At what age do students attend university?  

Typically students are age 17 or older. In order to attend university, students must complete Bach 2 or 3 (high school), pass their admission tests, and pass a pre-university course.

 

Our student wants to go to university. What is included in the $1500 fee?

The fee pays for tuition, transportation, textbooks, internet use, and administrative fees in El Salvador. 100% of your donation goes to El Salvador.

 

If I pay for my student to attend university, what happens if s/he changes her/his mind or does not pass the required tests? 

Your donation will support another student in need. We would notify you if this happens.

 

When do university classes start in El Salvador?

Classes starts in late January or early February and continue through the end of November.

 

How will I be informed of how my student is doing in school? 

We will send you report cards from your student twice a year.

 

How long will my student study?

The number of years that a student will study at the university will be determined by their major.  Typically students will complete their university program in 5-6 years. During the final year, students are often involved in internship programs which require extra fees of $500-1500.

How successful are university graduates in obtaining employment? 
University graduates are better equipped to receive jobs with higher rates of pay (typically $400 - $600 per month).  As in the U.S., a University degree does not guarantee a job, but in cases where graduates cannot immediately find professional level employment, they can take office jobs while they continue their job search.  Employment opportunities are very slim for those who have only a high school degree and these individuals typically have to accept very low paying positions. For example they may work in a supermarket, fast food restaurant or drugstore and earn only $200 - $250 per month. Other options include baby sitting, kitchen helper or store vendor which might pay $100 to $150 per month.  

How can I correspond with my student?

Seeds of Hope thrives on relationships between students and their sponsors.  Typically, students write to sponsors 2-3 times/year. We will invite you to write a brief card or letter to your student(s) in mid-November, spring, and summer.

 

I don’t speak Spanish.  How can I write to my student?  

When we invite you to send a letter or card to your student, we will provide you with some basic questions and phrases in Spanish.  If you don’t know anyone who can assist you with translation, you can send the letters electronically for help from our Seeds of Hope translation team.* You might also try an online translation website for very simple sentences.  

 

Can I correspond with my student via email?

You can give your student your email in a letter. Although students do not have computers at home, many have access to email through their university or on cell phones. Many of the students can be found on Facebook.

 

Can I visit my student in El Salvador? 

Yes! Please let us know if you are interested in more information about the summer Mission Trip with Family of Christ. Youth who are entering their senior year in high school as well as adults are invited to join us for this trip.

 

 

*Note:  We are always looking for additional Spanish translators.  Please contact us if you or someone in your family would be willing to translate letters via email.