Estimated Costs of Studying Abroad

Many students have no idea how much it will cost to study overseas. The following guidelines will help provide some basic information about costs. Bear in mind, however, that many costs will depend on whether you study in a developed or developing country. For example, it is far less expensive to study in China than it is in the UK. Also, it is worth remembering that studying abroad during the summer months is usually more expensive due to peak travel costs. The longer you spend overseas, too, the more economical your experience is likely to be. Finally, don't forget that most financial aid will not travel with you during the summer or intersession, whereas it WILL during the academic year.

Essential Costs: These are costs that all students will be charged:

• Administrative Fee - $150 (this is charged to all FSU students who study overseas and covers the CIE's administrative costs)
• Passport - Approximately $110
• Application Fee - many programs have a fee for applying, such as Global Links ($30) or ISEP ($300)
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC) - $22 (this card provides travel discounts and comprehensive health insurance overseas for up to one year.
• Visa processing - varies depending on country

Program Costs: The cost of the overseas program will vary depending on which type of program one chooses:

• Exchange program - such as ISEP, means that you pay FSU tuition and fees, room and board costs as if you were studying at FSU
• Direct enrollment program - such as GLS have a set program fee; you are charged this fee INSTEAD of FSU tuition, room and board; other programs that have set program fees include Global Links, CEA, AIFS, and SIT. Different programs have different services included in this program fee. Some include airfare or housing. Read and compare carefully!
• Short-term faculty-led program - many of the summer and intersession programs are led by FSU faculty; in this case you would pay a program fee that is variable, depending on number of participants, exchange rate, and often other factors as well, such as airline costs.

Airline/Transportation Costs: Going abroad requires some form of transportation, even if you are driving to Canada or Mexico, so factor in these costs. Many program providers, such as Global Links, offer discounted student travel through organizations such as STA Travel. Once overseas, there are also many ways to economize on travel, often by utilizing ISIC card discounts or other in-country travel discounts (USIT card in Ireland, Eurail pass in western Europe, Boomerang Pass in Australia, etc.)

Remember that airline costs will depend on WHEN you fly more often than WHERE you fly. Summer travel is always far more expensive than travel during the rest of the year. It also pays to shop around for flight deals, utilizing websites such as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Cheaptickets, or Studentuniverse. Many program providers will book group flights that are far cheaper than individually booked flights, so take advantage of that opportunity. Also remember to book early.

Accommodation Costs: Living overseas will often be cheaper than living on-campus at FSU. Whether you live in a dormatory, a shared apartment, a hostel, or with a family, you will probably pay less for your room than you would in the States, allowing you to save some money. Most overseas accommodations are non-catered, which means that you buy and prepare your own meals. This is also a great way to save money. The more you prepare your food at home, the more you save. The more you eat out, the more you spend! Some program providers include room and board expenses in their overall program cost. Be sure you know what you're being charged for and how much extra cash you will need for food, utilities, damage deposits, etc.

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses: When you travel overseas, you are required to have comprehensive health insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation of at least $100,000 and repatriation of remains. The ISIC card ($22) will provide this type of insurance, but you should discuss other insurance options with your family (see your pre-departure booklet) to see whether you will need to take out additional insurance. Some programs require that you purchase their insurance policy, such as ISEP and Semester at Sea. The additional costs can range anywhere from $75 - 350 or more. If you participate in 'risk sports', such as sky-diving or bungee jumping, you will also be required to purchase risk insurance for each activity.

Medical expenses overseas will vary, depending on the country, but you will find that most doctors and hospitals will charge far less than you would be charged in the US. You are likely to be charged a minimum amount for basic care, but be sure that you have some additional cash on hand for unforeseen illnesses or accidents.

Books and Supplies: Depending on the type of program, you are likely to spend less on books while you are overseas than you would in the US. Many universities keep an abundant number of textbooks on reserve in the library so that students do not have to purchase them. Even when texts aren't on reserve, the cost of most books is likely to be less than in the US. Probably a good estimate for developed countries would be $100-200 per semester for all books, while for developing countries it may be as little as $25-50.

Personal Spending Money: How much you will spend on clothes, travel, eating out, and incidentals/gifts will depend entirely on how important these items are to you. Once again, it will cost far less to live/travel/eat in Asia, Africa, or Latin America than it will if you study in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Canada. A conservative estimate for personal spending for one semester in a developing nation might be $500 - 1000. Budget carefully and always have a back-up form of payment (credit card, traveler's checks, debit card, Travel Funds card, etc.) in case you underestimate the cost of something. Take advantage of student discounts!!

Emergency Funds: Finally, be sure you have some kind of access to emergency funds (either through a credit card or through a family member) in case something goes wrong. This can range from illness/injury, natural disaster, political conflict, or personal crime. Always be prepared for anything and have a contingency plan ready.

For further information about financial aid and scholarships, visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.