<p>nauru:</p>
<p>It's not that cut 'n dried. What you describe is certainly not the only approach. It may not even be the best approach.</p>
<p>Some schools have you pay the study abroad program directly and charge you an administrative fee. This can be much cheaper than a semester at your home college. So, I wouldn't dismiss this approach out of hand. It just depends on the cost of your study abroad program.</p>
<p>My daughter's school has you simply continue paying the normal tuition at the home school, with all your financial aid in place. They cut a check to the study abroad program (unless it's one of their own programs) and give you a check to cover your overseas airfare and money for food (if it's not included). This is a GREAT approach if you are on a full-ride financial aid deal. If you are a full-fare student, it depends on the cost of the study abroad program. Again, it all depends on your individual situation and the cost of the study abroad relative to the price of your home college. </p>
<p>My daughter's study abroad was more expensive than tuition, room, and board at her school (I know, I know....hard to believe). Her school picked up the tab (airfare was included) and sent her $500 or so to cover lunches. On average, however, the school comes out ahead on this deal for full-fare students, which it uses to subsidize financial aid students. Remember, financial aid isn't just a price discount in this case -- the school actually has to write a check to the study abroad program, so financial aid is cash money out of pocket for the school. They went to this approach to make it easier for financial aid students to study abroad.</p>