Studying abroad is a common desire for many soon-to-be students. It is an excellent opportunity to retrieve a high-quality education and see the world at the same time. Still, the major turn-off for many students is a hefty price for study-abroad programs. But you shouldn’t limit yourself because of financial difficulties. On the contrary, your main task is to put in some effort and to find a way to implement your dream. Here are some ideas to help you.
Select the Payment Scheme
Both you and your study-program coordinator understand that tuition cost is a big sum to pay in one chunk. So, there are several payment options you can select from. You can split the sum into small payments to cover them monthly along with some interest rates. Or you can choose ‘after-payment,’ where you can collect some money while you are studying and cover the debt afterward. Get to know available payment options and pick out the suitable one.
Consider Miscellaneous Expenses
When planning a budget for your study abroad, there are many things you can save on, but you will also have miscellaneous expenses you cannot avoid. Textbooks, notepads, sports clothes, psychology writing service to help with homework and other necessities for the study process should be listed in your budget in advance. So that you won’t spend the last cent to buy a pen and paper.
Reach for Financial Aid
You are not alone with your great desire to study abroad and financial obstacles to implement your dream. Both the government and various organizations come up with funding programs to help students with economic issues. Still, you should carefully revise how much you will be granted. Check out whether the offer covers only part of tuition or the total price, or you will get a grant for both education and living. Better apply for all the available proposals, so that you have a chance to grab at least one.
Discover the Cost of Living
Different countries vary in the cost of living. So, if you are on a tight budget, you’d better opt for cheaper places to live at. Most European cities are quite expensive, while it will be cheaper to live and study somewhere in Asia with excellent educational opportunities there as well. Do a little research, so that you select a place to study with advances for your wallet.
Get Health Insurance
Although health insurance may seem an extra waste for you, it may become your lucky ticket later on. Some countries have costly medical services. So, whether you catch a cold, or have a toothache and need to see a doctor during your studies abroad, you are to waste a fortune on medical treatment. It will be more beneficial and cheaper for you to have health insurance to cover all that.
Adjust Your Lifestyle
Even if you are a student and want to get the most out of your independent life. It doesn’t mean that you have to waste a fortune on entertainment and various daily whims. On the contrary, aim to adjust your lifestyle to your budget but with benefits for yourself. Cook at home, you will save money and eat more healthy and tasty food. Commute by bike, you will save money and keep fit easily. Spend free time on outdoor activities, you will save money and add to your health by having fun with your friends. If you really wish it, you will manage to live a bright life on a tight budget with no hurdles.
Check Out Bank Details
No matter what business you have with your bank, you’d better check out all the details prior to making any decision. A credit card will be your safety ring while you are abroad but care to check out the terms of giving the money back. Besides, if you need some money to be transferred from your parents, review the commissions you will pay to receive the funds. Mind that ATM operations will also charge you for withdrawing funds. So, no matter what transactions you are to process with, remember that you are in a foreign country and the policies and fees may differ from the ones you are used to. The best option is to get an international bank card and make all operations through it.
Benefit from Student Discounts
As a student, you are eligible for a variety of discounts. So, get the use of them as much as possible. Museum admission, flight discount, free breakfast at the university canteen. Check out the possibilities your student status grants you and save money easily. You will be surprised how much you can get for peanuts or completely of no charge. If you are not sure whether you have a right to a certain discount, approach your program coordinator for clarifications.
Manage Your Budget
Even if you won the grant to pay for tuition, have a free room to stay at, use discounts for meals and transport, you may still struggle with financial troubles. The point is that you need to manage your personal budget properly. Track your expenses, calculate how much you need on different expense groups, plan your budget for a week or month and aim to stick to it. This way you will avoid financial difficulties and may even save some costs for extra fun and travel.
Studying abroad on a tight budget is possible. Your only task is to discover opportunities and catch the best one. Do thorough research, arrange everything you need to study and have fun cheaply, and enjoy your study abroad with no hurdles.
