Spending a semester (or longer) studying outside the country is an enriching, life-changing experience.
It's also really expensive. How can you make the trip without destroying your financial future? 283,332 U.S. students who studied abroad for academic credit during the 2011-12 academic year (1) That's just 1% of all college and university students in the U.S. (1) By race or ethnicity Percentage of U.S. students studying abroad in 2011-12: (1) African-American: 5.3% Asian/Pacific Islander: 7.7% Caucasian: 76.4% Hispanic: 7.6% Multiracial: 2.5% American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.5% By destination Percentage of U.S. students studying abroad in 2011-12: (1) Africa: 4.5% Asia: 12.4% Europe: 53.3% Latin America: 15.8% Middle East: 2.5% North America: 0.6% Oceania: 4.5% Multiple regions: 6.4% Students reporting boosts from studying abroad: (2) Maturity: 97% Self-confidence: 96% Impact on world view: 95% Continuing influence on family life: 73% Influence on interaction with people from different cultures: 94% Encouragement to explore other cultures: 64% Influence on subsequent educational experiences: 87% Influence on decision to attend graduate school: 64% Nearly half of those who've studied abroad engaged in international work or volunteerism after
their studies were over. (2) $17,785 Average per-semester cost for studying abroad during 2012-13 school year (3) $11,000 Average tuition cost per semester for out-of-state student at public university (4) Costs to consider: Tips for making the experience affordable: (5) Sources:
Study Abroad Without Breaking the Bank
Who Studies Abroad and Where Do They Go?
The Benefits of Studying Abroad
Tips for Staying on Budget
1. https://www.nafsa.org
2. http://www.iesabroad.org
3. http://www.foxbusiness.com
4. http://trends.collegeboard.org
5. http://www.iie.org
