Eat like locals where the locals eat! Sometimes venturing off the beaten path and asking other students or IES Abroad staff for tips on good places to grab a bite can really pay off.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Many countries have great student discounts for museums, cinemas, theaters, concerts, and transportation.
Check out Student Cafeterias
Student cafeterias and on-campus restaurants are often cheaper alternatives to regular restaurants, and are great ways to meet other students.
Cook and Share Your Meals
If possible, cook meals and eat together. Eating together is significant part of many other cultures—eat like the locals do! Shop local markets, experiment in the kitchen, and eat together.
Get Skype and Research Phone Cards
Download free software for Skype and talk to your family and friends online for free, or research prepaid phone cards in your host country—they are often cheaper than using your cell phone to make international calls.
Utilize Local Transportation
Learn the local transportation system quickly instead of taking taxis. When you can, walk. Special student rates may also be available.
Don't Forget Your HostCity
Focus on getting to know your host country rather than traveling to many different countries during your time abroad. Remember, there is greater value in being immersed in one culture than in having your passport stamped multiple times!
Plan Trips Ahead of Time
Plan ahead for trips you may take (for travel reservations, etc.) Look into travel times at odd hours and/or for specific student travel deals (on specific trains, for example.) Also be sure to compare train travel to low-cost flights. You can consult websites like www.airninja.com to see which discount airliners fly where.
Compare Prices
For souvenirs, wait before you buy! Compare prices before buying at markets, learn local bartering customs, and take a local friend along with you to get better deals.
Day vs. Weekend Trips
Consider making a few day trips instead of more expensive weekend trips. Taking the train is a great way to take a short trip and experience another city without the added costs of flights and hotels.
Hostels vs. Hotels
If you do travel for a weekend, consider staying in a hostel instead of a hotel. It’s a lot cheaper and a great way to meet other students from all over the world.
Travel $mart
Only carry small amounts of cash, so you won't spend more than you can afford.
Eat like locals where the locals eat! Sometimes venturing off the beaten path and asking other students or IES Abroad staff for tips on good places to grab a bite can really pay off.
Many countries have great student discounts for museums, cinemas, theaters, concerts, and transportation.
Student cafeterias and on-campus restaurants are often cheaper alternatives to regular restaurants, and are great ways to meet other students.
If possible, cook meals and eat together. Eating together is significant part of many other cultures—eat like the locals do! Shop local markets, experiment in the kitchen, and eat together.
Download free software for Skype and talk to your family and friends online for free, or research prepaid phone cards in your host country—they are often cheaper than using your cell phone to make international calls.
Learn the local transportation system quickly instead of taking taxis. When you can, walk. Special student rates may also be available.
Focus on getting to know your host country rather than traveling to many different countries during your time abroad. Remember, there is greater value in being immersed in one culture than in having your passport stamped multiple times!
Plan ahead for trips you may take (for travel reservations, etc.) Look into travel times at odd hours and/or for specific student travel deals (on specific trains, for example.) Also be sure to compare train travel to low-cost flights. You can consult websites like www.airninja.com to see which discount airliners fly where.
For souvenirs, wait before you buy! Compare prices before buying at markets, learn local bartering customs, and take a local friend along with you to get better deals.
Consider making a few day trips instead of more expensive weekend trips. Taking the train is a great way to take a short trip and experience another city without the added costs of flights and hotels.
Hostels vs. Hotels
Travel $mart