How To Afford Study Abroad

How To Afford Study Abroad

Do you want to study overseas but not sure if you can afford study abroad? Below, discover 13 tips make study abroad more affordable.

1. Find A Program That Is All-Inclusive

The study abroad program that I chose provided housing. I stayed in a dorm, it had a meal plan, it took me on excursions, and provided an internship. I even had a stipend. My semester abroad was the same amount that I paid for tuition at my undergrad school in Pennsylvania. It was as if I stayed on campus.  For other comparable programs, housing or a meal plan was not included. Even if housing was included the excursions were not included.

2. See If Your Financial Aid Will Apply 

For me, studying in India was around the same cost of studying at my home campus.

3. Take Advantage Of The Free Money To Afford Study Abroad

The worst thing you can do is not apply for scholarships. Some scholarships that you can consider are the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship. The Gilman scholarship is for Pell grant recipients. It usually prefers underrepresented applicants. There is also a preference for students who have non-traditional study abroad majors, and those who study in underrepresented locations. For a list of where to find other scholarships, be sure to check out my post “International Affairs Scholarships For Women Of Color.”

Also

-see if your school also offers study aboard scholarships.
-look for local and national scholarships via search engines.

If you are applying with a program provider, take note of any scholarships that they may have. 

4. Plan Ahead To Afford Study Abroad

As soon as you enter college or figure out you want to study abroad, you should set up appointments to talk to your advisors, the study abroad office, and the financial aid office. They most likely will help you come up with a strategy and plan to succeed. This will let you know not only how much you may need to save, or what scholarships you should put on your radar, but also what classes you need to take so that you can study abroad.

5. Choose A Location That Has A Lower Cost of Living To Afford Study Abroad 

If you choose London, for example, you may be paying a lot more than if you study in India. This is because the cost of living is less expensive.

6. Choose A Location Where It’s Easy To Get To, Via A Flight 

The further away you go, the more expensive the flight ticket usually is. The closer to home, it is usually less expensive. But also, remember, even if your plane ticket is more expensive, the location in which you are studying abroad might offset the plane cost because the cost of living is cheaper.

7. Save And Don’t Touch It

Birthday money. Christmas money. Holiday money. Refund check money from financial aid. Save it. If you work a summer job or job during the school year, try to save a portion of your check. Even if it’s $10-$20, that money can add up over time.

8. Holidays And Birthdays

Ask for things that will help you study abroad, like a suitcase or money that can go towards this experience.

9. With Saving Also Comes Sacrifice  

If study abroad is your goal, you might have to give up some things in order to make it happen. For example, if you like to go out to eat with your friends, you might not be able to that as often. There may be a period where you skip social events that require money. 

10. Add More Side Hustles To Afford Study Abroad

It’s already hard enough to balance school. Some of you may already have jobs. But if you are already working and that’s not enough, see if you can squeeze in another side hustle for a few hours a week. Walk dogs, babysit, become a personal grocery shopper. The money for this side hustle can go directly to paying for any study abroad expenses.

11. Sell Your Stuff

Items that are collecting dust in your closet or gently used clothes, sell. You can sell these items online. If online isn’t your style, see if you can sell your things on campus. 

12. Fundraise

I know some people may look down upon this. They may question why are you asking for money so you can travel.

However, if you are determined to study overseas, you will not leave a single stone unturned. Exhaust all of your options. 

13. Create A Budget And Stick With It

I write about creating a travel budget here.

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out

21 Ways To Travel On A Limited Budget
8 Travel Budget Busters To Avoid
How To Get A Study Abroad Scholarship
What Is The Difference Between A Scholarship and Fellowship?
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