As Study Abroad costs rise, some students say they cannot afford to take advantage of this privilege though according to Ingrid Schmidt, director of Study Abroad, some aid is available.
“Although the [Study Abroad Office] staff is committed to keeping program costs as low as possible, Study Abroad is no different than anything else in today’s economy,” Schmidt said. “One of our main concerns right now is the currency exchange rate because the U.S. dollar is so weak.”
Lynn Stillwell, a sophomore in agricultural education, said she thinks study abroad is good for students, but she said it was not likely that she would take this opportunity.
“If [students] Study Abroad, they get to be introduced to new cultures and see how other people live,” she said. “I’d consider it, but it’s not something I could afford [at this time].”
There are some avenues the SAO staff members can take to “minimize the impact” of the rising cost, but their power is limited, Schmidt said in an e-mail.
“Some colleges such as [the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences] have been generous in offering us a backup safety net, so that we can budget closer to the break-even point without danger of canceling a program at the last minute,” she said. “Many colleges or offices on campus are increasing the amount of scholarship funding they offer.”
The idea that Study Abroad has to be expensive, Schmidt said in her e-mail, is a “common misconception.” “Many of our students participate in exchanges in which they pay tuition and fees to N.C. State as they normally would,” she said. “Then [they] swap places with a student from a partner university.”
According to Schmidt, the cost of housing abroad is often comparable to the cost of housing here.
“Airfare is the only real additional cost,” she said. “It can be factored into the student’s total need for financial aid purposes.”
Choosing an exchange program versus a non-exchange program is a good way to keep the Study Abroad cost at a minimum, according to Schmidt.
“To minimize in-country cost, we connect applicants with students currently abroad or recently returned, so that they can share tips on inexpensive communication or travel options,” she said. “The… pre-departure handbook also includes information on finances, including the least expensive ways to access money while abroad.”
Although the cost for exchange spots is often similar to NCSU tuition, for a non-exchange program, the cost may vary, according to Schmidt.
“Non-exchange programs can cost more than N.C. State’s in-state tuition, but many cost less than out-of-state tuition,” she said. “Non-exchange programs often have additional support services such as a special on-site director or excursions just for your group.”
Schmidt said that although these additions increase the cost of a program, many study abroad students “feel that it’s worth the difference.”
There are some expenses students tend to forget to factor in when studying abroad though, Schmidt said.
“Students sometimes forget about vaccination costs,” she said. “The N.C. State Travel Clinic has excellent information about both required and recommended shots.”
Students should also remember the passport cost and that studying in some countries requires a visa, which is an additional fee, according to Schmidt.
“The good news is that passports are valid for ten years, so they are a good long-term investment,” she said.
