Tertiary education comes at a hefty price, requiring strategic planning, financial support, and a mix of funding sources such as debt, family, scholarships, grants, bursaries, and student income. For some students, like Hope Grant (a pseudonym), the need to contribute to their education costs prompts them to work while pursuing their studies. Hope, an 18-year-old student specializing in teacher education, opted to participate in the Work and Travel Programme to fund her education journey, aiming to lessen the financial burden on her family.
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Jobs for Funding
- Due to limited financial assistance from family and challenges in securing loans, many students seek employment to cover educational expenses.
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Hope’s Journey
- Hope embarked on the Work and Travel Programme to finance her education, allowing her to gain work experience while exploring a new country and interacting with diverse cultures.
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Employment Details
- Working at a hotel and water park resort in the cabana section, Hope provided guest services after receiving training.
- Students worked five to six days a week for eight to 15 hours daily, accommodating needs of guests from various countries.
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Opportunities Abroad
- The programme provided students with rental housing near their workplace, fostering social interactions and cultural experiences with peers from different backgrounds.
- Benefits of Work
- Hope successfully funded her second year of studies through earnings, enhancing her communication skills and gaining confidence in dealing with people of diverse backgrounds.
- While she regrets not working more hours for higher earnings, the experience remains invaluable in shaping her future as a teacher.
Participating in the Work and Travel Programme not only helped Hope financially but also enriched her personal growth and global perspective through interactions with peers from different nationalities. Despite acknowledging that each individual’s experience may vary, Hope encourages other students, especially those from rural backgrounds facing financial strains, to consider such opportunities as a means of funding their tertiary education.
In conclusion, seizing opportunities for employment while pursuing education can not only alleviate financial pressures but also provide invaluable experiences and personal growth. It is essential for students to explore diverse funding sources to ensure a smooth journey through tertiary education, paving the way for a brighter future.
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