Start With Your Program Costs

Begin by reviewing your program webpage. Each program in the program search includes estimated costs under the “Cost & Funding” tab to help you understand what you may need to pay before and during your time abroad.

As you review your program, pay attention to what is included in the program cost and what expenses you may need to plan for separately. These may include airfare, passport or visa fees, housing, meals, local transportation, books, supplies, phone service, personal spending and independent travel.

Review Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and financial aid may be able to help cover some study abroad costs, depending on your program type, term and individual aid package.

Before you build your budget, review which funding options may apply to your program. This may include scholarships, grants, loans, veterans’ benefits, tuition awards, personal funds or family contributions.

You should also confirm your financial aid eligibility with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before going abroad.

Research Your Host Location

Costs can vary widely by country, city and program type. Before you go, research the cost of living in your host location so you have a more realistic sense of everyday expenses.

Consider looking into:

• Groceries and meals
• Local transportation
• Personal items
• Phone or internet access
• Entrance fees for museums, events and attractions
• Independent travel
• Exchange rates and banking fees

A cost of living calculator can help you compare expenses in your host city with expenses in Tucson. These estimates will not be exact, but they can help you plan.

Plan for Daily Spending

Think about how you want to spend your money while abroad. Some students plan for weekend travel, concerts, museums, souvenirs or meals out. Others prefer to save money by cooking at home, shopping at local markets and using public transportation.

Building a budget does not mean you cannot enjoy your experience. It helps you decide what matters most to you and plan for those expenses ahead of time.

Prepare for Currency and Payment Options

Before you leave, learn what currency is used in your host country and how it compares to the U.S. dollar. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it is helpful to use a currency converter to check them regularly as your departure date approaches.

You should also contact your bank and credit card company before traveling to ask about:

• International transaction fees
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Whether your debit or credit card will work abroad
• How to notify them of your travel dates
• Emergency access to funds

Payment methods vary by location. Some places rely heavily on cards or mobile payments, while others may use cash more often. Plan ahead so you are prepared when you arrive.

Talk Through Your Budget

You do not have to build your budget alone. Your Study Abroad Coordinator, faculty lead, family or support network can help you think through common expenses and prepare for your host location.

Talking through your plan can also help clarify who may be contributing to your study abroad costs and what expenses you will be responsible for while abroad.

Build Your Budget

Once you have reviewed your program costs, researched your host location and considered your funding options, use the Student Guide to Budgeting & Packing to create your personalized budget.

The guide includes worksheets for estimating study abroad expenses, at-home costs and available funding. It also includes a suggested packing list to help you prepare for departure.