To wordofthewise: ever heard of work study?
If this is the appropriate time for this boy to go and the parents can’t afford the whole nine yards, the boy should be resourceful enough either to pitch in with savings, or live as responsibly as he can while there.. If that means working part time, so be it.
Do you have a problem with a boy/young man working while in the US or otherwise chu”l during the zman, e.g. haircuts, tutoring, or whatever he can find?