Support Christi's Education Journey in the US

My good friend Christi came from South Africa to the US two years ago as an AuPair. During the process, she fell in love with the United States and developed a passionate desire to fulfill her dreams of obtaining a college degree. She applied to the college in her town where she was an AuPair. In order for her to fulfill these dreams, she is in need of some finances. Per government regulations, Christi is not allowed to work in her first 12 months as a student in the United States. Christi was told she must take full-time classes, year-round, to maintain her student status (F1). Needless to say, she needs our help. Christi’s passion is to continue with her classes, but without funding for this semester, she not only won’t achieve this dream but will likely have to return to South Africa.

Her long-term plan is to:

Work all summer after her first year.

Apply for part-time jobs to provide an income and fund herself.

Complete her 2-year degree and transfer so she can complete her education in the US.

How you can help:

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READ CHRITI'S STORY IN HER OWN WORDS BELOW!

Hello Everyone!

Thank you kindly for your interest in my story :

My name is Christi Pretorius and I am currently 23 years old. I grew up in Pretoria, a town in South-Africa.

Currently Im enrolled in a 2 year college in the Bay Area, California wanting to transfer to a 4 year University.

In 2021 I got the amazing opportunity to become an au pair here in the US. After a year and 8 months, I realized that my time as an Au-Pair was coming to an end, and I had to look to the future. My desire to obtain a college degree and the opportunities that is offered in the US made me change my status to an F1 VISA. Although I had a sponsor and a guaranteed 2 year commitment , due to unforeseen circumstances I had to switch sponsors with no financial assistance.

I started my studies in the Fall of 2024 and I am currently in my first semester. Financially it has been a struggle due to the VISA and VISA regulations, I am unable to find a job legally.

I am obligated to enroll for a full load of elective spring classes to legally maintain my F1 status, to stay here in the US, and ultimately graduate in Spring 2027.

My plan was to work as much as I am legally allowed to on-campus throughout semester in order to afford the current Fall semester , but unfortunately all current campus jobs are already filled.

This is a massive, unforeseen expense. One I cannot afford without help.

No matter how determined or hardworking you are- as an international student it is very hard to receive funding, seeing as we are not eligible for resident rates or financial aid. I am not allowed to work off campus and may only work 20 hours per week on campus. I am not able to take out loans because I am not a US citizen and do not have a US co-signer.

This is a very stressful time and a time where I must humbly ask for help. Every dollar donated will make a huge difference. I am determined to work hard and do as much is expected of me.

I trust God to lead me , I know He will provide.

Please help me reach my goal of $10 000 so I can pay my first year and fulfill my dreams.