Making a financial plan now for your study abroad experience will help you live in the moment while you're abroad. Take the time to research your expenses; your resources, like scholarships and financial aid; and tips on how to save money before you go and once you're abroad. Checkout the Study Abroad Expense Worksheet, and read more below for tools and tips to help you out!
How to Budget While Abroad
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Scholarships & Aid
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What You Need to Know
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How to Apply
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How to Budget While Abroad
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What to Expect from Your Bill
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What You Need to Know
Before You Go
Ask your school’s financial aid office about your eligibility for financial aid. Much of your financial aid can be applied toward study abroad.
Research scholarships that may apply to you. Check out the IES Abroad scholarship options to see how to get your share of our millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid given out each year to our students. Also check out other sources which offer aid to help fund your studies. Be aware many outside scholarships have earlier application deadlines between January and March and make awards only once per calendar year.
Download free books such as a Let’s Go Travel Guide and begin reading about your host city, as well as the nearby cities you might want to visit. Books such as these, geared toward budget student travel, offer student-friendly suggestions on where to eat, stay, and visit on a student’s budget, and can assist in your financial planning.
Research programs carefully to find out what's included in the program cost and what extra costs there may be. Some programs are more inclusive than others. For example, IES Abroad programs generally include housing, meals, medical insurance, orientation, and some field trips in the program cost.
Make yourself a budget and determine what you can afford by finding out the general cost of everyday items in your host city. Information on many items are provided in the predeparture information found in your MyIESabroad account, or you can email a past IES Abroad participant with your budget questions.
Depending on your plans, you may want to apply for an International Youth Hostel Card and/or an ISIC card. Both provide discounts.
Ask your school’s financial aid office about your eligibility for financial aid. Much of your financial aid can be applied toward study abroad.
Research programs carefully to find out what's included in the program cost and what extra costs there may be. Some programs are more inclusive than others. For example, IES Abroad programs generally include housing, meals, medical insurance, orientation, and some field trips in the program cost.
Research scholarships that may apply to you. Check out the IES Abroad scholarship options to see how to get your share of our millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid given out each year to our students. Also check out other sources which offer aid to help fund your studies. Be aware many outside scholarships have earlier application deadlines between January and March and make awards only once per calendar year.
Make yourself a budget and determine what you can afford by finding out the general cost of everyday items in your host city. Information on many items are provided in the predeparture information found in your MyIESabroad account, or you can email a past IES Abroad participant with your budget questions.
Download free books such as a Let’s Go Travel Guide and begin reading about your host city, as well as the nearby cities you might want to visit. Books such as these, geared toward budget student travel, offer student-friendly suggestions on where to eat, stay, and visit on a student’s budget, and can assist in your financial planning.
Depending on your plans, you may want to apply for an International Youth Hostel Card and/or an ISIC card. Both provide discounts.
After You Arrive
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.
Student cafeterias and on-campus restaurants are often cheaper alternatives to regular restaurants, and are great ways to meet other students.
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.
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!
Consider making a few day trips instead of more expensive weekend trips. Taking a train is a great way to take a short trip and experience another city without the added costs of flights and hotels.
Only carry small amounts of cash, so you won't spend more than you can afford.
Many countries have great student discounts for museums, cinemas, theaters, concerts, and transportation.
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.
Learn the local transportation system quickly instead of taking taxis. When you can, walk. Special student rates may also be available.
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.
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.
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!
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 a train is a great way to take a short trip and experience another city without the added costs of flights and 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.
Only carry small amounts of cash, so you won't spend more than you can afford.
Ready. Set. Fund.
