CAN I AFFORD TO GO ABROAD?

Determining the cost of going abroad will depend on many factors, such as: your chosen destination, the type and duration of your program, and what is included in the program cost. It is important to also consider costs above and beyond the program fee, such as lifestyle, travel expenses, passport, visa, airfare, immunizations, local transportation, meals, books, insurance, and incidentals.  Another factor that will affect the cost of a program is the exchange rate.

While for many students, COST is the primary factor impeding them from moving forward, going abroad should be looked at as an investment in your future and your employability. Getting a college degree is certainly expensive, and yet so many students pursue one. Why? To make yourself more employable, more competitive and more qualified for the career path you would like to pursue. Adding international experience to your curriculum, a foreign language and even an internship helps you stand out even more. International experiences tend to dominate interviews and can often be a relevant contributing factor in getting your first job.

Some tips for searching for an affordable program:

Many students make the common mistake of taking one look at the cost of a study abroad program and comparing it to the cost of their home university's tuition. Study abroad programs often include many more services such as airport pickup, housing, activities, excursions, and medical insurance as well as course enrollment. When combining all of those features, the cost may seem more reasonable.  For some students, the cost of going abroad can even be more affordable than staying home. Naturally, many factors influence the overall expenses of going abroad, such as, lifestyle, travel, cell phone usage, etc...

Do your shopping

Whatever destination interests you, chances are you will encounter various study abroad providers offering similar programs at drastically different prices. Price differences between programs could range in the thousands of dollars. You should also be sure to look under the hood and know what's included.  For this reason, it's important to investigate your options thoroughly.

Choose a shorter session or a different destination

Perhaps your first choice study abroad destination is a traditionally more expensive location, such as London. Choosing another location or switching from a semester program to a summer program or Global Seminar may present a more affordable opportunity for you to go abroad.

Financial Aid

Many study abroad programs are compatible with financial aid, as long as you are studying full time and the courses you plan to take are pre-approved for credit transfer. This includes summer program that offer two courses for up to six credits. Speaking with a financial aid advisor could help you understand your options.