@insanedreamer, to answer your question about study abroad, D’s scholarship will also cover her tuition and fees when she is gone, so the whole figureing out payments is moot for us (not a bad situation to be in). She will be working with her college study abroad program and the plus is that we know all of the crdits she earns while away will be accepted by her local college.
@mtrosemom Thanks - that’s very good to know.
@insanedreamer - My D’s worked the same way. We paid the school as if she were still at her home college. The school paid tuition, room and board as well as airfare for my D’s study abroad. Only out of pocket was incidentals (including passport etc) and any extra travel.
Obviously, depending on how much one normally pays (after FA and scholarships) and how much study abroad tuition on one’s own would normally cost, this could be good or bad—but either way it’s convenient. Everything is done through her college.
You should check with D’s study abroad office to see how they handle these things. I
There are (at least) three ways to do study abroad at D’s school. The school has a London semester and you pay the school a set fee for that (it is sort of between instate and oos tuition, and includes tuition and room, breakfast but not transportation). They also get a transportation card for the tubes, buses, and admission to a few venues and discounts to others. The second way is an arranged exchanged where D’s school had agreed to accept all credits and there is a negotiated rate. I think there are about 20 schools on that list. All school financial aid can be used for these two types of study abroad. The third way is to arrange study with another school. I think you have to deal with getting the credits accepted and what the tuition would be. I think you also have to have it approved to use your school financial aid (but should be able to use loans and Pell grants).
From the side of the planet where it is already Thursday and Thanksgiving, hope that you all have a wonderful holiday, and those who are lucky enough to have your college kids home, hope you have a great visit. Happy Thanksgiving!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to the class of 2015 and their parents!
D spent her Thanksgiving on campus this year due to the high cost to fly her home, the fact that last year she ended up getting really sick after all the travel (thus was sick for finals), and because she’ll be home in just over two weeks for a month-long winter break.
in the days leading up to the holiday she was pretty down about not coming home, and even considered spending her own $$ for a last minute flight. I was feeling pretty terrible (and guilty) about the decision as well. Fortunately, the President of her school and his wife host a Thanksgiving dinner for students who stay. It is held in a large tent on the grounds of their home. They posted photos on Instagram and I was surprised by how nice it was, with decorations and gorgeous floral centerpieces. It looked good enough to be a wedding and students really dressed up for the event. In all, close to 400 attended. D ended up seeing people she knew and enjoyed herself. In the evening, her apartment/student housing hosted a dessert event as well. She got through the day just fine, and most of her friends will be back on campus today in preparation for tomorrow’s big football game. Whew, it was the right decision after all, and now we can afford to splurge a bit on something fun when she is home for break. Very grateful that she chose a school where all students are considered to be part of a family.
@jmek15 sounds like a wonderful event, you make me wish I was there!
Waiting, waiting, waiting for Saturday night. Daughter getting here safely without too many delays is my wish. Hope everyone is enjoying or anticipating the winter break visit of their college sophomores. Happy Holidays all!
@NorthernMom61 Enjoy a great holiday and Christmas with your daughter!
Remind me again why DS is at school in the middle of the middle of nowhere. Flight home for tomorrow was just cancelled, he is trying to re-book. Could not come home for Thanksgiving and took 19 hrs to fly home after Fall Break, I could have driven him in 14. Well at least he still loves it. Dining Hall closed at noon today, dorms close at noon tomorrow, but they will allow kids who are stuck to stay. Looks like Sunday at the earliest.
And to make matters more stressful DH had a stem cell transplant the day before Thanksgiving and DS has a cough/cold (what do you expect he works in a nursery school) so he has to stay with my Mom until he is totally healthy.
Oh and DS13 is supposed to start his last co-op in January, but does not have one yet. Had a promising interview today, but sublet ends Dec 31, so he will need to find housing quickly in Boston or just come home and take the semester off. He can’t enroll in classes because he has to start his senior project and that can only be done in summer school.
Just needed to vent, sorry.
@mom24boys To say your plate is full is an understatement, and most of it is out of your control. Sending positive thoughts to your husband and your boys and hugs to you.
Sorry things are not happening smoothly @Mom24boys. Sending a holiday wish for your husband’said health and that you and your boys will enjoy your time together when it finally happens.
I’m so sorry you are dealing with so many stressful issues, @Mom24boys. I hope your S gets home soon and his cold clears up too. Sending you all good vibes.
DS was driving home today but only got through the first 7 hours before he had to pull off due to Interstate closure 2 1/2 hours from home. He is safe in a motel room and will drive the rest tomorrow. So thankful he wasn’t in the 40 car pileup that caused the Interstate to be closed or stuck for hours on the road immediately behind it. Also thankful that reports indicate no serious injuries.
@Mom24boys sounds stressful. Hoping everything works out for your boys!
DD has 1 final down, last 2 on Monday, and is now living full-time in the library and surviving on coffee and Menthos 
Was able to opt out of the finals of 2 of her courses as she already had As in both. I think allowing students to do this is a great idea to relieve end-of-term pressure and allow them focus on the subjects they may have a harder time with.
She got home! Thirty two hours of travel, thread the needle of snowy freezing weather. She is lovely, she takes my breath away, what did I do to deserve such a daughter? I love seeing her lounging on the other sofa waching TV with us. Christmas time is here. Hope you all get to feel the same joy soon.
She’ll be in your arms soon @insanedreamer.
That’s great, @NorthernMom61!
Hoping your family gets a break and everything works out @Mom24boys.
DS is back on the road and should be home in a couple of hours.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!