“Dear Steve,
I have around 125k in private student loans.
I was wondering if I flee the United States if the debt would follow me. I am looking at Canada, Abu Dhabi, Ireland, South Korea and New Zeland. Please help. I’ve tried everything with Sallie Mae and I’ve even tried the goverment with no help.
Sean”
Dear Sean,
I’ve heard this same statement from others. It’s a sad state of affairs that people have to resort to this but I understand.
I would suggest staying out of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Not because your student loans would follow you but because they are the worst countries to live in and have debt.
The reality is that your student loan debt, as it stands today, will not follow you overseas. That being said, remember you will still have to file a U.S. tax return and any refund you might be entitled to may be intercepted by the student loan company (not all private loans).
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And if you work for company that pays you in U.S. dollars in a U.S. bank account your account may be garnished or seized if you are sued and lose.
You might want to read through my guide The Ultimate Guide to Dealing With Student Loans You Can’t Afford and see if there is something you have not tried yet.
Also keep in mind that foreign countries have restrictions on who can work there so make sure you have a job or are eligible to work in that country before you go.
Let me know where you land.
Having lived overseas myself a couple of times I know it can be a wonderful experience but there’s no place like home. I’ve always returned.
Please post your responses and follow-up messages to me on this in the comments section below.
