especially are seeing this. People with experience with the culture and practices of other countries will have an advantage over students who stay local. They will also have professional connections to those countries and will understand their needs better. It's good that you are applying for scholarships early, because to study abroad your daughter will not only have to have funding and sponsorship from the university she attends, but she will have to go through the process of getting a passport and applying for a student visa, both of which can take months. If you can afford it, this would be a wonderful opportunity, but if you can't, many universities offer study abroad opportunities, or there are internships abroad that she can take advantage of.

 

For a second degree, yes I would. The first one, I would rather she did it here in Kenya. I think I have good reasons for that. If she did her first degree here and then went to do her second or rather her masters abroad, it would be easier for her to get a job and pay for her studies. I had a friend who went to do her first degree in abroad and she was not able to finish her studies neither was she able to get a good a job. She really struggled and had to come back after 5 years having achieved nothing and had to start life afresh.

 

If I can afford it, I will definitely have her study abroad. I live in Kenya and I think the education system here is not up to standard. Public university lecturers are currently on strike, 2 months and still counting. It's rather disheartening!

 

This will depend on the personality of my daughter. If my daughter is focussed, dedicated, passionate, hardworking and driven by success, yes i will send her abroad for tertiary education. That is if she wants to go there.

If i had a daughter who has the opposite personality of the one i described above. I wouldn't send her abroad.