<p>DD is in her first year so we have some time to think about this but I'm wondering if anyone has changed their mind on the studying abroad plans due to the economy? I originally told DD she could study abroad for her junior year as her school will apply her financial aid towards it. But with so many layoffs, drops in investments, pay cuts etc I'm wondering how many have changed their plans? I'm thinking she would be better off with an internship here to help with finding a job rather than studying abroad. She plans on using her own savings for spending money etc but I just don't know if it's a wise decision with all the uncertainty going on. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>It’s certainly a personal decision, and one each family will have to make based on their own particulars. But… if not now, when?</p>
<p>EXchange rates change, but currently highly discounted airfare and highly favorable exchange rates make NOW an excellent time to travel internationally. </p>
<p>Perhaps grab a internationl summer program now rather then a junior year aboard - save the FA for US portion.</p>
<p>If FA goes toward study abroad, why not do it? My DD spent 5 months in Chile for junior year semester abroad, and it cost us the same as it would have to have had her at her Univ. The FA transferred and the budget was adjusted. It was a terrific opportunity and firmed up her spanish language skills.</p>
<p>My D’s study abroad program costs the same as if she were here in the states, too. What will be extra is travel over there and back, as well as additional travel on weekends, if she chooses; but travel in Europe can be done very cheaply for students. Well, and there’s that trip I’m hoping to make when she’s abroad, to see her.</p>
<p>My D is a freshman also, hoping to spend junior year abroad. You mentioned staying here to do an internship to help with finding a job. I think studying abroad could be looked at favorably in a job search also, especially for my D who is studying international relations. I don’t think the economy would change her plans.</p>
<p>I agree with the above comments … it’s rare to have an opportunity like this again.</p>
<p>I’ve just always wondered if employers viewed study abroad as more of a vacation rather than how an internship would look for experience for a job. DD just called and said she found a program that has an internship in London and also some classes with it which sounds like the best of both worlds. She was also offered two additional work study opps today which would enable her to use up her work study grant which I didn’t think she would be able to do as jobs were very scarce on campus most of the year. She’s determined to earn the extra money and she also mentioned that this is the only time in her life that she will be able to spend that amount of time in Europe and not have to worry about missing work. She’s right… Thanks</p>
<p>My kids’ school factors cost of transportation into financial aid when setting the study abroad budget. It LITERALLY cost us exactly the same as if she had been here in the states. I don’t think my kids’ school is unique in this respect. You might want to check and see if the transportation charges are included…</p>
<p>I actually think that employers may think highly of study abroad programs. Students who study abroad obtain a global perspective of the world. Most travel a great deal (especially if they are in Europe) and become quite independent (sometimes even more mature!) which may be an asset in an interview.</p>
<p>She’s determined to earn the extra money and she also mentioned that this is the only time in her life that she will be able to spend that amount of time in Europe and not have to worry about missing work. She’s right… Thanks</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>For minimizing travel costs, consider Asia rather than Europe. S1 spent his last semester in Thailand. Food and travel costs were well within the means of a college student</p>
<p>If your child is by any chance at an NSE school, consider domestic study abroad in a completely different part of the country. Not quite as eye opening as study abroad, but a very nice way to broaden your horizons. And for students who want to speak English during their time away from the home campus, much less expensive than Australia!
[National</a> Student Exchange - Links to Member Campuses](<a href=“http://www.buffalostate.edu/depts/nse/memcam.asp]National”>http://www.buffalostate.edu/depts/nse/memcam.asp)</p>
<p>If they apply FA to it, why not? It’s an opportunity she may not have again for a while. She could also do an internship abroad, if her school offers that type of thing.</p>
<p>Nurse, I don’t know what your DD’s career interest is but I know that in many business careers, study abroad is a real plus. In my line of work having a broad perspective of the world is a necessity. I rarely hire kids who have not had expansive experiences. In many fields young employees travel all over and I feel much more confident with those who have already become confident world citizens. Hopefully there programs are fun, but I would never look at a cultural experience as just a vacation.</p>
<p>These days we see kids with multiple study abroad experiences (my DS is planning 3 which cost the same as being at school) and many with international internships.</p>
<p>You should be able to have the same COA in an exchange program as you have at the home school. Go for it!</p>
<p>There may be some extra sundry costs, travel around the area, etc, but that is a worthwhile experience.</p>
<p>My daughter is studying abroad right now and absolutely overjoyed – she is planning to flly to the Mediterranean for spring break and to spend several weeks traveling around Europe after the end of her semester. She wrote me, “this economic crisis is a boon to my wallet - flights are cheap, hotels are cheap, food is cheap”. She said she doesn’t think she could have gotten these kind of deals any other year. She has been abroad for 2 months now and spent very little money, even though she has to pay for food in her dorm. </p>
<p>My d’s college financial aid is set up to fully subsidize travel abroad – her overall grant was reduced this semester because her dorm fees abroad are less than they would be at home, but after factoring everything in, including air fare, our out-of-pocket is actually slightly reduced than it would be otherwise. Because of the study abroad plans, my d. was also able to arrange to use her full work-study allotment fall semester --so basically she earned enough during the fall months to subsidize her time abroad and travels. </p>
<p>So the bottom line is that right now is an excellent time to study abroad. Since my daughter attends college in a very expensive city (New York) – I think overall she is saving money by being abroad simply because it has reduced her day-to-day cost of living.</p>
<p>(Oh… and my daughter is applying to grad school for a degree in international relations… so at least for her, the more she pads her travel resume, the better).</p>
<p>Not at all-</p>
<p>At my S’ school, almost everyone studies abroad during their junior year and most of the programs use financial aid. He is a freshman this year but actually will be doing an “externship” this summer in Europe, partially paid by the school.</p>