Start Saving Now
If you’re like me, where dealing with math and money makes
you ill, then you should be proactive in figuring out how you’re going to
afford studying abroad. Do you have a part-time job? Can you work more hours? It’s never too late to start saving
because every little bit helps. Save a dollar a day or ask family and friends
for donations. There are also other ways you can pay for your time abroad. Do
you have scholarships? Meet with a financial aid advisor and see whether you
qualify for any study abroad scholarships, loans, or grants.
Paper or Plastic?
Despite what many people think, it’s easy to access your dinero in foreign ATMs. I have a love-hate relationship with cash. I either lose or forget where I placed my spare bills, so a debit or credit card was helpful. Plus, many banks may have agreements with banks in foreign countries, but don’t go swiping away! Fees add up, so general pocket change is recommended. Also, remember to tell your local bank that you’ll be away for a while, so your bank account won’t be temporally closed due to “suspicious activity” (awkward).
Despite what many people think, it’s easy to access your dinero in foreign ATMs. I have a love-hate relationship with cash. I either lose or forget where I placed my spare bills, so a debit or credit card was helpful. Plus, many banks may have agreements with banks in foreign countries, but don’t go swiping away! Fees add up, so general pocket change is recommended. Also, remember to tell your local bank that you’ll be away for a while, so your bank account won’t be temporally closed due to “suspicious activity” (awkward).
Live like a local.
The best way to not blow all of your money the first two weeks of your trip is to live like a local! Instead of eating out at a fancy restaurant every night, visit a local market and cook for yourself! Experiment with different food groups and create your own special dish. When I studied abroad, I ate out once a week and spent the other days learning how to cook (cue laughter). I make a pretty delicious spaghetti entrée, if I do say so myself. Also, become friends with local café owners. Many natives appreciate when visitors put in the effort to learn and understand their culture. It means you care.
The best way to not blow all of your money the first two weeks of your trip is to live like a local! Instead of eating out at a fancy restaurant every night, visit a local market and cook for yourself! Experiment with different food groups and create your own special dish. When I studied abroad, I ate out once a week and spent the other days learning how to cook (cue laughter). I make a pretty delicious spaghetti entrée, if I do say so myself. Also, become friends with local café owners. Many natives appreciate when visitors put in the effort to learn and understand their culture. It means you care.
Extra Cash Abroad
If you’re studying abroad for an extended period of time, get a job! It’s a great and easy way to really get to know your host country, practice your language skills, and make friends with the locals. Not only will your resume look spectacular when you return to the States, you make a few extra bucks to put towards traveling. Try finding a job waiting tables, bartending, or tutoring English to fill your pockets!
If you’re studying abroad for an extended period of time, get a job! It’s a great and easy way to really get to know your host country, practice your language skills, and make friends with the locals. Not only will your resume look spectacular when you return to the States, you make a few extra bucks to put towards traveling. Try finding a job waiting tables, bartending, or tutoring English to fill your pockets!
-MyKayla, study abroad peer advisor and #HogsAbroad alum of the U of A Rome Center
It’s never too early to start scouting scholarships!
If you’re interested in studying abroad during the upcoming year, check out the scholarships on our website so you’ll have a heads up on the application deadlines! There are a plethora of scholarships that are available; have a look at the ones we know of here: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/funding. There are many more as well, so be sure to do your research!
If you’re interested in studying abroad during the upcoming year, check out the scholarships on our website so you’ll have a heads up on the application deadlines! There are a plethora of scholarships that are available; have a look at the ones we know of here: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/funding. There are many more as well, so be sure to do your research!
