Debunking Study Abroad Cost Myths Alex Williamson – Illinois Study Abroad With the cost of tuition on the rise, it is becoming more difficult for students to afford college, let alone pay for a supplementary educational experience like studying abroad. In fact, one of the most pervading myths about international education is that only students with a high socioeconomic status can afford to partake in such a luxury, such as spending a semester overseas. But is the cost of studying abroad really that high? At Illinois, it does not have to be. Study Abroad and Tuition One of the biggest myths about studying abroad is that students have to pay for the cost of the program on top of their cost of tuition on campus. This misconception is false. When a student studies abroad, they pay what is called range IV tuition, which are fees that students pay when they take zero credit hours on campus. By paying range IV tuition, they are able to maintain status as a full-time Illinois student while they are abroad, as well as access essential services related to health, safety, and security while they are abroad. Range IV tuition rates will vary based upon a student’s year and academic college, but currently does not exceed $1,500. Plus, range IV tuition is automatically calculated into the cost of the program, so there are no hidden tuition fees to study abroad. Selecting a Cost-Effective Program In addition to being aware of the various fees associated with studying abroad, it is important students understand how to select a program that fits within their budget. One of the most efficient ways to explore programs with a lower cost
From left to right: Kamila Widalski, Department of English, studied at the University of York, England; Jamillah Gabriel, Library & Information Sciences, is pictured at the Wilbert Chagula Library in Tanzania; Rishi Debnath, Business Administration, studied gnomics in India.
is to search for exchange programs. An exchange program is often the most cost-effective program type, as they involve the reciprocal movement of students between Illinois and institutional partners abroad. This reciprocal exchange of students means that Illinois students do not have to pay tuition at their host university abroad. When doing a program search, students can type in the word “exchange” into the search bar and all exchange programs, regardless of the sponsoring unit, will appear. Each program has an online page where they can find information on the costs of the program as well as an Unofficial Budget Sheet. These budget sheets are based upon estimates from past terms and will give students an accurate picture of the total cost of a program, including estimates for housing, airfare, meals, fees, etc.
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Financial Aid and Study Abroad Another myth about the cost of studying abroad is that a student’s financial aid package will not apply to their study abroad program. Again, this assumption is false. In fact, in most cases, much of a student’s financial aid package will apply to the cost of their study abroad program. Once a student has selected a program, it is encouraged that they take the Unofficial Budget Sheet associated with that program to the Office of Student Financial Aid, so that they can determine how much of that student’s financial aid package will apply to their selected program. Study Abroad Scholarships Another way students can offset the cost oAnother way students can offset the cost of their study abroad program is through scholarships. Students can apply