Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, which often comes with significant financial implications, but that shouldn’t stop you from going for it! Here are a few ways you can reduce the financial strain that comes with taking a semester or two abroad:
Research Scholarships and Grants: Look for scholarships and grants specifically designed for study abroad programs. Many organizations, universities, and government agencies offer financial assistance to students who wish to study abroad. Start your search early and explore both local and international funding opportunities.
Financial Aid from Home University: Check with your home university's financial aid office to inquire about any study abroad scholarships or grants they offer. Some universities have dedicated funds for students participating in study abroad programs. Additionally, they can provide information on how your existing financial aid package may apply to your study abroad expenses.
Seek Work or Internship Opportunities Abroad: Look for part-time jobs or internship opportunities in your host country. Not only can this provide valuable work experience, but it can also help offset some of your study abroad costs. Research local employment regulations and visa requirements beforehand to ensure you comply with any necessary regulations.
Landing a job that aligns with one's major can be advantageous in building a career path. If you’re still in college, leveraging internships and networking opportunities increases the chances of securing a job in your desired industry. Building a strong professional network is crucial for accessing job opportunities; attend industry events, career fairs, and alumni gatherings to connect with professionals in your field as well as recruiters.
Join relevant professional associations or student organizations where you can meet individuals who share your career interests. Don’t forget to consult your school’s career development department for job searching and resume help.
If you’d like to engage with professionals in your industry and ask questions but aren’t sure how/where to aside from Linkedin, which can be too formal and a bit intimidating for some, you can try out Fishbowl.
Fishbowl is a professional networking platform that connects professionals within specific industries, allowing them to share insights, ask questions, and engage in discussions anonymously.
Buy Now, Pay Later services can provide convenience, but they come with potential risks, such as accumulating debt and overspending. If you’re like the 50% of users that reported using Affirm and Afterpay, try to use BNPL services sparingly and be mindful of the following things:
Understand how refunds, returns, and exchanges work for the specific Buy Now Pay Later service you use. Some services make it more difficult to return products (and get refunds) than if they were bought directly from the retailer.
Late payments can lead to being charged interest rates on subsequent paymenty, late fees and drastically reduced spending limits.
Keep track of all the payment schedule for each purchase, and try not to have multiple purchases ongoing.