<p>So I am basically stuck between a rock and a hard place right now...</p>
<p>I am attending University and I have one major problem...I have absolutely no money for living expenses. I did get work study and a scholarship but it does not take place until 2011...my dad passed away so getting money from my mom is nearly impossible because of the finances. Right now I have $30 left to my name...what should I do? I am studying abroad in another country with low living expenses but my money is to low to survive...please let me know.</p>
<p>When did your dad pass away? If this is a recent and new event (and I am sorry for your loss), please go and talk to the folks in the financial aid office in your school. If this is recent, it is possible that your financial aid office might be able to help you out. Did your dad have life insurance? If so, if this is in a bank account it will be viewed as an asset, but still…go talk to your finaid department.</p>
<p>Other posts by you indicate that you are studying in Thailand at Webster University. It sounds like your dad was deceased prior to the start of this school year (at least). Is it possible for you to attend an instate public university in the home state of your mom? Perhaps this would help you. You have noted (and I believe this is correct) that you cannot work while being a college student in Thailand. That being the case, how would you get more money? You can talk to your college and see, but it sounds like (from your other posts) that your dad’s death is not all that recent.</p>
<p>In the very short term… just to make ends meet – are there any odd jobs you could do for cash for any other students or faculty? (baby sitting for a faculty member, doing the laundry for dorm-mate?) </p>
<p>I don’t know what the financial status would be of your classmates & faculty where you attend school, but those are some of the things that college students typically do to get extra pocket money outside of regular employment. Obviously it won’t solve the big problem… but at least it would help you get by.</p>
<p>I’m a bit confused about this school…I don’t see anything about federal financial aid on their website but they are a US accredited college and I know that many US kids get Stafford loans while they are studying in other countries. You only mention Sallie Mae in your previous posts…have you asked them whether you’re eligible for any US federal grants or loans? If they’re based in St Louis, it does seem that they would have a FAFSA code.</p>
<p>Maybe she can’t work off-campus, but some money could be earned on campus, couldn’t it? My son earns money at his school by tutoring other students, crocheting hats (he made over 300 last winter…$25/hat and it takes him about two hours per hat), and babysitting for faculty. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough for some spending money. Could your mom get a small parent PLUS loan?</p>
<p>I would agree, a small parent plus loan or at the worst a SMALL loan for yourself. There are student loans out there that can cover small expenses, so maybe you can take a little out just to get by, but definitely don’t go crazy with it. And pay it off as soon as you can when you get back to the states.</p>