Semester Abroad - The truth about expenses

Parents Forum
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<p>S is an advanced French student, so he would be fine in a situation where no one spoke English–he’s going to be taking 3 courses taught entirely in French and the idea is to have an immersion experience. We’ve had experience in another country staying in a “homestay” situation where the people routinely had 6 or 7 foreigners staying with them…they were very nice, but it wasn’t exactly the situation I envisioned going in!</p>

<p>My S doesn’t use his cell phone to call us in the US, so I guess we won’t be investing in one there. :)</p>

<p>I just don’t know how much money is reasonable to expect him to spend over a 10-wk stay. Would $1K, or $100/wk, be enough for a frugal kid in Paris for “walking around money,” or is that unrealistically low?</p>

42

<p>All D’s FA went with her, and all we covered was a little room and board (2 months) and her plane fare. D had a fellowship before she went, so she traveled all over using Ryan Air, and Couch Surfing. She shopped in grocery stores and didn’t eat in restaurants. It didn’t cost me anymore than I would have paid here. And yes, she traveled to most expensive - London, Scotland, Wales, etc., and the dollar was pitiful! But she learned how to be economical and had a great time! First semester Spain, second Germany. She was even given a stipend to cover R&B and meals. No costs incurred there at all. Check out the programs that are available through your school.</p>