THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | Study Abroad | studyabroad.arizona.edu
Student
Guide
to
BUDGETING
&
PACKING
for
Study
Abroad
615 N. Park, Office 150 | Tucson, AZ 85721
studyabroad.arizona.edu | #WildcatsAbroad | 520-626-9211
STUDY ABROAD BUDGET PLAN
Living and studying in another country is an exciting time! By planning ahead and developing a budget,
managing expenses while abroad can help keep you focused more on your experience and worry
less about unexpected expenses.
Steps to take after your acceptance into a study abroad program:
Discuss: Go over your study abroad expenses with a Study Abroad Coordinator, Peer Advisor
or your parents and family to help you plan.
Research: Look into the cost of living of where you are going. Be sure to consider the monetary
exchange rates as these may fluctuate. Begin investigating the attractions, activities and
opportunities for travel that interest you, and take those estimated costs into consideration.
Prepare: Utilize the lists below so you can plan to include these expenses into your study
abroad budget. Use the packing list to get an idea of the supplies you may need to purchase in
advance to take with you.
Live like a local: While abroad, live, shop and eat like a local. Small things like shopping at the local
market instead of large chains can save you money. Take the opportunity to cook at home (if
possible) and try local recipes balanced with the planned expenses of eating at restaurants.
Avoid tourist traps which tend to be expensive! Chat up the locals to find out the best spots.
Bonus: Besides saving money, you’ll have a more authentic experience.
studyabroad.arizona.edu | #WildcatsAbroad | 520-626-9211
Below is an exercise to help you anticipate and plan ahead for financing your study abroad experience.
Researching these items online is recommended in advance of your trip. Please let your study abroad
coordinator know if you have any questions.
EXPECTED STUDY ABROAD COSTS
Study Abroad Expenses Estimated Costs
Program Cost
GeoBlue International Health Insurance
Travel clinic visit
Airfare
Books/supplies for classes
Passport Book/Passport renewal
Housing
Phone plan or SIM card
Other
studyabroad.arizona.edu | #WildcatsAbroad | 520-626-9211
POTENTIAL STUDY ABROAD COSTS
Travel Related
Estimated Costs
Visa
Luggage, luggage locks and luggage airport fees
Travel Insurance (for flight changes or cancellation)
In-country transportation (public transportation, taxis, to/from airport)
Day trips
Longer independent travel (transportation, accommodations, meals)
Other
Housing/Cost of Living
Estimated Costs
Groceries
Housing Deposit
Household items (kitchen items and general household supplies)
Utilities
Clothing
Laundry
Internet fees
International phone fees (i.e. activation, roaming, calls home, texting)
Other
Healthcare
Estimated Costs
Clinic visits/Immunizations
Prescription/Over the counter medications
Gym/fitness center fees
Emergency Fund
Other
Financial Fees
Estimated Costs
Exchange fees
International credit card fees
ATM fees
Other
Entertainment and Fun
Estimated Costs
Souvenirs & gifts
Postage/shipping fees
Entrance fees (tourist attractions, museums, shows, events etc.)
Nightlife
Meals out
Other
ESTIMATED
TOTAL
COSTS:
$ 0
AT HOME COSTS
Estimated Costs
Rent/mortgage payment & housing insurance
Car payment & insurance
Utilities
Caregiving expenses
Streaming Services, other Memberships, subscriptions
Credit card, loan & other debt reduction payments
Contributions to family budget
Other
ESTIMATED
TOTAL
COSTS:
FINANCIAL AID & FUNDING
Estimated Funding
Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Veterans Benefits
Personal Funds
Other
ESTIMATED
TOTAL
FUNDS:
Can I use Financial Aid to Study Abroad?
Usually. Study Abroad offers a few different program types, which each carry their own fees.
When searching for programs, students should always check the program type. It may be Faculty-
Led, Exchange, Arizona Abroad, or something else. Students and families can use the list of eligible
aid available to determine which varieties of funding can be used on each program type. For
example, a student on a Faculty-Led program could use their Pell Grant but not their Wildcat
Excellence Award, whereas a student on an Exchange program would be able to use both.
Additionally, students should keep in mind that some tuition awards are only available in the fall or
spring, so summer programs may require different funding. The Office of Scholarships and Financial
Aid has a great page on Study Abroad funding.
Loans: Federal Student Loans, Parent PLUS Loans and Private Loans
Grants: Pell Grant, Pell Pledge Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(FSEOG), University Grant
Tuition Awards: Such as Arizona, Wildcat, National Merit etc. (in Fall and Spring only, these do not
disburse in Summer)
Most outside scholarships (check with the funding source to confirm)
Be sure to verify your Financial Aid status by contacting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid BEFORE going
abroad.
