International experiences vary widely in cost. As part of the planning process, it is important to compare apples to apples. Cost differences are usually associated with features such as academic credit, excursions, level of on-site support, and geographical location.

Locate Budget Estimates
Look for a budget estimate for each of the programs you are considering. For Learning Abroad Center-sponsored programs, you will find them linked to program entries (under "Budget Estimates"). For co-sponsored programs provided by our partners (such as CIEE, IES, Arcadia, IFSA-Butler), you can often access detailed cost information on the program sponsor's website. Be aware that the cost information on the provider's web site may not include a complete picture of the additional costs associated with studying abroad. The section below offers tips on putting together a complete budget for your program.

Compare Complete Costs
The following chart shows the components that go into a complete cost comparison. As this study abroad example illustrates, comparing an academic year study abroad program cost to your tuition alone is not an accurate comparison.

Expenses

Study Abroad in Venezuela (LAC)

Undergraduate Resident – UMTC1

Queen Mary University, London

Tuition, Fees, Int'l Health Insurance	$10,852	$9,410	$19,294
Books & Supplies	$200 (refundable)	$900	$350
Room & Board	$ 3,480	$6,8242	$9,402
Transportation	$950	$1243	$600
Personal/Misc	$2,9254	$2,000	$3,275
Total	$18,407	$19,258	$32,921

This chart reflects only the required costs for study abroad. Other optional costs such as recreational travel and US health insurance are not included in this calculation.

¹ All costs and definitions of expenses for University of Minnesota – Twin Cities are provided by the Office of Student Finances.
² Based on costs for an on-campus apartment or dorm with double bedroom and 14 meal/week meal plan.
³ Based on the price of a student bus pass - $62/semester.
⁴ For both study abroad programs, personal/miscellaneous includes passport, visa, and essential daily living expenses.

Many students often don't compare the entire cost of attendance, which brings the cost of studying abroad closer to the cost of studying at the home campus.

Not every study abroad program is less expensive than studying on your home campus, but if you compare all of your costs you will find that study abroad can be very comparable.

Note: Complete costs for Learning Abroad Center-sponsored programs are listed in budget estimates. See the section above for hints on finding budget estimates for your study abroad program. For other programs, you may need to build them from information on the partner program provider's website.

Use the budget worksheet to help you compare complete program costs, especially if you are considering a cosponsored program that does not have a pre-packaged budget estimate that is easily accessible. If you are having difficulty identifying the complete costs for a program, contact a Learning Abroad Center adviser.  For cosponsored programs, you will want to include approximately $500-1500 in your budget to cover additional fees and insurance in your budget.  You may also have to include in your budget the cost of additional travel to your host country's consulate to obtain a visa for certain sites.

Consider Low Cost Options
If cost is a major factor, explore less expensive countries or cities, different program types, or shorter programs. Some programs offer University of Minnesota students scholarships or are particularly affordable. University of Minnesota programs are usually among the most cost effective opportunities.

Last modified on May 7, 2008