<p>Daughter just returned from 17 weeks in Europe. She studied on a program there, plus took side trips to four other countries.
1. She went with $6000 in her checking account; brought back $1000 because she had a charge card for some expenses (explained below);
2. Round trip air was about $1800 plus $175 for the second suitcase coming/going
3. Including the air, she charged/I wrote checks to the program for approximately $3444, but again, that includes air fare, buying pots/pans, going in with others to buy a printer for their papers, renting a bike (never ridden), purchasing a cheap but required cell phone (she brought it home) and minutes cards, tram tickets, all her own food during that time, etcetera.
4. Included in the $3444 is a $400+ fee for her student residence visa, plus some field trips/dinners/ tours.
5. She used a charge card for hostel rentals, the bike, setting up the apt via Ikea, etcetera.</p>
<p>Thus, while it 'costs' to study abroad, I'm impressed with her budgeting. Now, the total above doesn't include tuition/student loans, etcetera, but for parents trying to figure out, 'How much money does it take?' to get there/survive there, this gives a small snapshot.</p>
<p>$5000 in 'cash' for her expenses
$3444 for charges/airfare round trip/trips to four other countries/etc.</p>
<p>She didn't bring home many souvenirs, but the entire experience is one we can't put a price tag on.</p>
<p>Hope this helps some people planning for study abroad.</p>