I’ve been to college on and off the last eight years (since graduating high school) with an Associate of the Arts degree from a state college in Florida and some music, social science and computer science credits from a few other Florida institutions. It’s been rocky because of mental illness (dropping out and ‘discontinuing/pausing’) but I’m more stable now and want to finish (preferably computer science or IT/MIS).
One annoying dilemma I’m having now is that I’d like the possibility of living and working in an EU country (e.g. Germany) after graduation (I’m from the US but have cultural-ish connections to the EU (mostly Germany ) but no citizenship), and that’s why I’ve also been looking into some English bachelor’s programs in countries like the Netherlands because it’s hard to find English ones in Germany (and my German’s not at college-level yet). The problem is that since I already have two years finished in the US (or at least Florida) system, it’d take longer in Europe, though only about one more year.
I know this forum doesn’t specialize in European college admissions and related topics, but since I already have a decent amount of US credits then maybe someone will have an idea. I know that immigrating to the EU isn’t as hard as it seems, but some countries give work visas if you graduate from a domestic institution. I currently live in Panama, though.
Regarding cost-friendly options if I continue with a US school, I heard decent things about Western Governors University and the University of the People sounds potentially-promising but it might not be the best idea if I can afford other options.
I also have a somewhat unfortunate history with programming (computer science) as well. It’s the major that I’m most ‘certain’ about wanting to complete, not only because of the positive career prospects, but also because I have a minor innate interest in it; more than in any other major or career subject, but every time I attempt to teach it to myself to commence some sort of project, I haven’t been able to stick to it. I think it’s due to a semi-normal lack of discipline which can be worked on if I stick to my ‘Pomodoro Technique’ schedule of reduced amount of time wasted online.
I’ve considered doing a more ‘generic’ business degree instead, such as finance or accounting, but I don’t have much interest in them, and for me they’d be more like generic degrees since I didn’t know what else to study. There are the trades like plumbing and electrical work but I’m not sure either, and I think an even more generic-sounding degree like business administration would be useful if I have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, but I unfortunately don’t have that at the moment either, though I do like fantasizing about becoming a ‘hotshot’ CEO/founder of the ‘next Google’.
Pardon for getting off-topic regarding this forum’s purpose, but I think some backstory is helpful with planning these kinds of important decisions.
I’m also not sure about how easy it’d actually be to transfer given my rocky college history, as I can obviously show colleges psychiatrists’ notes proving my mental illness, but I don’t want to tell anyone what my issues specifically are, other than the illness’s ‘umbrella’ name.
I’m considering self-studying college classes with online providers like MIT OCW while I’m still stuck in this dilemma so as to help minimize wasted time.
I wouldn’t mind getting a part-time job while studying or a full-time if I decide to continue postponing my decision until I’m more certain, and I’ve been studying for some IT/Linux certifications, but I heard that the junior IT market’s very competitive, and there are barely any postings in my area. IT-related questions are probably better suited for another forum, but it’d still be nice to know what kind of more ‘technical’ computer-related jobs (that aren’t just using MS Office, but if that’s all I can realistically get, then so be it) are easier to get now for inexperienced people like me.
I studied some music (intro/theory) because I played an instrument for many years but no longer do, so my parents still suggested it might be a good option, even if it’s hard career-wise afterwards (and there’s stuff like audio engineering/audio system technician too), and did a semester of social science credits at the suggestion of the head lady, since computer science didn’t work out before. I also have a minor interest in boating and flying in the sense of getting recreational licenses, but I’m not sure if I’m cutout for a career in either.