First generation students and students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are already forging new paths for themselves in college and navigating unfamiliar environments and systems; considering study abroad is yet another bold and exciting step in their academic journeys.
These students may also have unique challenges and concerns depending on financial circumstances and their support systems at home and on-campus. You may have questions or concerns about cost, support, or how to explain your decision to family and friends who may be less familiar with international travel or study abroad. In preparing for study abroad, here are a few tips and resources to help you successfully navigate the process and costs involved so that you take full advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow:
- Define Your Goals
Articulating why you want to study abroad and how it fits into your academic, personal, and/or professional goals will help you choose the right program, communicate the value of the experience to family and friends, and stay focused and motivated throughout your study abroad journey. - Get Informed
Take advantage of the many people and resources who are here to help you succeed. Minimally speak with a Study Abroad Program Manager and your Academic Adviser to be sure your chosen program fits well within your degree plan. You may also speak to faculty or TAs with whom you have a good relationship, advisors for pre-professional programs (medicine, law, etc.), Career Advancement advisers, staff in the Office of Financial Aid, students who have participated in study abroad before, UChicago alumni, Center for Identity + Inclusion staff, CCSS staff, your Resident Heads, etc. The more perspectives you gather, the better prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions and connect your experience abroad to your future goals. - Learn About Your Destination
Your family may have questions about where you’re going—especially if international travel is new to them. Take some time to read and research your host city and country, especially its culture and customs, language, safety and healthcare, and its geography and history. If you have other specific questions, contact the Program Manager. - Plan for Expenses
- Study Abroad can be affordable with the right planning. Here are some suggestions to get started:
- Read through our Tuition, Fees & Funding page to understand the program costs and how Financial Aid applies to Study Abroad.
- Make an appointment to meet with Dana Currier, Deputy Director of Study Abroad, to discuss how your financial aid will be adjusted for your term abroad as well as any questions you may have about other funding opportunities.
- Visit the Office of College Aid to discuss the details of your particular aid package in light of Study Abroad.
- Draft a budget for yourself based on the remaining out-of-pocket expenses (estimates are included on each program page). Compare this to what you would be spending for the same kinds of expenses if you were living on campus, but remember that your program fee, which is eligible for financial aid, will already cover some expenses (such as tuition and housing).
- Other considerations:
- If you plan ahead, you may be able to apply for additional external grants or scholarships. See the Scholarships and Grants page of the Study Abroad Office website.
- Make sure you factor in passport and, if necessary, visa fees.
- You can use student-oriented travel agencies like Student Universe to get good deals on international flights.
- Some meals may be included in your program fee—check with the Program Manager.
- The cost of food and groceries could be lower or higher than in Chicago, depending on your location. Ask your Program Manager about the cost of living in your program destination.
- Bring your student ID to get discounts when you’re abroad.
- Some locations might require using public transportation to get to and from class—check with the Program Manager about how much you can expect to spend on local transportation.
- Study Abroad can be affordable with the right planning. Here are some suggestions to get started:
- Find Support
Once abroad, it is important to have support networks in place. Seek out friends from your program who can share this experience with you, and, if possible, make local friends who can help you navigate your temporary home. Your on-site program staff are also always there to lend an ear or help you out when you need it. - Be Realistic about Budget and Time
You do not need to spend a lot to have a meaningful experience. Find friends who share your approach to spending and explore free or low-cost activities like museums, cultural sites, walking tours, local festivals and events, and public parks. Participating in these activities is often one of the best ways to experience the local culture of the country or region where you are studying.