Thanks for the tips. I must say that from what I've heard from friends in the UK, and with Lizzy's comments, it doesn't seem to inviting. But I guess like Greeneaglz said, the important thing is to find something I enjoy doing... I think my head is starting to clear up a bit tho, the pic is getting less fuzzy and I have a better idea of what I want. It's frustrating tryinna figure out what do now, but i guess the how falls into place once u have the what :)

This is just my personal viewpoint, but as someone studying in the UK right now I wouldn't apply there. The government keep bumping up the tuition fees so before for a UK/EU student it used to be 1200 a year just 3 years ago, it's now 3000 a year and now an increase to 7000 a year is apparently being considered. The government have just begun to issue compulsory ID cards to 'foreigners' this week and will soon to everyone else. The airports are trying to fingerprint and take photos of everyone who comes here. It's expensive to live here and there is virtually no acknowledgment of TCKs, plus England is really cold too lol. I have big issues with the UK lol. I should really start my own thread lol.

Hi Maija. I can so relate to your confusion and stress. I'm helping my daughter with her college applications and she has narrowed her search to universities in the US. It's an extremely laborious process as she is applying as an international student. Applying in her passport country (Philippines) would be way easier and much less expensive, but the language courses that are required put her at a huge disadvantage. She'd be miserable! Hence our decision to look at schools in the US and the UK, despite the cost and the distance. I figure it's a worthwhile investment!

I agree with Greeneaglz. Check out http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ for schools in the UK. I understand that you can do everything via that site: look for courses, compare schools, and apply.

As for studying art - I would encourage you to revisit this since it seems to be your passion. My second child is planning to go into art school in 2010 and I am all for it. Perhaps someone else can comment on this topic, but I feel a fine arts degree can land you all kinds of jobs, and lead to a fulfilling career.

Lastly, explore the hundreds of scholarships available, for which you can also apply online. There's also a number of financial aid packages available to international students. Make a short list of say, 10 schools that interest you...and take it from there. It's a lot of work, but it can be very exciting when you see the dozens of options available out there.

Best of luck, Maija. I'm sure it'll work out :-)

Choosing what to study I think is often more difficult for a TCK. The choices often include variable such as country and language etc.
My advice would be to think about what you enjoy doing, what motivates you and can you see yourself doing that sort of work for the rest of your life.

If its just issues with the language you are struggling with, perhaps find a language course or asking someone to help you with the language will help you with your confidence.

As for picking an english speaking country, I know that Universities in England are full of "foreign" students and its more than likely just a case of look at what courses are offered by various universities then, phone or email them to ask about costs etc.
As for "free" courses, be aware that someone is usually paying for it, so make sure that you dont have to pay the fees for the course if you leave it without completing it.
If you want to feel happy about your life in the future, make sure you pick something which you will enjoy even if you wont get paid as much.
All the best.