Reply to Anyone considering universities abroad?

Forum Index » Money and Finances

Reply to "Anyone considering universities abroad? "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are wondering if other families are considering universities abroad, and how this affects your 529 contributions.  DH is from South America, but also has European citizenship (I am American), and DD also has U.S and European passports, as well as for her dad's home country.  DD is 12, but for a number of reasons, we have been unable to make serious contributions to a 529 plan up to now, and we probably would not qualify for financial aid so that's not an option.  Because European and South American schools are much cheaper, and because DH prefers that daughter go to university abroad to have a more international background, we are thinking of not amping up our 529 contributions even though we now can (and several of the schools we're looking at in Europe/SA) are not on the 529 international list.

for those in similar situations....

what are some potential downsides we should be aware of in planning to send DD to europe for university (apart from flight expenses and not having her close)?
in my field, a good degree from europe (sciences po, insead, oxford etc) has as much respect as a johns hopkins or similar school.  but if DD goes to an average european school (like university of milan), will this be a strike against her?  
will we be kicking ourselves if DD at 17 decides she only wants to go to an american school, and we have no 529 savings for this?  Will we have to tap into our retirement savings? 
Where should we be saving money for schools if not in a 529?

would love to hear from others who are also thinking about this, and how you are planning.  
 
[/quote]

No direct experience but I've heard that the curriculum is more focused in European countries, tougher entrance exam and less to no handholding.

As for expenses, you pay from either a 529 or other savings in the US.  Same would apply abroad (I understand that some schools are not eligible for 529 in which case you wouldn't use it).  Not sure why you think you'll have to draw from retirement if that's what you would have done anyways if your DD goes to school in the US.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics