<p>I own a small business and today I received the email below from a student asking for sponsorship to study abroad in exchange for the student promising to work for free after graduation.
I don't plan on taking her up on her offer in any case, but I was wondering what other people think of this student's plan. Is it a creative way for the student to finance her education or is it way out of line? I have a feeling such an agreement might run afoul of labor laws.</p>
<p>"To Whom It May Concern:</p>
<p>"My name is XXX, and I am a graduate from XXX College seeking sponsorship to study abroad. Since I plan on continuing my education in English at the XXX University of Ireland, I would like to know if you and your company would be interested in helping me achieve this goal. In return for your sponsorship, I would be willing to volunteer my services to you after graduation.
"I am a 2007 graduate of XXX High School, securing my rank as number seven out of 147 students. In May of this year, I attained my Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Reaching this honor was an achievement of great personal significance, since I am the first in several generations of my family to graduate high school and obtain a college degree. I also plan on being the first to study abroad to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in English. I come from a very disadvantaged background, and a very insignificant amount of opportunities are available to me. I pride myself on being intelligent and cultured, and I firmly believe that study abroad would enable me to become a better-rounded and cultured individual. If you would like more information about my academic capabilities, please feel free to contact XXX I have also attached a letter of recommendation from XXX, my Advanced Placement English teacher.
"In exchange for your support, after graduation, I would volunteer myself to your company to run errands, help out around the office, and other activities for which, under normal circumstances, you would have to pay an employee to do. I am a very hard worker, and I learn quickly. I am obedient, and I ask useful questions when I need help. I am a self-motivated person, and I love to help out as much as I can. Volunteering at your company would also help me to gain valuable experience for my career, as I am seeking to become an editor. I have attached my resume to show you a record of my hard work.
I have confidence in my abilities, and I hope that you see as much potential in me as I do. Feel free to contact me for additional details, such as cost of attendance and post-graduation terms of service."</p>