If you’re in college or considering it, you may have thought about studying abroad. The idea of living in another country while earning credits toward your degree sounds thrilling, but is it really worth the cost and effort? Here’s a breakdown of my experience studying abroad, what it took to make it happen, and some tips if you’re thinking of doing the same.
The Initial Cost: A Financial Reality Check
When I first looked into studying abroad, I imagined I’d pay only a little more than my usual college tuition. I had scholarships covering most of my costs at home, so I figured I’d just transfer that money to the study abroad program. However, I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. My school dropped all my scholarships for the semester I studied abroad, replacing them with a small $3,000 stipend. That left me with a $12,000 bill to cover within a few short months.
On top of tuition, there was airfare, which was about $1,000 for a round-trip ticket to Jordan, where I studied Middle Eastern culture and politics. This brought my total to around $13,000, with a few extra expenses like food and activities, though the program did provide a weekly $75 stipend. While I worked nearly full-time on weekends to save up, it was tough balancing that with a heavy course load.
Is It Worth the Financial Strain?
Honestly, for most people, I’d say studying abroad is worth it. The cost may seem overwhelming at first, but the experiences you gain and the lessons you learn are priceless. If you plan ahead and save early, the financial strain is manageable, and many programs offer scholarships or grants that can help reduce the burden.
Here’s my tip: work closely with your academic advisor to ensure the classes you take abroad count toward your degree. You don’t want to find yourself stuck taking an extra semester after you return. I was able to negotiate with my advisor to get three out of my four courses to count toward my major, which saved me time and money in the long run.
The Challenges: Culture Shock and Banking Issues
Studying abroad isn’t all smooth sailing. Upon arriving in Jordan, my luggage was lost, and my bank decided to freeze my accounts. With customer service hard to reach due to time zone differences, I had to rely solely on the program’s $75 weekly stipend for the first part of my trip.
On top of that, the program itself was demanding. We had packed schedules, with little free time to explore outside of the structured activities. While this might not be the case for every study abroad program, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing where to go and what to expect.
The Educational Value
Academically, studying abroad exceeded my expectations. I learned so much more than I ever would have in a traditional classroom. The classes I took—Arabic, Middle Eastern history, peace and conflict resolution, and a religious studies course on Islam—were directly tied to the region we were living in. This immersive learning experience made everything more real and memorable.
For example, learning Arabic in a classroom and immediately practicing it outside with locals was an incredible way to reinforce what I’d learned. Similarly, studying peace and conflict resolution while visiting areas affected by conflict made the lessons much more impactful. I’d say that educationally, the experience was worth far more than the extra $12,000 I spent.
The Unforgettable Experiences
Beyond academics, the personal experiences you gain while studying abroad are incredible. During my trip, I snorkeled in the Red Sea, visited the Great Pyramids, sailed on the Nile River, and slept under the stars in the Jordanian desert, just miles from where movies like The Martian were filmed. These experiences shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.
Traveling while you’re young and still in school also offers a freedom you might not have later in life. Once you start a full-time job or have bills to pay, it’s much harder to just pack up and live in another country for months.
The Friendships and Connections
One of the most valuable aspects of studying abroad was the connections I made. I met people who were as adventurous and driven as I was, and some of them remain my best friends today. These friendships have pushed me to be more ambitious, and I truly believe that this program altered the course of my life for the better.
Final Thoughts: Should You Study Abroad?
Yes, studying abroad is absolutely worth it—both educationally and experientially. Even if it means working extra hours, the benefits far outweigh the costs. You’ll not only grow as a student but as a person, gaining experiences and making connections that can shape your future.
My advice? Plan ahead, make sure your credits transfer, and just go for it. You might never get another chance to immerse yourself in a different culture like this. It will change your life in ways you can’t even imagine right now. So take the leap—it’s worth every penny.
The TechWanderer 