i just want you to consider some of the facts in your assumptions.. first of all there is no bullet proof assumption about America or anywhere. so you should have some contengency plan , like can your parents send some more money in case of emergency without selling the pakho bari? no sacrasm meant.. a) going to OC does not mean jobs are guranteed. Lots of students can't find jobs for months and go back to their colleges. some are lucky like the dude above to make 12,500 in the summer. 12,500 making is very unusual and needs extereme luck and networking. if you work 85 hours a week, in 3 months, you need to be paid $12.25 an hour. It may be possible if you have a work permit or have been going to OC years after years, have friends, networkig etc to hook you up etc.. most students make around 7 -8 bucks an hour and find work around 50 hours, and thats considered lucky. b) the work permit we are talking about is economic hardship, which you maybe able to get after 2 semesters. i don't know about your school, but lots of international student advisors do not give your permission to file for it, although they have no reason to hold you. i know lots of Nepali students who would like to apply bu tthe international student advisors are jerks and would not let them file..even if you file there is no gurantee to get one, there are chances you may not get it, or you may not be able to renew it after a year, as it expires iin a year and costs about 380 to file..  i was lucky when i was student, i applied and renewed it twice too.. c) with job market like the way it is in the usa, oncampus jobs are extermly hard to find, and you can't depend on off campus jobs either.. dhoti employers are happy to hire dv winners and refugees for the same amount per hour as they would pay an international student, so why take risk... i advise going to states such as texas, boston, Mn , Idaho because of scholorships and instate tution after sometimes... so have some contigency plan, again your assessement is good and i'm glad your planning but just as anything , things might not go as planned...