Expensive Semester

I knew going into studying abroad that it was going to be expensive and in preparing for it, I am reminded of that fact everyday. The tuition is expensive, the airfare is expensive, the insurance is expensive, buying extra gear that I didn't already have is expensive  ( I am going to a heavily research intensive center in the rainforest so I need things like binoculars and a rain jacket, these purchases add up), and trying to calculate how much money you are going to need for nights at a hostel when you are on break and spending money for food and souvenirs makes you feel like your life savings is dwindeling at a rate never seen by you before. Chances are it hasn't.

If you are finding this to be a main reason that you are choosing to NOT study abroad, stop for a second and think. Studying abroad is one of those adventures that you embark on and when you come back you are more mature, more alive and more prepared for the future. The good news is that you can embark on this experience and not go broke!

Things you can do:

1. Apply for as many scholorships as you can. Federal Grants will transfer and many times the program that you go through has scholorships available when your home institution's aid doesn't cut it. Learn from my mistakes: APPLY AS EARLY AS YOU CAN!

2. Look for deals and realisticly ask yourself what you can and cannot live without. Don't go buy the most expensive sunglasses just because they sapposedly offer supperior protection, regular 100% UV protection is affordable, you just have to look.

3. Borrow from family and friends. You really need a pair of binoculars? Ask your grandpa if he has a pair he is wiling to let you borrow (maybe he never uses them anymore).

4. Can't quite make tuition even after the scholorships and grants? Don't turn directly to loans if you can help it because these will just cause you debt later in life with strict payment rules that can end up costing you more than the trip would have. Ask family and friends if they can spare a couple bucks. I have a big family so this was easier for me.

5. Small family? Hold a fundraiser. Especially if your trip is to go do research on dwindeling forest populations or something else that is "worthwhile" to donate to. Have a bake sale or a ____-a-thon in your neighborhood.

There are tons of good resources online about budget travel and fundraising. Be creative and have fun with the process and your study abroad could be closer than you know.