Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
When I completed my first degree the first job I got was in a prestigious company and I jumped at the chance. It was abroad and for three years I have enjoyed myself and had a fruitful career. However, the time has come to move back to the UK with my husband, who is also British. I found a wonderful master’s course and saved up so I could enrol.
My hopes were dashed when I was suddenly faced with the possibility of having to pay international student fees. I am not sure why, since I am a British national who has lived the majority of my life in the UK, worked, paid taxes and gone to school, college and university there.
I was told that I could possibly get “home status” if I could prove the nature of my work abroad was temporary. But I don’t think this is feasible because I chose to leave my current employment for university and I was not on a temporary contract. I don’t own property in the UK, nor do my parents, nor my husband. Again, I am worried this might be taken into consideration.
When I was studying my bachelor’s I was always encouraged by the faculty and the university to go abroad at any chance one got for employment and experience, and also further education, yet they didn’t mention if you happened to be away from the UK too long, coming back would double your tuition fees.
I would definitely not be able to afford international fees and I am going to be staying in the UK for the foreseeable future anyway. I am beginning to lose sleep over this.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
