Studying in a bad economy

ticklemepink
Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:08:10 +0000

California IS a disaster. I’ve crossed out UCs off my list after the Senate failed to pass budget cuts . Since the Senate in California is controlled by Republicans, not Democrats, there’ll be MORE cuts to programs throughout California, including aid for universities, rather than higher taxes. This will affect jobs for sure- professors will be asked to go on furloughs so you might not always have your professors around.

Health care here is pretty expensive but you’ll probably get basic health care through your tuition payments anyhow so I wouldn’t worry too much about that aspect. The COL hasn’t changed much- it’s really about how you typically spend your money. Americans have used credit for decades and built up personal debts, and lived beyond their means in these ways that having to live WITHIN their means is really a shock for this country. If you, like me, have always lived within your means, your life will be okay in the US. Also since you are not a US citizen, you won’t need to pay taxes or anything to the US government . What you have saved for studying the US will be what you will have to spend for the duration of your program.

The real question, really, is are you willing to take a chance on UCs and Cal State schools that are paid for by the state that can’t close its massive budget deficit?