<p>Hi everyone! </p>
<p>I've decided to study abroad in Angers, France for the winter/spring semester next year (end of January-May) along with possibly traveling 'round France for a few weeks/a month after my classes end. </p>
<p>How has everyone saved up money for the big trip? And once you get there, what are some things to help you save money? (I've heard of the euro rail pass thing and staying at youth hostels.) </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Besides passes and maybe an student discount card, the only think I can add is getting tickets early, the later you wait, the more they go up.
This blog has some good hints:
[Banking</a> And Money Tips For Study Abroad Students | The Study Abroad Blog](<a href=“The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault”>The Study Abroad Blog - Nate Nault)</p>
<p>My daughter found using a credit card and ATM card with limited fees helped and only withdrawing money about once a week to keep them down. For her being in UK, it was Bank of America and we had a Chase Sapphire but I’m not sure about France.</p>
<p>Well, an obvious solution when you’re abroad is to make your own meals, rather than always eating at a restaurant/takeaway. It is always much less expensive to cook your own food than to have others cook for you. Additionally, instead of using an American mobile and racking up international charges, get a cheap pay as you go phone in your destination country.</p>
<p>Eat like the locals - go to supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl first (they have many things, but not everything) and ethnic supermarkets. Then go to a larger supermarket (invariably more expensive) to get the last things e.g. Carrefour. Cook from scratch. </p>
<p>Unlock your phone before you go, then buy a local SIM card and use a local network. Failing that buy a ‘brick’ phone locally. </p>
<p>Depending on how much your bank will charge you, and if you intend to work whilst out there, open a local bank account. </p>
<p>In terms of money, I worked full time for 7 months as a barmaid. I was fresh out of high school, and it was, erm, character building!</p>