Money Matters - at Home and Abroad

The questions that our office gets concerning Study Abroad Financing are infinite...
It is time for the SavvyStudent to try to clarify those, so read ahead!


BEFORE YOU GO ABROAD:

The main things to keep in mind:

- Pay Brandeis tuition by January 6th, 2012 (this will also include a study abroad fee of $400).
- Make sure you are aware what the costs are for your program's room and board, and you have received that bill as well.
- If needed, book an appointment with a financial aid advisor to discuss any additional options you have to assist you with the fees. Please, do so by contacting us at (781) 736 3700.
- If you are planning to use a Brandeis financial award when abroad, be aware that Credit Refunds will not be processed earlier than 10 days before the start of classes in the Spring semester. This means no earlier than January 7th. Please, account for mailing time if requestuing the check to an address abroad or in the US.
Please, refer to our comprehensive post from this spring for further details.


ONCE YOU ARE ABROAD:

Savvy Student won't be able to provide you with a spreadsheet for all the costs you will encounter when abroad, however, these are some questions you should strat thinking about:

- To prepare, first, do research on your country destination: what is the currency conversion rate? What is the average cost of a meal? How much does public transportation cost? Can you save by buying a pass?
- Most programs will send you a brochure containing most of the answers to the above questions, however, some research won't hurt. You can always contact students who have already done the same program and inquire of their monthly budget. The Study Abroad Office has an alumni base for all Brandeis approved programs, don't hesitate to utilize that! Keep in mind - everyone has their own spending limits!
- This being said - what is your budget going to be? Does your program provide daily/weekly meals? Are you planning to go out? Will you cook? Will you have to buy pots/pans? Buy souvenirs for 25 relatives? Shop for clothes? Travel around the country or abroad? PLAN ACCORDINGLY!
- Depending on the area of the world you are travelling to the cost of living may be higher or lower than in the U.S. However, regardless of where you are, be ready to face the fact that you will have more expenses than you would normally have at Brandeis. If you have a student job on campus, your student visa won't necessarily allow you to work in the country you are - so make sure you have pocket money on you!

If you have more suggestions or comments on how to budget abroad, please, feel free to share them with Brandeis Savvy Student! Your feedback is always welcome!

~Savvy Student