<p>I am filling out the International Student Financial Aid Application. There is a section that asks about the expected support. </p>
<p>I do not have prior year earnings, so should I just put down a zero on the blank that asks about the student's vacation earnings? If not, how do I estimate the amount of money I may earn in the next few years?</p>
<p>Also, please let me know if my assumption is correct -- that the Financial Aid Office would determine a student's need primarily based on the information given in other sections, i.e., family income, assets, etc. The answers for this section tend to be more subjective and general, and they are used more as a reference?</p>
<p>I’m starting with the assumption that you cannot work in the US. Assuming that, if you are planning to go home for one term per year, can you get a job? If so, what would it pay? I suggest that you pick a job that you are fairly sure you could get, and figure out how much you could make if employed for 10-12 weeks. </p>
<p>A US student in the same position could, for example, assume that s/he could get a job at a fast food restaurant, and use that as the assumption. (In reality, s/he would probably hope to get a better job, but something like that would make sense for the FA estimate, especially for a kid with no prior work experience.)</p>
<p>Generally, FA offices expect kids to get a job in the summer and/or term time if possible and kick in some $$ to cover their expenses. I think that the effort is appreciated more than the actual $$, which are usually modest.</p>
<p>Thank you Consolation! It is really helpful =]</p>