Understanding the Total Cost of Studying Abroad: A 3-Step Guide

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When you choose to study abroad, there is a lot to be excited about. One thing you should be clear about amid all the excitement is the cost of your study abroad program! Yes, knowing what is included in your study abroad fees is essential. It’s a frequent misperception that your program fee is all that studying abroad costs. Study abroad expenses do, however, come with and don’t come with your program fees.

Understanding what is covered can help you determine how much more you must pay! Ready to break down the cost of studying abroad? Let’s get everything out and get your study abroad experience off to a great start. In this article, we look at understanding the total cost of studying abroad.

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Table of Contents

#1. The cost of studying abroad varies

Your study abroad expenses might range from almost nothing to the equivalent of a substantial fortune or investment, depending on the kind of program you select. Here’s a brief, unpolished synopsis:

Direct enrollment in a foreign university and other, more autonomous programs, such as language schools, are typically less expensive. The price increases with the number of services included. In addition to offering excellent counsel, third-party program providers typically charge a premium for their support and the simplicity of collaboration during the entire process. The cost of programs offered by universities is often comparable to that of a semester at your home college, which might reach several thousand dollars. The plus side is that even though you’re not officially enrolled in classes at the institution that semester, your financial assistance and scholarships usually transfer over.

How to figure out your study abroad fees

You’ve decided to study in the USA, UK, or Canada. However, don’t start completing applications just yet. Determining the cost of studying overseas should be your priority! You’ll need responses to inquiries such as “What is the cost of studying abroad?” or “How much does studying overseas cost?” Here’s how to ascertain it:

1. Find out how much your study abroad program will cost.

Open the literature on study abroad programs. Next, keep an eye out for a section labeled “study abroad expenses,” “what’s included in your program fee,” or “program fee.” You can obtain a list of what is covered after you pay for your program. Are you concerned about something you’ve seen? For further information, please contact the program advisors by phone or email.

2. Speak with your college or high school guidance counselor.

They are also your go-to experts on program fees. Do you need assistance reading your study abroad brochure? Do you anticipate needing financial aid to cover the cost of your study abroad tuition? Schedule a meeting with the financial aid officer and your guidance counselor. They’ll offer excellent advice and assist you in making sense of the costs associated with studying abroad.

We strongly advise that, if you haven’t chosen your program yet, you take program fees into account when making your selection. Exercise self-reflection to determine your needs and the price range at which you are willing to pay for them, and be particular about the features that certain applications offer and exclude.

#2. What do study abroad fees generally cover?

When you learned about your study abroad tuition, your heart seemed to skip a beat. Most likely, you’re asking why studying abroad costs so much money.

Well, it takes a lot to maintain a smooth study abroad experience. You may be confident that study abroad program costs are rarely wasted. Your program fees support both visible and invisible elements. Here are a few instances:

Visible program costs for study abroad:

Meals for students
Your hostel room, lodging, or homestay
The cost of tuition for classes and textbooks while studying abroad
Cultural events and excursions

Invisible program costs for studying abroad:

Salaries of program employees (such as drivers, advisors, and resident staff)
Your campus bus needs gas.
Costs associated with general program management

That’s right—your study abroad expenses are essential to the experience. Let’s now examine the specifics of what study abroad tuition includes. You’ll know how much extra you need to budget for once you realize that.

List of items often included in your fees

Here is our summary of general study abroad costs without further ado. Your program fee will pay for some of these expenses, but not all of them. Keep in mind that program to program will differ in what is included in your program costs.

1. Services for advice and direction.

An essential component of your study abroad experience will be working with student advisors. From facilitating your orientation to supporting your cultural adjustment, they help with everything. In actuality, their services start even before you set foot in the nation. Usually, the cost of your study abroad program includes this perk.

2. Books and classes.

Study abroad tuition also covers your books and classes. You can therefore attend classes as long as you have paid for everything. You will now likely need to pay separately if you decide to enroll in any additional classes, as they won’t be covered.

3. Visa.

Your visa is your pass to enter the nation where you are studying abroad. It is an immigration certificate that certifies your eligibility to study in the country. The majority of nations charge foreign applicants for student visas an application fee. While some study abroad programs cover the cost of visas, others do not. You will need to carefully review the program materials to see whether you need to budget extra for your visa.

4. Housing.

Your program’s study abroad cost will often include housing (including utilities) for your time abroad. Unless you choose to purchase your crib, that is. You will then be responsible for paying the rent on your own. Thus, to keep study abroad costs down, stick to the housing program.

