Affording to Study Abroad

It's no secret that studying abroad is costly. Plane tickets, visa fees, medical visits... the list goes on (and on and on and on). In this post I'm going to share with you some easy ways to raise (and save) enough cash to pay for your exchange year.

Tip #1) Get a summer job!

This was how I personally funded my trip. Getting a summer job didn't effect my studies, and it was actually a super great experience and resume builder! Working 3-4 days a week over the summer helped me earn around $5000, and that was only working thirty hours a week! Sure, I didn't get to go on vacation or visit some tropical island... but I was about to leave for the most amazing trip of my life! Figure out what businesses are hiring in your town (or try babysitting!) and start applying.

Tip #2) Be Smart with your Money

Don't spend your money on unnecessary things! I'm definitely a culprit of this one. When I got my first job I spent every paycheck on the things I always wanted to buy, but that became pretty detrimental pretty quickly. Resist the temptation to spend your newly earned cash and focus on the future!

Tip #3) Start saving ASAP

This is pretty self- explanatory, but the sooner you start saving the better off you'll be. I kept a mason jar for all of my change from small purchases and ended up with $20 in a few months. It may seem small, but it all adds up in the long run. Thinking about how you'll finance your trip can seem pretty overwhelming, but focusing on the little things will definitely pay off for the big picture.

Tip #4) Apply for a Scholarship

Most programs offer two kinds of scholarships, need-based and merit-based. While need-based scholarships aren't available to everyone, merit-based ones are! It also looks really impressive on college applications to show you were able to go abroad because of your academic achievements. It never hurts to try (or apply, in this case.)

I hope these tips helped you in some way. Regardless of how costly it may be, studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I truly believe everyone should get the opportunity to experience it!