$ 0
$ 0
SUGGESTED
PACKING LIST
Important Documents
Passport! Make sure it is signed
CatCard (Student ID for possible student discounts)
Driver’s license or state ID
Hard copies of important documents: passport, health
insurance card, driver’s license/ID, resumes (for
networking!), debit or credit cards (front & back in
case they get lost you have your account number and
phone numbers to call)
Local currency (around $100-150 USD depending on
location to get you started should be enough)
•
You may have to call your bank to ask if they can
provide any local currency in advance.
Alternatively, you can exchange US dollars for
local currency at the airport.
Course materials like books or supplies
Hard copy of airport arrival instructions and the
address of your accommodations that you received
from your study abroad coordinator or program lead.
Clothing
Clothing appropriate for:
•
Cultural Norms
•
Weather (you may need to pack for more than
one season)
•
Program activities (Examples to consider are
internships, outdoor activities, excursions, visits
to sites of religious or cultural significance)
Recommended: One nice dress outfit for professional
events, outings, shows, nice dinners etc.
Pair of comfortable walking shoes (you’ll likely walk
more than you are probably used to)
Shower shoes for shared bathrooms
Extra socks & underwear
Swimsuit
Towels, pillows, linens- these may be provided
depending on your accommodation (recommend
buying these in country since they will take up a lot of
room in your suitcase)
studyabroad.arizona.edu | #WildcatsAbroad | 520-626-9211
Medications and Health
Items you may need from the CDC recommended first-aid kit
Face masks/coverings
Feminine hygiene products
Birth control such as condoms or birth control prescriptions
Prescription medications:
•
Pack in carry-on in case your checked bag gets lost
or delayed
•
In original bottles with your name and your doctor’s name
•
Only as many doses as you need while you’re gone plus
three or four additional doses in case of travel delays
Written prescriptions and note from your doctor for any life
sustaining medications, controlled substances, or injectable
medicines such as insulin or EpiPens
Extra pair of prescription glasses and/or contacts
Additional Resources: Please read this CDC article about
traveling safely with medications
Technology
Laptop/tablet- Likely necessary for coursework
Cell phone that can be utilized in country- It is required for
students to have cell phone service while studying abroad
and cannot rely solely on wifi-based communication apps.
Below are some options for students:
•
Unlocked cell phone that accepts international SIM card:
call your carrier and ask whether your phone is
compatible with international SIM cards. You may be able
to buy a prepaid SIM abroad to connect to the local
network.
•
An eSIM is a digital version of the traditional physical
SIM card. eSIMs allow you to connect to a mobile data
service provider using an app. Check if your phone is
unlocked, compatible with eSIM cards and the one you
are purchasing covers the countries you are visiting.
•
Speak with your cell phone provider to see their
international plan options. Some U.S.-based carriers
include international roaming service (depending on your
phone plan), though most carriers have daily or monthly
add-on packages
Electrical outlet plug adaptors
•
This is different than a voltage converter! This site will
provide more information on the differences. Most
smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets are dual
voltage, using a converter on something that is
already dual-voltage can damage your device.
Chargers for your technology/power banks for all your devices
What NOT to Pack
Toiletries & Miscellaneous
Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap for use the
first days in country (save luggage space and buy
more upon arrival)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (put in carry on, may
want to brush your teeth on long flights)
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Apps to Download
Your airline app
WhatsApp or other messaging apps
Duo Mobile: For verification when logging into
UAccess. Have the notification-login enables since
you may not have your US number to verify login
while abroad.
Google Translate: Download local language
dictionary for offline use
Duolingo or Memrise to brush up on your
language skills
GeoBlue- International Health Insurance app
Optional (but recommended)
Small backpack or bag (for school & day trips)
Travel guidebooks
English to local language dictionary
Packing cubes for suitcase
Suitcase/backpack locks
Reusable water bottle
Camera
Personal journal
Hat
Sunglasses
Small umbrella
Travel pillow
Battery bank
Thank you cards for professors & other mentors
Small souvenirs from home for host family
Hair dryer, hair straightener/curling iron, electric shaver, electric toothbrush- these small appliances
are not built to handle the 220/240-volt electricity in many countries. It is usually best to buy these
in country.
Voltage Converters- They are generally expensive, and the vast majority of modern tech gadgets
are dual voltage, meaning they automatically convert to run on other voltage systems.
An overly full or full suitcase (you will need room to bring souvenirs back!)
Expensive items such as jewelry, gold, pearls, watches, etc.
Large sums of US dollars. Besides being generally unsafe, exchanging USD to the local currency
usually comes with high fees.
