Costs, Fees, Payments

Studying abroad can cost somewhat less, about the same, or much more than staying at your home institution, depending on a number of factors, including your own spending habits! The cost of a program is usually based on the type of program, tuition at the sponsoring or the host institution, services (such as field trips, resident director, etc.) and other factors, such as exchange rates and the cost of living in your host country.

The financial aspects and expense of studying abroad varies widely. Sometimes, direct enrollment in a foreign university may be less expensive than participating in a home-university run program. Some programs offered through a home university can be significantly less expensive due to fee negotiations and tuition waivers as a result of reciprocity agreements.

DIRECT ENROLLMENT
If you haven't started college in the U.S. yet, or your college allows you to direcly enroll in a foreign university, then this is the most independent form of studying abroad, and it is often the most affordable. Some foreign universities offer classes with other students studying abroad or some offer their regular courses with the native students. However, if you plan to do this you should be very independent and have at least intermediate knowledge of the language in the country.

The website CollegeAbroad.com caters to long-term international students. While there is no assistance with the application, visa, financial aid, or transition process, this extensive database includes universities around the world that accept international students into their full degree programs.

EXCHANGES
Exchanges usually are the least expensive way to study abroad. If the program is a reciprocal exchange, you typically pay your college's tuition to participate. Your tuition will depend on your residency status (in-state or out-of state) and your level of study (undergraduate or graduate). Exchange students will receive their home instution tuition's portion of the program expenses and pay according to the payment schedule. Students are generally responsible to pay for housing, food and other expenses on site in the local currency.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
You can study abroad through your home university's programs or faculty-led semesters abroad. Many colleges and universities prefer students to study abroad through their programs or approved programs, as credits are most easily transferred in such circumstances. In this route, in addition to the program fee, you are generally required to pay an additional study abroad fee to your college's study abroad office or interantional center to help enhance and maintain the services provided to students.

FINANCIAL AID
In general, you are eligible to receive most forms of financial aid if you enroll in an education abroad program sponsored by an accredited U.S. or foreign university and continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree. Even if you have not received aid in the past, you should consider applying for financial aid for the period of your study abroad.