Netherlands Study Abroad Summer '18

Hi my name is Erin. I am a Sophomore at Landmark College and will be receiving my associates degree in May 2018. As some of you may know, Landmark has had a big impact on me as an individual and even more so in my education. I don’t know where I would be today if I didn’t come to Landmark. I have been offered more opportunities that I never thought I would have access to due to my learning disability. I have made deans list, got inducted to an honor society, engaged in rigorous courses, and made lifelong friendships just to name a few. The best opportunity to date is to take an Education class abroad in the Netherlands this summer. My heart is set on going for not only the travel, but the learning experience I will have and it’s impact on my professional development and career. The only thing standing in my way is the finances involved. Even with a scholarship I received from the LC office of financial aid and International Education dept, this trip is still out of reach.


The study abroad program I’ve been accepted to is a 3 week program where I will study in the Netherlands taking a comparative education course. The course examines how the differences between the U.S education system and the Netherlands education system. I will also examine how these differences impact students and teaching practices. I will get to experience first hand what studying in the Netherlands is like and compare to the U.S. I will experience the cultural adjustment our immigrant students face. I feel that this program is a great opportunity since it is relevant to my desired career as a special educator. When I become a teacher, I will be able to understand what my immigrant/ESL students are going through. This program is only offered every other year, and since I am graduating this year it is now or never.


The total cost of the trip is $6,000 and my scholarship I received brings the cost down to $3,000. I got my acceptance letter a couple days ago and it stated that I must submit my $1500 deposit by Friday March 30th by 5 PM. Who has that kind of money sitting around after the bills have been paid? I certainly don’t. And unfortunately I can’t use my scholarship for the deposit. I have to deposit in order to get the scholarship. So I am under a serious time crunch and doubt I can reach $1500 in time and get it to the school in full in a week. But I have until May 11th to pay off the other $1500.


Although this isn’t my style of making ends meet, I figured that I have nothing to lose at this point. I have exhausted my own financial resources and i work 2 (and at times 3) jobs to pay for school and apply for countless scholarships. My parents make their best efforts as well and we still fall short. I don’t want to say no to this opportunity without a fight. I have fought for every semester at Landmark and the fight was successful even though it came close a couple times. I am very grateful for my experience at Landmark College and this study abroad trip will be a perfect way to wrap up my time at Landmark. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. And I promise to tell you all when I come back!


I want to emphasize that I am aware of the controversy that may be sparked by starting this campaign. I was very reluctant to start this campaign, but have been encouraged by many people to give it a shot.

A kind reminder: donating is VOLUNTARY and that there is no pressure. I also want to emphasize that I am not lazy or desperate student that society makes students who use GoFundMe appear to be. Only positive comments allowed and any negative ones will not be tolerated and will be deleted. Thank you.