If studying abroad was cheap, everyone would do it! From the tuition costs to the airfare and housing, living and studying in a foreign country involves carefully researching tried and true study abroad tips and stashing away every dime you can muster. What many students fail to factor in comes after they’ve booked their cheap flights and saved up enough to sustain themselves through a study abroad; it happens when they actually touch down.
Studying overseas yields more opportunities to travel if you know how to save up some cash while you’re on your sojourn abroad. We’ve compiled six easy ways you can save money while you’re studying abroad so that you can travel more and worry less about your bank account.
Cook Your Own Meals
When you first reach your study abroad home, there can be the temptation to act as though you’re on vacation. You might start eating out a lot. However, eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for weeks or even months is simply not sustainable for most people. While dining out can be an integral part of getting to know your new home for the semester, it does add up. Instead of treating your time abroad like a giant vacation, try to cook most of your meals when you aren’t traveling. By cooking your own meals and shopping at local markets where produce is fresh and affordable, you’ll stand to save a healthy chunk of change.
Inquire About Odd Jobs
Ideally, you could make more money once you arrive at you study abroad destination. Although keeping a part-time job while studying abroad may not always be feasible, there may be opportunities to pick up occasional odd jobs. If you’re unsure about how to start searching for such opportunities, ask around at the school where you’re studying. You may discover potential small-scale employment opportunities on campus or even off. Keep in mind that even a modest income from an odd job can contribute to financing memorable weekends in nearby locales.
Fly Budget Airlines
Budget airlines aren’t always the most glamorous. You may be able to save a bit on international flights, but the extras will cost you. Once you add in the seat selection, checked baggage, and meal options, the fare is suddenly not quite so budget. As a student, however, now is the time to fly these budget airlines if you know how to travel on them. Take the seat they assign you. Pack as light as possible. Pick up a sandwich on your way instead of buying the meal. The fares will be downright affordable and you’ll still get to travel in the process.
Cancel Subscriptions and Services Back Home
If you subscribe to streaming services back home, a study abroad semester presents an ideal time to cancel those subscriptions for a few months and save the money. You shouldn’t be binging shows when you can be out seeing the world anyway! In addition to streaming services, see if you can cancel or put on hold any other services at home that you might not be using abroad like car insurance or your cellphone data plan. If you can lighten the financial responsibilities back home while you’re abroad, you’ll only have more and more savings coming your way.
Turn Off Roaming and Limit Data Usage
And then there’s your phone. A phone is absolutely essential when you’re abroad, of course, but you want to avoid any unnecessary charges. Turn off data roaming on your phone to steer clear of unexpected charges that can quickly accumulate. Instead, make the most of available Wi-Fi networks, which are often accessible in many public places. To ensure continuous internet access, consider purchasing a local SIM card, which typically offers cost-effective data plans tailored to your needs. Alternatively, investigate international data plans provided by your home carrier before departing. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the convenience of staying connected while minimizing the financial burden of excessive roaming fees during your academic journey abroad.
Seek Out Student Discounts
From museums to accommodations to flights, you can save a handsome sum of money simply by being a student. If you don’t see a student rate, ask for one. You’ll need to have a student I.D. card in most cases, and sometimes you may need the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to get these discounts. The ISIC is the internationally accepted proof that you’re in fact a student and tends to be more widely accepted. It’s one of the most important study abroad tips you should follow, so make sure to seize those student discounts to knock off some costs here and there and save a bit of money to spend on travel later.
Walk, Walk, and Walk
Once you’re settled in to your new temporary home, the best way to experience the place where you’ll be living for the next few months is by foot. It’s hard to notice all of the details when you’re only taking public transportation. And all of those bus fares, train tickets, and metro passes quickly add up. If your study abroad city is walkable, try and walk when you can. You’ll save money and get to experience your new home a little more carefully and slowly. You never know what you might discover on foot that you wouldn’t when whizzing past on a bus.
FAQs:
Q: How can I find scholarships for studying abroad?
A: Research universities and organizations in your home country and the destination country for available scholarships.
Q: Can I work while I’m studying abroad?
A: It’s generally OK to pick up odd jobs to keep you in shoe leather, but you should check on any local regulations regarding regular part-time work. And be sure to balance work with your studies.
Q: What should I consider when choosing affordable accommodation abroad?
A: Look for student housing at your school, hostels, or shared apartments, and read reviews to ensure safety and convenience.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for studying abroad?
A: Yes, travel insurance is crucial to protect yourself from unexpected events like medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Q: How can I save on transportation costs while studying abroad?
A: Use public transportation, explore walking or biking options, and invest in student travel cards for discounts.
Do you have any easy ways you’re saving or saved on a study abroad? Share your tips with us in the comments!
