6 Tips that Make your Study Aboard Experience Inexpensive and Easier

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The cost of studying abroad vary immensely as per the location and type of the program, whether a program is administered through an outside organization or the university, and the length of your stay. The programs for studying abroad cost you extra for assisting you to look for housing, enrol in foreign universities, or also facilitate the visa procedure. By performing all or some of these tasks on your own, you can make the study abroad experience a lot easier. By doing a bit of research, you may be capable of finding financial assistance and scholarships to cover an important percentage of the upfront price. 

Below-mentioned are 6 relevant tips that will make the study abroad experience easier and inexpensive – 

1.   Opt for an inexpensive study abroad program – Your University or college may provide its study abroad programs or offer direct exchange opportunities abroad where you have to pay only for the home school tuition for taking the courses overseas. If you want, you can also search for cheaper programs to study abroad, like those in what are regarded as cost-effective abroad destinations as there are a lot of them out there. 

Always keep it in mind that some more cost-effective programs might entail studying abroad for a shorter period, such as May-term, J-term, or also over the summer. In case you wish to spare yourself the headache of preparing your own experience of study abroad, you can simply look for the study abroad program on an inexpensive side. 

2.   Browse through financial aid alternatives and scholarships –Study abroad grants and scholarships are the simplest way of cutting your study abroad charges. Regarding the same, Google is a great resource for finding scholarships particular to the study abroad program you are interested in, your preferred country to study abroad, or the subject you are studying. You will not get any bucks for the study abroad experience unless you take the step and apply, so do not hesitate in filling out the application. 

Make sure to look beyond the college scholarships, as well as ask the on-campus mentor or the study abroad advisor for any ideas or suggestions. Feel free to apply for college-based study abroad scholarships, such as student-specific, merit-based, program-specific, subject-specific, and destination-specific. 

  • Go for an economical destination – The integral factor to contemplate in the study abroad program is located. In case you are low at finances, avoid countries such as Switzerland and England like a financial plague as here, currency exchange rates won’t work in your favor. Also, the cost of living here is high as compared to the US. In case you are studying abroad for a short period, there is a high probability that you will not be making any income in that country’s currency, rather you will be withdrawing the dollars from your scholarship or personal funds. 
  • Inquire about the Odd Jobs – A lot of students save money for the study abroad semester because they will not be working the part-time job back home for some time. While keeping a part-time job during your time of studying abroad is not possible that easily, you can take the odd jobs here and there. In case you do not have any idea of where to start with to search for these jobs, your school/college is a perfect starting point. There might be small jobs at the school or some connections which the school can get you in touch with. Never forget that a few bucks from that odd job can pay for your weekend getaway in Paris. 
  • Directly enrol in a language school or foreign university – Consider making the shortlist of 5 countries where you would prefer to go for studying abroad. Afterward, check the pubic university sites in those countries to view in case the tuition fee is manageable for you or not. In addition to this, keep the cost of living in these countries into your mind like the public universities of Norway is free, also to the international students, however, the high cost of living may take this alternative less attractive than the others. 

Maybe the most inexpensive way of studying abroad is by enrolling directly in the international institution, taking the course as well as making your travel as well as other arrangements. It can be done under your own university’s auspices or independently. As per the university, your prices can be relevantly less, (a few students have professed it only paying between $2000 and $3000 for one semester, along with travel) and you will have more independence as well as flexibility. 

  • Look for the student discount – A lot of studies abroad students need to buy an ISIC (International Student Identity Card), or it might be included in the program fees. These cards offer student discounts on museums, transportations, books, and hotels etc., in more than 130 countries. Furthermore, do not be afraid of asking the local students about their hangout places or what type of deals do they take benefit of as the students. 

Needless to say, studying abroad charges a few Benjamins, however paying for it is a lot more than only borrowing sufficient money for the tuition, plane ticket, as well as program fees. This is where the study abroad budget comes into the picture as it is something which helps in getting you in –county as well as staying afloat while you are there. 

Use spreadsheets to set up your budget and once you have done that, you will spend less time getting stressed about how you will afford the time overseas and more time in counting down the days to go through a life-changing experience. All you have to do is budget smart, be smart, and travel smart. 

There is no denying the fact that the memories you make while studying abroad will prove to be priceless. Study abroad does not need to break your bank. There is plenty of information on the Internet, on campus, as well as in the form of firsthand experience from other students and friends who have just returned from overseas. Make the most of your organizational skills as well as forward-thinking and you are good to go. 

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