<p>I’m a Mexican citizen living in Canada under a temporary residency visa. I want to study in the United States starting in the 2010-2011 school year. Specifically Tucson, Arizona, where my grandmother lives and who I would be able to stay with for free rent and meals. I want to go to a community college (Pima Community College) for the first two years and then transfer to the University of Arizona to finish my degree (BA in Spanish Education). I wouldn’t be able to go to the University of Arizona all four years because it’s just too expensive. However, my family would be able to handle two years at each. </p>
<p>The thing I’m worried about the most is the Affidavit of Financial Support that I have to submit before they process my application. It asks that I have $19,800 for the first school I would apply to, but I don’t know how I would be able to get that much money in the bank account at a time by then. Tuition is around $6,000-$7,000 depending on how many credits I take. The affidavit calculates $11,000 of living expenses but that’s not realistic since I would be staying with my grandmother and would not be paying that. Do schools adjust the affidavit according to individual students? </p>
<p>Also, the University of Arizona affidavit afterwards is a grande $35,000 with tuition at $19,000 a year. I’m confused about all the financial aid, grant, and loan options available. Where do I start looking as an international student? I know it’s a lot of questions, I’m sorry.</p>