Studying abroad opens great opportunities and has a great bearing on your future. A better quality of education is achieved plus a better job placement especially when you attended a university that is internationally recognized. However, the incurred expenses while studying abroad is undeniable unfriendly to the pocket. Not unless, you are bestowed financially and you belong to the family of executives.
For sure, every undertaking is outlived provided that solutions are well served. Just like Ann Brown who managed the cost of studying in London as a Journalism student. Her determination led her to complete a study at the City University of London, England from January to March 2001. To support her spending, she sought internship jobs at the Leisure and Hospitality Business Magazine.
“London is a media hub: the opportunities are unbelievable. Everyone has their noses in a newspaper,” Ann said.
An issuance of an equal share to challenges made her survival in a totally different setting. The humid climate of London is one of the odds of having a competent learning. The weather made her ill with flu in her first two-week stay in the city. This would prove that there will always unpredicted set backs and stresses regardless of your careful planning.
Homesickness defies the well-being and focus of a person studying abroad. Though your neighbors are international students, if you’re an introvert-typed person, overcoming homesickness will be hard for you. Make friends with people around you to divert the depression of being away from your loved ones.
Ann studied in London under an exchange program. Payments for her regular tuition fees at the university and air fare are taken from her pocket. Though she is not required to pay the City fees, living in London is costly twice with the cost of living in the US. The inadequate conversion of US dollars to British pounds cannot accommodate all her necessities. Thus, she landed a job in a pub to have extra earnings.
“Working was great. London is so cosmopolitan,” Ann claimed. “You just have to know what the available resources are. Just don’t give up, because all through high school, I wanted to study abroad but was deterred financially, and then when I got accepted third year, I realized it was my last chance. So do some fundraising, work hard and look at the resources available because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Completing an education abroad promises greater heights in one’s future. If given a break to pursue a study abroad, hesitation should not be in your vocabulary. Resources out there are plenty enough to help you survive and succeed in your undertaking. Learn and take the following advices from those who have been there.
Kari Todd, University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC), Copenhagen, Denmark
- “Plan ahead! Start financially preparing months ahead so that you have enough resources to go everywhere, do everything you want.”
Heather Demontheses, USAC Bilbao, Spain
- “Get internet account access set up through your bank. It’s nice to be able to check your balance and statements wherever you need to”
Erick Diaz, Harvard University, The Center for Cross-Cultural Study, Cuba
- “Try to use your institution’s resources as much as possible to find grants and scholarships that give money to students going abroad. School financial aid as well as federal money can often go towards a student’s travel if college credits are being met through the program. Many organizations exist that give money to travelling students, and often it’s just a matter of finding the right groups to ask. Travelling abroad can be a rewarding experience, but should not be a financial burden.”
Jill Anderson, USAC Reading, England
- “Watch out for those ATM surcharges for withdrawing money; do it in large sums all at once!”
Tiffany Yuill, USAC Heredia, Costa Rica and Pau, France and the National Security Education Program, San Paolo, Brazil
- “Let relatives know that you will be studying abroad and would prefer cash for holiday or birthday presents.”
Jennifer Price, USAC Cork, Ireland
- “Buying fresh fruit and bread definitely helped lower food costs while traveling, plus you’re supporting local merchants (the little mom & pop stores).