5. Transportation.

Depending on the program, different study abroad prices cover different amounts of transportation. Transportation to and from the airport will be covered by some programs. For local taxi rides, though, you might have to budget and pay for them yourself. You will receive information from your advisors regarding the cost of your daily transportation. Are you arranging a weekend getaway to the Cape Coast of Ghana? Most likely, your program fees won’t cover your ride.

6. Airfare.

Another cost that varies from program to program is airfare. It’s usually one of the most expensive study abroad expenses, so be sure to get precise information on if it’s covered by fees. Additionally, find out exactly who will book your ticket—you or them.

7. Phone and internet.

It’s possible that you’ll get a free phone and have free wifi on campus. Alternatively, you might have to bring your phone and pay for your data. If program materials don’t include any tech-related perks, ask your advisors for more information.

8. Snacks.

Generally, you’ll have to pay for items separately, but some amazing programs even equip refrigerators with snacks! Ask your advisors about the exact foods included in your program. After that, you can plan how much of any leftover food you want to save.

9. program-sponsored excursions.

The majority of study abroad programs include numerous trips on your calendar. Some of the expenses may be covered by the study abroad funds for your program. Certain programs could require you to pay extra for travel-related costs, such as overnight lodging or safari admission fees. Study abroad companies will tell you exactly how much to budget for your excursions.

10. Orientation.

This covers the costs of the study abroad program, which is filled with activities, meals, snacks, welcome materials, and more. Probably all you’ll need to do is come up, settle in, and start getting to know your new place!

11. Health and travel insurance.

During your study abroad experience, you must stay safe and well! Certain programs will incorporate insurance into the cost of the program. For others, you’ll need to buy it separately. Having health insurance will guarantee that medical costs, such as doctor visits, are covered. However, anything from misplaced luggage to a medical evacuation may be covered by travel insurance. Students participating in study abroad programs shouldn’t cut down on these costs. So, purchase insurance and plan wisely!

12. Transcript.

Study abroad fees often include academic records from your time spent studying abroad. To be sure, though, verify with your program and school.

* Remember that this is not an exhaustive list; it just addresses the fundamentals of study abroad fees. Your program fees will or will not cover a number of additional study abroad costs. In summary? It’s crucial to keep lines of communication open with both the study abroad provider and your school counselors. In this manner, you’ll be fully informed of the contents of your particular program.

#3. How to cut the costs of your study abroad

Studying abroad may be less expensive than continuing your education at home. This is particularly true if you’re studying in a nation where living expenses are lower. In certain cases, the cost of tuition when studying abroad is similar to that of tuition at home. Try to put those study abroad costs into context.

Do you still have concerns regarding how to pay for study-abroad opportunities? Then you should examine these strategies for saving money so you can afford the cost of studying abroad.

1. Apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Financial aid and scholarships for studying abroad are abundant and simply waiting to be claimed! We can assist you in locating these grants and with the application process. Our site is always updated with several scholarship opportunities that can aid your study abroad.

2. Get a part-time job and save.

Working a few hours a day at your local cafe and studying at the same time… With careful planning, it is extremely possible to save money on study abroad costs. Your study abroad expenses might be covered by your scholarship, and your work salary might pay for your airfare. So open a savings account, use your favorite budgeting app, and start putting money away.

3. Study in a cheaper place.

Another method to lower the price of studying abroad? Select a nation where the cost of living is lower. This will reduce the cost of studying overseas through the program of your choice.

4. Look for free healthcare.

International students can receive free medical treatment in certain nations, such as Denmark. Suppose you are trying to save money and your program fees do not cover medical care. Google nations that provide free health insurance to overseas students to get started. You can significantly reduce the cost of your study abroad experience if you find a program in one of those nations.

5. Be an early bird.

Purchasing your ticket at the last minute is strongly discouraged! This is because flights tend to be less expensive the earlier you purchase them. Thus, if you’re leaving on a plane, don’t put off doing this crucial task!

6. Go local.

Living like a local is a terrific way to cut costs. Instead of dining at expensive tourist attractions, choose to eat on the street or at the open-air market. You’ll be able to reduce the cost of studying overseas by doing this.

The next stages of your study abroad experience

You should have a good idea of what study abroad program fees often cover by now. Additionally, you’ve got some excellent suggestions for lowering the prices. Continue the planning and positive energy for these upcoming actions.

List your top picks for study abroad opportunities. Consult with your counselors if you require assistance.
Choose a program, please! It’s advisable to have two or three solutions ready before you
Set up a meeting with the financial aid department. Do you think you’ll need assistance paying for your study abroad expenses? Allocate some time to discuss your choices with the financial aid staff. To assist with paying your bills, you should also start looking for part-time employment.
Start budgeting, saving, and raising money like crazy.

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