pauline,
my family was not rich either. i also need to fight for scholarship for my secondary school education. or else, i've got to study the government school. lucky i did! live with $30 allowance per month and rush home for lunch and dinner in order to save $. (lucky i am from small town, travelling time is short)
i too paying hostel fees, living expenses, books with the 300/month during uni days, work part time in the evening and during holidays. i even took money home during the half year of my IA.
graduated with nearly 40k of study loan with me. save hard to pay for the loan cos the interest rate is 5% p.a.
life is hard. but i feel that it's a good experience. and i am very proud of myself of what i've been through.
i don't want her to suffer so much, but don't want her to take education for granted. i don't mind her to do part time job in order to get whatever things they want.
most probably will let her take up study loan first.
no need to envy others for overseas education. singapore universities are high standard.
i am overseas too. from malaysia to singapore. haha..
australia has some good universities too. US, UK has lousy universities as well. it depends on how you choose it.