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Before You Go

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  • Visit your Financial Aid Office

Ask your school’s financial aid office about your eligibility for financial aid. Much of your financial aid can be applied toward study abroad.

  • Look at What’s Included in Program Prices

Research programs carefully to find out what is 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.

  • Apply for IES Abroad Aid & Outside Scholarships

Research scholarships that may apply to you. Check out the IES Abroad scholarship options to see how to get your share of the $2 million 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. 

  • Create a Budget

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.

  • Read Ahead

Buy 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.

  • Be Your Own Fundraiser

Consider doing some fundraising in your community or within the organizations you are affiliated with. Some students have even held successful bake sales! It pays to be creative. Check out mytab.co as tool for raising money for your travel costs, too.

  • Search Student Airfares

When purchasing your ticket to go abroad, utilize online student travel sites that offer more flexible departure dates or open-ended tickets that are discounted for students. Examples include www.statravel.com or www.studentuniverse.com.

  • Research Possible Discounts & Apply for Savings Cards

Depending on your plans, you may want to apply for an International Youth Hostel Card and/or an ISIC card. Both provide discounts.