Instagram makes the study abroad experience look seamless, and many students come back saying they had the best time of their lives. You can learn a new language, see historic places, try new foods, and generally gain some life experience. The best perks? A semester abroad will both look good on your resume and give you some unforgettable new memories and friends. However, studying abroad does come with a hitch or two. As with so many things in life, the experience costs something! But how much? Factors like location and school tuition all affect the total amount.
Don’t worry if it seems overwhelming now. Scholarships and other opportunities can significantly reduce the cost of a study abroad. Or, if you’re willing to wait, it is possible to study abroad in grad school, too, which might give you a bit more time to plan how you’ll save up if that’s in the cards for you. But if you’re craving a romantic semester in Paris, or a warm Costa Rican escape, and you want to get on that plane ASAP, read on to find out just how much it will cost you.
How much does studying abroad cost?
According to research conducted by Study.com, a semester abroad averaged $16,368 in 2023. This number doesn’t take specifics into account, so take it with a grain of salt. Researching the average range for your desired location will get you closer to the actual amount you will spend. For example, a semester in the U.K. can be anywhere from $8,000 to $21,000, according to GoAbroad. That range will be lower for less expensive countries.
What factors into the cost of studying abroad?
The experts at GoAbroad also say that tuition is often the main expense when it comes to studying abroad. Some countries, especially those in the EU, have low-cost university programs even for international students. If you don’t have your heart set on one location and multiple options are available, you can compare what tuition would cost you for each country.
Most college study abroad programs are also set up so that you only pay tuition to your host university. Your tuition price will just go up or down from what you normally pay depending on what the host university charges. You could even save money on tuition. In Germany, international students pay between around $1,600 and $3,800 for a semester at a public university.
Rent is another component to plan for. Just like at home, this amount varies depending on what part of the city you choose and whether you’re staying off campus. Doing your research can really pay off in this area. Where you live is very important to a successful study abroad experience, so talk to the study abroad office at your college and see what your host university recommends. Oftentimes, students share information and reviews on housing in online student chats or Facebook groups. If you want something more structured, there are dedicated websites for finding study abroad accommodation, such as Study Abroad Apartments.
You also have to budget for daily living expenses, travel costs, entertainment, and sightseeing in your new city. Research the monthly cost of living in your chosen destination. Many study abroad scholarships also allow you to use the money on things like airfare. Besides local transportation, you may want to take trains or planes to surrounding regions to get to explore your new country. Short flights won’t cost an arm and a leg like an overseas flight may, but it’s still something to budget for.
How can you plan for the cost of a semester abroad?
There are so many ways to budget and achieve your dream to study abroad. Getting a new job, taking out loans, and applying for scholarships are all ways students are hustling to get themselves overseas. There’s even a website called FundMyTravel where you can post a travel fundraiser to help raise money for your study abroad. Study abroad budget templates can also be really helpful when you have many different expenses to keep track of. You’re already on the right track by thinking ahead about how much a study abroad costs, so get out there and start planning!