A Student's Two Cents
Written by: Mordecai Drache
It didn't matter how much it cost, Journalism student Ann Brown, was determined to study overseas. Ann studied at City University in London England from January to March 2001. In addition to coursework, she did an internship at Leisure and Hospitality Business Magazine.
"London is a media hub: the opportunities are unbelievable. Everyone has their noses in a newspaper," Ann said.
Though she learned a great deal, the trip was not without its share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges with living in London was getting used to the damp climate. In the first two weeks, she and some of the other students got the flu. Ann says that no matter how much you prepare, there are always stresses that you don't expect.
"At some points you feel homesick. A lot of people in my residence were international students, but because I entered in the middle of the year, everyone had made their friends. That could be discouraging, but of you're outgoing, it's not that bad."
Given that it was an exchange program, Ann paid the regular tuition fees at her own university, plus airfare. She did not have to pay the fees at City, and thus have to convert US dollars into British pounds. The cost of living in London, though, was twice as much as she expected. Ann knew that she would need to work in London, so she got a job in a pub.
The need for work however, gave her an opportunity to meet people outside the university, some of whom were from all over the world. "Working was great. London is so cosmopolitan."
Ann used to feel that the costs of an exchange were overwhelming, but she found that there are many places to find money. "You just have to know what the available resources are. Just don't give up, because all through high school, I wanted to study abroad but was deterred financially, and then when I got accepted third year, I realized it was my last chance. So do some fundraising, work hard and look at the resources available because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Learn Overseas asks you, "What financial advice would you offer to prospective students who are preparing to study abroad?"
"Plan ahead! Start financially preparing months ahead so that you have enough resources to go everywhere, do everything you want." Kari Todd, University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC), Copenhagen, Denmark
"Get internet account access set up through your bank. It's nice to be able to check your balance and statements wherever you need to" Heather Demontheses, USAC Bilbao, Spain
"Try to use your institution's resources as much as possible to find grants and scholarships that give money to students going abroad. School financial aid as well as federal money can often go towards a student's travel if college credits are being met through the program. Many organizations exist that give money to travelling students, and often it's just a matter of finding the right groups to ask. Travelling abroad can be a rewarding experience, but should not be a financial burden." Erick Diaz, Harvard University, The Center for Cross-Cultural Study, Cuba
"Watch out for those ATM surcharges for withdrawing money; do it in large sums all at once!" Jill Anderson, USAC Reading, England
"Let relatives know that you will be studying abroad and would prefer cash for holiday or birthday presents." Tiffany Yuill, USAC Heredia, Costa Rica and Pau, France and the National Security Education Program, San Paolo, Brazil
"Buying fresh fruit and bread definitely helped lower food costs while traveling, plus you're supporting local merchants (the little mom & pop stores). Jennifer Price, USAC Cork, Ireland
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