Support Justin: Overcome a Barrier for Education
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Hi everyone,
Some of you may already know, I have been studying at the Academy of Performing Arts Bratislava since September. I hit some snags twice while applying for my student visa (temporary residence), including inconsistent information and specifications about documents that varied from websites (or informational pamphlets).
This, of course, leaves me in a bind as they require hardcopy documents, which are not easy to get from the U.S., at least not in a timely manner. Had I known some of these details sooner, it could have been resolved, but not only do I need to return home, but collect every document again as it will be expired. As a result, I need to leave the Slovak Republic before the semester finishes, continue my studies virtually, and apply for my visa in the U.S. at the only Embassy in the country in Washington, D.C.
This chain of events was unexpected. As I am studying and don't have much time to work, I still have to pay for my apartment, and as a foreigner without residence, I cannot even apply for a local part-time job in Bratislava, which puts me in a tight bind financially. Those who know me know I do not ask for help very often, so this plea is one of desperation.
Included in my unforeseen expenses are:
- Tight purchasing of flight to get home, $800-1400 (including exactly one connection, less than 20 hours)
- Re-requesting new documents, notarizing, getting apostilles, $83 +$52
- Translation of documents from English to Slovak from the only certified translator in the U.S., $60 x 14 pages ($840), $10 binding fee, $52.70 flat rate mailing
- Roundtrip to Washington D.C. and getting to and from the airport and the Slovak Embassy, $450-700 (I will go on a red-eye and return the same day to avoid needing to pay for a hotel)
- Application fee, 39 EUR (approx. $41)
- Return to study as soon as possible (where I will still miss the start of the semester but cannot book until I have the residence card in hand), $800-1400 (including exactly one connection, less than 20 hours)
This totals an average of $3,800, if not approaching $4,500, depending on some variable expenses like flights, not including any fees I would already be paying (e.g., my vacant apartment while I am home, tuition). Because of the summation of these expenses, the small percentage skimmed by GoFundMe, and predicting additional unpredictable necessities, I've set my goal to be $5,000. (If you would like to see my multi-page master study and visa application plan, feel free to ask.)
If you can contribute, I would be unbelievably appreciative of any of your help. I now know exactly what I need to get the visa, so the third time is the charm. After brainstorming, I thought I would also prepare something to offer the community in return at the various landmarks:
- $750 - A general website page on temporary residency in Slovakia for non-EU university students, in English (including warnings of my pitfalls), from the perspective of the student rather than provided by an institution
- $1,500 - On the website page, I'll narrate my application story from each step since June 2024 (including equivalency of diplomas)
- $2,000 - Starting a website about visiting Bratislava and popular must-see sights (restaurants, sightseeing, etc.)
- $3,000 - Adding a section on the website for seasonal events (Christmas markets, Wine Festival, etc.)
- $4,000 - Adding to the website sightseeing/restaurants/other tourist spots less likely to be known by foreigners, including shopping, the music scene, etc., and also how to use local transportation
- $5,000 - Adding a section on some basic phrases and words from the Slovak language from the perspective of an English speaker, including a pronunciation guide, specifically for tourism
- If I receive any extra contributions (at least an additional $500), which will be used toward my tuition and educational expenses, I will also create some content on how the higher education system functions at my academy as it compares to American institutions
Thank you all for contributing and sharing my plea, I will continue updating everyone on my visa status on this platform. I very much hope that once I am on the other side of this situation, I can welcome many of you when you visit Europe in Bratislava (and Vienna, nearby)!
With Gratitude,
Justin
Organiser
Justin William Thai
Organiser
Thousand Oaks, CA