Non-Yale Summer Abroad: Costs & Funding
You are here
TOC:Financial Considerations
What does study abroad cost?
Yale is committed to supporting study abroad for students at all levels of financial need by maintaining a designated list that includes a range of different program costs. For a non-Yale summer abroad program, you will not be billed by Yale for any costs. Instead, your program will bill you directly for all of their associated costs.
Your billed expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- tuition
- housing
- student activities
- administrative fees
Visit the website of your intended program or university to view the billed costs during the summer you plan to attend.
Tip: You also should anticipate other costs you will incur that may not be part of the program's billed expenses.
Your unbilled expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- roundtrip airfare
- student visa
- immunizations
- textbooks
- meals
- personal expenses (pharmacy items, daily coffee purchases, laundry, cell phone, etc.)
- local transportation
- independent activities and trips
- souvenirs and gifts
Your intended program may provide an estimate of unbilled expenses, which can be a useful starting point for calculating these other costs.
How do I budget for study abroad?
There are a variety of factors to consider when building and managing a budget for your time abroad. Utilize the tips and resources below to assist you with estimating and planning for expenses.
- Understand your anticipated billed and unbilled expenses (see the section above).
- Determine how much money you will have available whether using Yale financial aid, other funding, your family's expected contribution, and/or your savings.
- Consider both the currency exchange rate (see xe.com) and the cost of living (see Numbeo) of your intended location(s). Be mindful of fluctuations.
- Think about your spending habits. For example, if you plan to eat out often, estimate high when budgeting.
- Once you arrive abroad and have a better sense of costs, set a weekly budget and stick to it. Budgeting apps or spreadsheets can help you to monitor your spending and stay on track.
- Designate some funds for emergencies or other unexpected costs.
- Take advantage of student discounts whenever applicable.
- Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best option. Don't sacrifice your health, safety, or finances to save money initially. Research your options carefully.
- Consider limiting the amount of travel you do outside your host country. Not only will this save you money, but it will give you the opportunity to explore and get to know local sites, shops, and restaurants.
Pin: Check out these budgeting tips.
What are some merit-based funding options?
The Yale Fellowships & Funding team offers advising to Yale students on a wide variety of Yale-specific and outside funding opportunities competitions. You can search for fellowships on their website using the Student Grants Database.
Link: Information about Funding for Language Study
How else can I fund my experience?
Outside Scholarships
You may also want to consider applying for study abroad scholarships through outside organizations. If you'll be attending a Non-Yale program, be sure to check with your study abroad provider to see if they might offer funding opportunities. Keep in mind that external funding application deadlines can be much earlier than those at Yale.