Funding non-U.S. distance schools?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Roamer, Jan 28, 2006.

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  1. Roamer

    Roamer New Member

    I'm a U.S. citizen considering enrolling at a non-U.S. school (UK) as a distance student. For those of you who have either traveled this path or intend to, have you come across any means of funding your education other than out of pocket? In my discussions with various U.S. educational organizations the general consensus is that unless you are in residence no funding is available. In my case, I will be undertaking graduate study so it's even more difficult because a few of the standard U. S. sources are only available for undergraduate study.

    Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Zoyd Wheeler

    Zoyd Wheeler New Member

    In the past I worked in an organization that was affiliated with a state university system. One of the fringe benefits that people received was free tuition for themselves and their children at any of the state university campuses. More than a few people remained in their positions just so they/their children could reap this benefit. My point is this. Some employers pay for your education, some do not. One way of funding your graduate school expenses would be to change employers. You could even take a reduction in your salary and still come out on top if your employer will pay for 100% of your schooling.
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Which UK school? Many are on a Department of Education list of foreign schools that are part of Title IV. Of course, now you're going to ask me eagerly where this list is, and I don't recall. It exists, though. Google for it maybe?

    Good luck,

    -=Steve=-
     
  4. Roamer

    Roamer New Member

    Thanks for the reply. I did check with the Feds on this and the UOL is on the list. Unfortunately, they will only provide funding if you are in residence. This is a possibility for me but if I can do this remotely I would prefer it. I have to balance the cost of leaving work and living in London for a few years with the funding or paying for it myself and staying put in the U.S. with a job. My employer won't pay as it is not necessary for my job.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. MikeB

    MikeB New Member

    Steve,

    You started a thread on this last year it is located here:

    Federal student loans for foreign schools?
     
  6. Roamer

    Roamer New Member

    I have been in contact with Imperial College UOL requesting information on this. They promise to respond in writing tomorrow so I will post their response.

    I also talked to the people at FAFSA on this same subject. They responded by saying that right off the top, the program has to lead to a degree, be at least half-time, and that the program must not be something that is only offered online. The program must also be offered onsite at an institution currently listed under the Department of Education. This list can be found by following the link in the post above.

    Beyond these requirements, it is up to the individual schools to set their own. UOL states that the External Programme does not deal in this and that students interested should contact the individual schools under the UOL umbrella.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 30, 2006
  7. Matt R

    Matt R New Member

    This is similar to the fortunate situation I find myself in. I took a pay cut and paid my own moving expenses to move from a clinical job to a research job. Though not promised up front, the possibility of my obtaining a doctorate, with tuition support at work, was discussed. I would have taken the job anyway, but what a bonus that my employer is willing now to pony up for my tuition. A doctorate is not a requirement, but it does help our not-for-profit cause in that our private donors may be more impressed with our having two PhD's on staff (and therefore be more likely to donate $$).

    To Roamer:

    I wonder if you could at least obtain a student loan of some sort, rather than a grant, for study outside the US.

    Are you looking at a research degree? Remember that UK schools do not consider that to be "DL"; you are in exactly the same program as someone living in London - you just communicate by long distance phone calls rather than local phone calls. So residence should not be an issue. I could be totaly wrong about how funders would view this, but may be worth a shot.

    Matt
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 30, 2006
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Call it a Denny Crane moment

    I knew it all sounded familiar. :)

    -=Steve=-
     
  9. Roamer

    Roamer New Member

    A little more info....

    Has anyone heard of or had experience with this organization? I quote from their website.

    http://www.iefc.com/

    Welcome to IEFC
    The International Education Finance Corporation (IEFC) is the premier provider of international student loan programs for the rapidly growing population of students who wish to study in foreign countries. Over 20,000 students to date have reached their goal of financing their international educations through our innovative and unique loan programs. No other organization has our experience or expertise in financing the international education experience using both the Federal Stafford Loan program and international alternative private loan options.
     
  10. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

  11. Roamer

    Roamer New Member

    Thanks...I'll check them out.

    The link seems to work for me so maybe it was having a bad moment.
     

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