If I ask you now: do you dream of doing an exchange program? What will your answer be? I believe most people would answer yes to that question.
However, if I go a little further and say: what prevents you from doing an exchange? The answers in this case are the most varied, but they always lead to the same problem: the lack of money.
That is, many people want to do an exchange, but do not have the financial resources to do so. And that’s where I believe funding can make a difference.
The importance of focusing on what we want
I believe that the most important thing when you want to do an exchange is to focus on what you want. When we have a deep desire, doors certainly open.
Then the possibilities appear. You can sell a car that is paid off to make your dream come true, make a plan by saving money for a while, or lose the fear of taking on financing.
Going back to the beginning of the article, if I ask those who said that lack of money is the main reason for not doing an exchange, because it does not finance this experience, the answer will certainly be related to fear.
This means that most people are afraid of financing an exchange, and then not being able to pay for it. I will then show how this is possible.
Paying for the exchange with work in Ireland
Here in Ireland, the exchange student can work part-time while studying. The minimum hourly wage in Ireland is €11.30. Assuming 20 hours of weekly work, you will earn €226 per week approximately.
Now let’s consider that the price of an exchange package to study in Ireland is €3,000. Consider that you divide this amount into 36 months. We would have a share of €83.33.
Let’s consider an interest rate of 30% per year, playing really high. So in 3 years it would practically double the value. You would then have to pay €6,000. In fact, you won’t pay all that, but let’s consider the worst case scenario.
So, dividing €6,000 by 36, the value of the installment will be €166.66. You will earn €226 per week working part-time. That is, you pay off the monthly loan with just one week’s salary, and you still have money left over.
And better: there are still 3 weeks of work left for you to pay the costs of housing, food and transport, considering that the school is already paid for.
How easy it is to find a job in Ireland
Then you can raise a new objection: but what if I don’t get a job? I can assure you that this is very difficult to happen, because there is a lack of professionals here in the country.
Of course, at the beginning, you will have to work in some more menial functions, such as a waiter, cleaner, among others. But what is it like to work hard for 6 months and then return to Brazil with fluent English and occupy a better position?
Therefore, the difficulty you think there is when doing an exchange program can be solved through financing. Think about it.
This could be your chance to make your dream come true, even without saving money, and then enjoy all the benefits of being fluent in English.
