Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity. According to Scripps’ Study Abroad and Global Exchange Office (SAGE, previously known as Off-Campus Study or OCS), over 60% of Scripps students participate in some sort of exchange program abroad or offcampus. The SAGE Office is extremely knowledgeable about the benefits and setbacks of different programs, so be sure to stop by their office ASAP if you’re considering a semester away from Claremont.
Scripps covers your plane ticket. Disclaimer: Scripps estimates the cost of your roundtrip ticket from LAX to your destination and gives that amount to you in the form of a check. Also, they use websites like StudentUniverse and Travelocity to find you the cheapest flight possible. So, if you plan to fly out of another airport and the cost of the flight is higher than the check they give you, you’ll be expected to cover that. Some programs are more all-inclusive than others. For example, the cost of SIT Study Abroad programs typically covers all of your meals during your stay in the country of your choice, while programs like IES Abroad are set up so that you’ll have 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners a week with your host family. This means that on the weekends and during weekday lunches you’re expected to fend for yourself. However… Based on your program, Scripps will give you a stipend to cover extra meal costs. Again, programs like IES do not cover all of your meals while abroad. In some cases, Scripps will give you a stipend to cover the cost of the meals you wouldn’t have to pay for if you were on campus. This doesn’t mean you’ll have enough money to go out to eat for every meal, but you’ll have enough to make something simple in your dorm, in your program center’s kitchen, or in your host family’s house. Sometimes you can work abroad. ‘Working’ abroad can usually include tutoring English if you’re in a non-English speaking country, or babysitting for families living in your host city. This is usually the case in Europe. Don’t be afraid to ask the SAGE Office about this, and reach out to the programs you’re interested in applying to in order to see if working for some pocket money is possible. Things to remember. Scripps does not cover the cost of acquiring a passport or visa (if necessary) to participate in an off-campus study program, any immunizations necessary to travel to your selected destination, nor local transportation. In some cities, having a monthly bus, tram, or metro pass is necessary to get to classes on time and to participate in program activities. These-- along with any other travel you plan to do on your own-- will be your primary out-of-pocket expenses. Also, remember to think about the cost of storage units if you are going abroad for a semester or year. Other Scripps students are eager to share storage units in order to cut down on costs. Chandra Dickey ‘16 17