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Studying in another country can be one of the most valuable parts of college — and it's more affordable than many students assume, because your aid often travels with you. Here's how study abroad works and how to make it fit your budget and your degree.
It comes in several forms
Study abroad ranges from a short faculty-led trip (a few weeks) to a semester or full year at a partner university or through a third-party program. Some are run by your own college; others by outside providers. The type affects cost, credit, and how immersive it is.
Your credits usually transfer back
On most approved programs, the courses you take abroad count toward your degree — but you must get them pre-approved by your advisor and registrar so they apply to your requirements. Confirm credit transfer before you go, not after.
Plan it around your major and timeline
Some majors (with tight course sequences) make a semester abroad harder to fit; others have built-in study-abroad terms. Talk to your advisor early so going abroad doesn't delay graduation.
The key money insight
For programs approved by your home college, your financial aid usually applies — so study abroad can cost about the same as a normal semester, sometimes less on an exchange. Don't rule it out on price before you check how your aid travels.
Your financial aid often travels
For programs approved by your home college, federal aid (Pell, loans) and frequently your institutional and state aid can apply to study abroad — sometimes covering most of the cost. Ask the financial aid office how your specific package travels.
Direct-enroll or exchange can be cheaper
Exchange programs (where you swap into a partner school and pay your home tuition) and direct enrollment can cost far less than pricey third-party providers. Compare total cost, not just the program fee.
Study-abroad scholarships exist
Major awards like the Gilman Scholarship (for Pell recipients), Boren, Fund for Education Abroad, and program-specific grants can substantially cut costs. Many have early deadlines — plan ahead.
Watch the hidden costs
Airfare, a passport and visa, health insurance, local transit, and personal spending add up beyond tuition. Build a realistic full budget so the experience doesn't blow up your finances.
The two mistakes that derail study abroad are credits that don't count and aid that doesn't apply. Before you commit, get your courses pre-approved by your advisor and confirm with financial aid exactly how your package transfers to the program. Do both, and the rest is logistics.
Plan and fund it: find study-abroad scholarships, decode your aid offer, and stay on track to graduate on time.