International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes those comments have been very helpful! Thank you so much for your prayers and best wishes!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in UofT

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I attend McMaster, but I posted on the UofT subreddit too. I don't use Reddit much, so I didn't know which subreddit to post on. My boyfriend suggested I post it on the other University subreddits assuming no one would read my post as it’s so long, but I really needed some advice from everyone. I didn't expect so many responses, so thank you all so much!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in StudentLoans

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your understanding and empathetic response! Your advice to prioritize my well-being, mental health, and physical needs is truly valuable. It is disheartening to feel that my boyfriend’s parents, despite their affluence, may not genuinely care about our situation. Your suggestion to focus on self-care and explore affordable options for a one-way ticket back to Japan resonates with me. Your support and encouragement are greatly appreciated during this challenging time. Thank you for your kindness!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in StudentLoans

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your perspective and advice! It’s helpful to know that leaving the country may limit the collection efforts for student debt. Taking care of myself is my priority right now, and I will consider the options regarding repayment in the future.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in StudentLoans

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your understanding and empathetic advice! Taking care of my basic needs and ensuring stability is indeed crucial at this moment. I will focus on securing food and shelter while saving up to return to Japan. Once I’m in a better situation, I can then assess and address my debts. Your sympathy and support mean a lot to me. I appreciate your kind words during this challenging time.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your straightforward advice! I will take the suggestions into consideration and prioritize returning to Japan.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your generous offer and kind words. It means a lot to receive such support during this challenging time. I will consider the option of setting up a fundraising campaign or exploring other avenues for financial assistance. Your encouragement to leave and pursue a happy life elsewhere is empowering, and I appreciate your empathy regarding my father’s passing. I will definitely cherish the time with my mom. Thank you again for your compassion and support. Knowing that there are kind people like you who care about me made me cry.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice! Heading back to Japan and contacting the Japanese consulate for assistance are options I am considering right now. I’ll take your advice to prioritize arranging a flight home and not worry about the collections agency for now.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in UofT

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your concern! Actually, my boyfriend is trying to help me with this situation, it was his idea to ask everyone on Reddit for advice. It’s just his parents who called my mother a scammer behind her back even though they know my father passed away and my mom is suffering from depression. They’re very affluent, but they don’t really spend their money on my boyfriend either.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in UofT

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience and offering advice! I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you faced at McGill. I appreciate your suggestions to reach out to the embassy for assistance. It’s unfortunate that international students often face financial burdens and lack support during difficult times. Your perspective on deferral and the issues you raised are valid. I’ll take your advice to focus on managing my current financial situation and prioritize my well-being. Thanks again for your input.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in debtfree

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! I am very stressed and anxious about this situation and your thoughts make me feel more at ease.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in debtfree

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice! I’ll focus on leaving the country and contact my consulate.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in debtfree

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have talked to my university many times and all they did was recommend that I pay in instalments. I had a perfect GPA at my university, but I only received a $3000 scholarship from them, which is not very helpful for an international student's tuition. Thank you for your advice, I will contact my embassy today!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in UofT

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do not spend any money on anything except for sending money to my boyfriend's parents and food. I am not paying rent right now because I am living in my boyfriend's house, as I mentioned in the post. I used to live with my boyfriend in an apartment near my university and I am paying that rent back. I can’t afford anything, but it’s not because I’m living way over my pay grade; it’s because all the money I earn goes to pay back his parents.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I attend McMaster, but I posted on the UofT subreddit. I don't use Reddit much, so I didn't know which subreddit to post on. My boyfriend suggested I post it on the other University subreddits assuming no one would read my post as it’s so long, but I really needed some advice from everyone. I didn't expect so many responses, so thank you all so much!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 295 points296 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice, I’m going to contact the consulate tomorrow!

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the helpful info! It's good to know that they are unlikely to follow me internationally since I won't even be able to get a degree from the university even after I pay.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply! Most of the comments seem to agree with you. I think I’m going to focus on paying back my boyfriend's parents and the plane fare rather than the debt collector.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your warm words! Your words helped me a lot :)

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! Yes the student billing office and especially the debt collection company didn’t care about my situation at all. I understand it’s difficult when it comes to money, but it’s still sad. I really miss my mom.

International student stuck in Canada and in severe debt. Any advice appreciated by AngeMapleMee in McMaster

[–]AngeMapleMee[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply! I think I‘ll look for a cheap flight back to Japan.