One of the most defining characteristics of students going abroad is their need to conserve funds. With student loans still considerably high and very little income of their own, most heading off for an extended period of time away from home either have to rely on their parents' funding, keep an extremely tight budget or - often - both.
How to save money and not miss out on experiences
Even within the European Union, costs when venturing to another country can be wildly different, and that problem is even further aggravated should the young person choose to pursue his or her studies for any length of time further afield. As such, most of these young learners invariably walk a constant monetary tightrope, so as to be able to balance tuition money, living costs and an entertainment budget that will allow them to experience all their host country has to offer.
The following budget-balancing tips serve for for not only students going abroad for a longer period of time, but also for those embarking on a shorter trip with a school or college group. The general advice will seek to span all areas of the experience, from accommodation to food and entertainment.
Accommodation - If young people are moving away from home for the first time, they probably will not have a lot of experience with landlords, letting agencies or rent agreements. The best thing to do to ensure you are not overcharged or deceived when procuring accommodation is to consult with more experienced students, or even with a specialised educational agency. Remember to browse your options - don't just settle for the first choice. Alternatively, staying with a host family is also a safe bet, as most are honest and will provide you with great value for money; be advised, however, that this might be a slightly more expensive option upfront. If you are travelling with a group on a tour organised by a dedicated educational travel company, accommodation will all be taken care of so this is one less thing for you to worry about.
Eating - The old stereotype of students going abroad and eating pot noodles and fast food has an element of truth to it. However, that does not necessarily have to be so - with a little budgeting and planning, it is possible to eat well while in a foreign country. Browsing the aisles of the supermarkets and shops in the area will reveal much about the local cost of living, and it doesn't take long to become au fait with where the bargains can be found.
Entertainment - This is probably the area where finances will need the most balancing. Young people in a foreign country will obviously want to experience as much as possible while away, but may have to change their ways (or at least tone them down) whilst away from home. For sightseeing, a 'poor-man's' walking tour of the city can provide plenty of immersion and allow hidden treasures to be revealed.
Angela Bowden works for EST (Equity School Travel), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing excellent opportunities for students going abroad. EST encompasses a wide range of learning opportunities in worldwide destinations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Bowden
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8349705
How to save money and not miss out on experiences
Even within the European Union, costs when venturing to another country can be wildly different, and that problem is even further aggravated should the young person choose to pursue his or her studies for any length of time further afield. As such, most of these young learners invariably walk a constant monetary tightrope, so as to be able to balance tuition money, living costs and an entertainment budget that will allow them to experience all their host country has to offer.
The following budget-balancing tips serve for for not only students going abroad for a longer period of time, but also for those embarking on a shorter trip with a school or college group. The general advice will seek to span all areas of the experience, from accommodation to food and entertainment.
Accommodation - If young people are moving away from home for the first time, they probably will not have a lot of experience with landlords, letting agencies or rent agreements. The best thing to do to ensure you are not overcharged or deceived when procuring accommodation is to consult with more experienced students, or even with a specialised educational agency. Remember to browse your options - don't just settle for the first choice. Alternatively, staying with a host family is also a safe bet, as most are honest and will provide you with great value for money; be advised, however, that this might be a slightly more expensive option upfront. If you are travelling with a group on a tour organised by a dedicated educational travel company, accommodation will all be taken care of so this is one less thing for you to worry about.
Eating - The old stereotype of students going abroad and eating pot noodles and fast food has an element of truth to it. However, that does not necessarily have to be so - with a little budgeting and planning, it is possible to eat well while in a foreign country. Browsing the aisles of the supermarkets and shops in the area will reveal much about the local cost of living, and it doesn't take long to become au fait with where the bargains can be found.
Entertainment - This is probably the area where finances will need the most balancing. Young people in a foreign country will obviously want to experience as much as possible while away, but may have to change their ways (or at least tone them down) whilst away from home. For sightseeing, a 'poor-man's' walking tour of the city can provide plenty of immersion and allow hidden treasures to be revealed.
Angela Bowden works for EST (Equity School Travel), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing excellent opportunities for students going abroad. EST encompasses a wide range of learning opportunities in worldwide destinations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Bowden
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8349705
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