Studying aboad as a parent?

<p>Okay so I am 20years old, and I have a 2 year old. Since I didn't get the chance right out of high school am going to enroll in college, and I most likely am going to chose to study abroad, if I can. Does anyone know how it would work for me to study abroad with a child? Could I take my child with me, or would they require me to leave him in my home country(something I wouldn't do..I'd rather wait til he was older or just not go at all.) Please and thank you, and please no rude comments.</p>

<p>Specifics will depend on where abroad you want to go. You’ll need a dependant visa for your child, and to get that you may need to have more money than a single student, both for the application fee, and to show you can support your child. You may also need to prove you have sole legal responsibility for the child, or the written consent of the other parent. Many universities have childcare available, but obviously that will vary - look at what each college you’re considering can provide. I don’t know how it would affect accommodation provision - again, it’s likely to vary massively. Good luck!</p>

<p>I agree with conformist - it depends on where you want to go. We have lived in France and Italy, which offered exceptional and affordable daycare, though I was working and not a student. I would encourage you to study abroad - it is much less expensive and the experience could be invaluable. It certainly was for me. </p>

<p>That is an interesting proposal. Sounds exhausting! I’m a single parent and my daughter spent every summer since she was a toddler out of state at my parents while I traveled for work. It was cool for her experience-wise. Personally, I would definitely leave her with them for a semester if it was me. Do note if the country needs permission. Crossing international borders with a child can be serious business. I remember having to get a notarized paper affirming sole physical and legal custody to vacation in Mexico. It is an uncomfortable feeling to rely on that paper in order to leave Mexico with her.</p>

<p>You’ll need to consider schooling, not just daycare, depending on where you’re going. If you’re child is currently 2, let’s just say (for the sake of argument) that they will be 3 by the time you start college. If you were going to spend junior year abroad, they’d be 5 then, and in some countries (e.g. the UK) you’d be legally obliged to have them start school. </p>

<p>So, check out what the school starting age is in relevant countries, and the funding provision (i.e. will the other country fund your child’s education?) </p>

<p>There would be no problem getting the child into a state funded school in the UK once he or she gets to the statutory age (five or the year in which they turn five). State funded nursery provision for the year or two before that is more limited, and I suspect might need to be paid for.</p>