5 Steps to Study Abroad Success

Budgeting Your Expenses

Use the list below to help prepare a detailed budget to track the money you are spending.

Expenses:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Housing fees / rent
- Food / meals
- Health insurance
- Books
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Clothes
- Personal expenses
- Family expenses
- Recreation
- Travel

Important things to remember as you plan your budget include:
- Will you be receiving income on a regular basis? If so, plan to pay your bills and meet your other expenses with your income schedule in mind.
- If you are receiving a scholarship or assistantship from your school, keep in mind that these awards are often taxed by the local governments. You may be surprised at how much smaller your award is after deductions for taxes have been made.
- Some schools charge various fees in addition to tuition. Some are one-time fees, such as an orientation fee; others may be charged each semester, such as "student activity" and health-service fees.
- Be prepared to meet initial, one-time expenses. Read the information below on renting an apartment.
- Track your expenses by category, such as food and books, to better understand where you are spending the most money. When done every month, this type of accounting can give you the incentive to economize.
- Owning and operating a car overseas is an additional expense, and carries many responsibilities. If you are hoping to have a car during your stay, be sure you have budgeted sufficient funds, not only for the purchase price, but also for maintenance and insurance.
- Financial aid awards are typically paid to students by check, but in order to cash and access the money you will have to open a bank account. Also, it is important for you to realize that even if you do receive financial assistance, you will not be paid for your first month''s work until the very end of that month.