Study abroad programs provide unforgettable educational experiences for students. During the 2018-2019 school year, 347,099 students (1.8%) chose to expand their cultural knowledge through study abroad opportunities.
Where do adventurous learners study abroad? Data shows 55.7% of them choose Europe, but Latin America and Asia trail close behind as popular choices. If you desire to see the world on a budget while earning college credit, keep reading to discover affordable study abroad programs and study abroad scholarships.
What Types of Programs Are There?
Learners should choose a study abroad program aligned with their career goals and budget. Study abroad programs vary in length and subject matter. In the following section, we highlight five common formats and three focuses.
Program Focuses
To gain the most from a study abroad experience, students should select a program aligning with their interests and career goals. Depending on the major, some college programs host trips that can significantly enhance a resume. For example, a student studying design may get the chance to complete a fashion program in London, impressing future employers.
Language Immersion
Programs following this format teach language courses exclusively. Learners converse with native speakers to improve their fluency. Students completing a language immersion program learn how to speak and write in the host language and identify different dialects. Students must pass written and oral exams.Exchange Programs
Individuals wanting an extended stay abroad can earn a portion of a degree, an entire degree, or a certificate as an exchange student. Schools in the U.S. partner with specific international schools, known as sister schools, to offer transferable credits. Exchange students must possess fluency in the program's language.Service-Oriented
Some schools and organizations host service-oriented trips. Participants volunteer or teach students in high-need areas. Religious organizations partner with Christian schools to offer mission trips awarding college credit. These trips take place domestically and internationally.
How Much Does Study Abroad Cost?
Exact study abroad costs vary, but many students find programs meeting their financial needs. Many study abroad destinations feature affordable and enjoyable activities and cheap public transportation. Learners also save money by walking and limiting unnecessary purchases. Below, we highlight a study abroad budget's different parts.
As mentioned earlier, the program's location greatly impacts the price. Data from ValuePenguin shows us that Mexico, India, and Guatemala provide the cheapest study abroad experience overall. Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway earn the title of most expensive. Check the chart below for common destinations' average program semester costs.
| Country | Average Program Semester Cost |
|---|---|
| Average Semester | $14,294 |
| Argentina | $12,212 |
| Australia | $18,109 |
| Canada | $12,431 |
| China | $6,614 |
| Costa Rica | $8,080 |
| England | $18,041 |
| France | $18,452 |
| Germany | $12,758 |
| Ireland | $13,952 |
| Italy | $17,238 |
| Japan | $10,360 |
| Mexico | $10,724 |
| Morocco | $21,177 |
| New Zealand | $8,805 |
| South Africa | $17,407 |
| South Korea | $9,684 |
| Spain | $14,338 |
How Can I Save Money?
If the figures above seem overwhelming, consider options to improve affordability. An intercession program usually costs less than a semester-long experience. Exploring the city by foot on a free self-guided tour offers a cheaper alternative to an expensive bus tour. Below, we discuss how scholarships, loans, and fundraisers bring the cost down.
Scholarships
Scholarships make study abroad opportunities attainable for learners on a budget. Schools, corporations, and foundations offer funds to students based on factors like financial need and academic merit. In most cases, scholarships and grants require recommendation letters and personal essays. Take a look at ten scholarships for study abroad experiences.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
American Institute For Foreign Study Grants and Aid | Varies | U.S. students enrolling in an overseas school may qualify. Students participating in a faculty-led program through their home institution do not qualify. |
Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation Scholarships | $4,000 | This award aids study abroad students. While the coronavirus pandemic has led to a temporary suspension of this program, the foundation plans on resuming it in fall 2021. Only 1-2% of applicants earn this competitive scholarship. |
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program | $5,000 | Students who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant may also qualify for this scholarship. The Institute of International Education works with the U.S. Department of State to offer this study abroad award. |
Boren Awards | $8,000-$25,000 | Students wanting to study in a country of U.S. interest can apply for this scholarship. The amount received depends on the length of the trip, and STEM majors qualify for the highest awards. |
Critical Language Scholarships | Varies | The U.S. government annually publishes a list of languages they want citizens to learn. The U.S. Department of State offers scholarships to students learning these languages while studying abroad. |
Cultural Experiences Abroad Scholarships | $2,000-$3,000 | For the 2021 award term, this organization lists two available undergraduate scholarships. One scholarship goes to a student demonstrating academic merit, and the diversity scholarship goes to a student with a diverse background or disability. |
Global Education Network Study Abroad Scholarships | Varies | This organization offers multiple study abroad awards with varying criteria. They offer funds for students demonstrating financial need, an award for bloggers and vloggers, and a diversity scholarship. |
Good Colleges Study Abroad Award | $2,000 | Students hoping to travel can apply for this scholarship by writing a 150- to 250-word essay on how a study abroad opportunity could impact their future. Individuals apply by filling out a simple online form. |
The Intern Group Scholarships | $2,000 | This organization offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to students interning in specific foreign countries. Recent graduates and current students qualify for this scholarship. |
IES Abroad Awards | $500-$5,000 | Undergraduate students enrolled in an IES Abroad-facilitated program can apply for these funds. This organization offers need-based grants and scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds. |
Tips to Keep Costs Down
Limit eating out at restaurants.
When searching for housing, look for a place with kitchen access. Exploring a foreign grocery store provides a unique cultural experience and saves money.Book flights separately.
Some study abroad programs allow students to choose between booking their own flights or purchasing their flights through the institution. Learners can search for cheaper flights on their own or apply airline points to lower the cost.Spend a few nights at a hostel.
When booking extra leisure weekend trips, consider staying at a hostel instead of a hotel. Make sure to bring sheets or towels if the hostel charges extra for them and a lock for valuable belongings.Walk or use public transport for sightseeing.
Many cities feature safe and affordable bus and subway systems. Save money by walking rather than taking a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.Limit cell phone data usage.
Most cell phone providers charge for international data on a day-by-day basis. On days when you do not need your phone to navigate, turn your data off temporarily. You can also purchase a prepaid sim card and use it only for emergencies.Study abroad with a friend and split the costs.
Traveling with a buddy offers safety in numbers and lowers the cost. Students can split the price for car rentals, groceries, overnight accommodations, and extra baggage fees. They can also take turns using cell phone data.