I, 18F, have just completed an international foundation year (IFY). I started last year, while the rest of my classmates went on to universities in our home country. My parents encouraged me to do the IFY because they had sent the rest of my siblings abroad for university and wanted me to follow in their footsteps. I spent the last year studying my ass off and managed to get an AAA in maths, physics and chemistry, and an 8.0 in my IELTS, just for my parents to turn around and tell me that they spent the money meant for my school fees on other things when I should be applying for a visa right now. When I asked them what they spent the money on, they refused to tell me, and due to the time they told me (July), I’ve missed my chance to apply for university in my home country, too and will have to wait until April to apply for the 2026 school year. I honestly have no idea what to do, and I feel like crying. My siblings also don’t know what my parents spent the money on, but they can’t help me with the fees as they are just starting their careers. Has anyone been through something similar, or have any advice? Thank you
My parents messed up my education
r/Advice
Comments
This isn’t the end, look into scholarships, work-study programs, or even deferring a year. You’re still incredibly young with top grades.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. Despair won’t help you, consider it a break, take some time off, work and use that time to prepare thoroughly.
Hey, it’s ok. Your parents did an awful thing to you but you can still make something of it. Don’t worry about being a year or two older than the rest, many people take longer to complete their studies these days, especially in certain parts of the world where university education is free. And this was of no fault of yours.
Do you know what you want to study, or what jobs you’re interested in? See if you can get a foot in the industry, an internship or something. I’d argue that work experience is more important than your degree in practice, in most cases. These days everyone has a degree and you just need it to get past their filter.
Take this chance to explore your options, especially if your parents are still paying for your food and shelter. It’ll be rare to get this kind of time once you’re on your own. It sucks what they did to you but there’s good to be made of it. Good luck!
I went through a similar situation, when I was your age, my mom was going to help me with university but there were some unfortunate incidents (2 deaths int he family and illness) and there was no one who could step up to pay for those things so she had to do it, as a result I could not start the university that year.
I got a job and saved some money during that time, while I waited for the next year to start my university. In the end things worked out and I was able to graduate so don’t give up hope, this will set you back a year but you can definitely bounce back from it.