It's a dream for many students to study in a foreign country, whether it be for just a semester or an entire degree program. But the cost of uprooting your entire life is expensive, and it can make college even harder to pay for than it already is. While young students are encouraged to travel and see as much of the world as they can before they're forced to settle down in the real world, how do you get the most out of your study abroad experience without going broke? The good news is that getting a degree overseas isn't as expensive or impossible to afford as you might think. Depending on where you choose to learn, it might actually wind up saving you money in the long-run.


Is Studying Abroad Worth the Cost?

The ability to immerse yourself in another culture is invaluable, and you'll likely hold onto the lessons you learn from living in another part of the world long after your program has ended. Being able to interact with people who don't speak your first language, see the world through their eyes and realize that life exists far beyond the borders of your own experience is both humbling and inspiring beyond words.

Whether it's worth going isn't a matter of debate, but what students really want to know is whether the price they'll pay for airfare, living expenses and tuition are a fair trade-off for what they'll take back with them. Ultimately, when you decide to study abroad, your experiences are up to you. The amount of dedication you put into developing your global perspective will reflect in how much insight you gain. The opportunity to do that in the first place is absolutely worth the financial cost, and the good news is that there are ways to make the entire experience much more affordable.


Use Your Existing Financial Aid

If you're already enrolled in a school or find an accredited institution, your FAFSA can be applied toward your education overseas. This means you don't have to do anything differently than you would if you were attending college in the U.S. If you apply to a study abroad program through your current school, then a student financial advisor can walk you through the steps of transferring everything over to your new school.


Borrow

Loans are always an option to consider when you're paying for higher education. Private student loans are gaining popularity for their variety and flexibility. Rather than having to accept whatever amount the government gives you; you can explore different principal amounts and decide which one suits your needs. For students who plan to go abroad for an extended period such as a graduate degree, this can be the best way to cover not only the cost of school, but also their general living expenses and additional travel costs. You want to see as much of the country as you can, after all.


Apply for Scholarships

There are many scholarships offered exclusively to students wishing to study in a foreign country. A cultural exchange scholarship is easy to apply for; you'll have to write a letter or essay explaining where you want to study and why the experience would be beneficial for your education. There are both tuition-only and need-based scholarships that vary in quantity depending on your income and specific degree program. This list of various scholarship programs will help you find the right funding for your trip.


More articles...