Studying Abroad in Europe On the Cheap - Christopher Halbohn

Studying Abroad In Europe On the Cheap

Christopher Halbohn

With fellow intern Sean Saxon in Paris!

            Studying abroad is every student’s chance to experience life in another nation, under the guise of “studying.” If you’re studying abroad, you’ve managed to convince university administrators, your parents, and your friends that going abroad is pertinent to mastering the major you’ve been pursuing.  You’re also going to have the chance to do this at the most ripe of ages! Kudos.

            Now that the hard part is over, you’re set to leave the United States (possibly for the first time) and make a leap of faith into the unknown. Many locales will allow the opportunity for travel, giving you the chance to not only learn the culture of the place where you’ll be living, but also to briefly encounter the cultures of other nations near it. Traveling to these places can often be the most taxing, but most rewarding part of the abroad experience.  The information that follows will allow you the opportunity to learn how to make the most of your time overseas, without completely robbing you of every penny you’ve ever earned. Here are just a few tips to minimize costs when traveling and living abroad:

1) Use the Student ID that the university you are attending issues you.

           

This card will generally allow you free entry to many museums, exhibits, and other installations throughout the city you’re in and the cities to which you will be traveling. This rule will prove especially true in Europe, a continent that acts very much like one single nation. A student studying in Paris, but traveling in Amsterdam with a student ID in hand from his/her host university, will be able to access the Van Gogh Museum and many other attractions, free of charge or for a reduced admission fee. Various student-led travel companies will also accept these cards as proof that you are indeed a student, giving you access to reduced-rate tours.

2) Find an “off-the-books” job.

           

This recommendation is a lot less sketchy and a lot easier than it sounds. You’ll find that whilst studying abroad, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for being a native English speaker. Knowing English is a highly marketable skill that families will pay you handsomely for because they want their children to grow up being able to speak English fluently. Families often seek out English-speaking students to babysit their children and speak to them solely in English. That sounds like an easy way to make some extra cash if you ask me! Other similar jobs include tutoring, if that is more your speed.

3) Ask locals how they get around and explore cheaper travel options.

            Before you leave, everyone and their mother will advise you that traveling by train is the cheapest option. Do not listen to this. Though traveling by high-speed rail is incredibly advanced and efficient in Europe, it is not always the most economical. Explore options like Megabus,  a company that also operates within the United States, and budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. These companies have incredibly low rates and offer a “no-frills” travel experience, but they will charge for things like checked bags, so pack lightly.  If you are into car travel, check out BlahBlahCar, a carpooling site that vets its drivers beforehand (as to make sure they aren’t criminals or psychopaths). If, after all that searching, you decide that train is still your preferred method of transportation, then look into EuroStar for European travel in general, or the SNCF, if you’re in France.

4) If you have a kitchen, take advantage of that.

           

            This is a great way to explore the local recipes and impress your family when you’re arrived back home stateside. Cooking is also a great way to make friends, so invite the people you’ve met over for a dinner party (but make sure there’s a good bottle of wine to pair with). Even though you are in Europe, you are on a budget—eating out all the time will quickly drain you of your allowance and disallow you from experiencing other great moments like traveling and going out in your respective cities.

5) Make a budget for yourself.

            For a lot of you, like myself, you will be going abroad with a sum of money you’ve saved for months, or even years. Budgeting this allotment will be pertinent in making sure you have enough funds to explore everything that Europe has to offer. When you arrive and feel like you understand the economics and purchasing abilities of the places in which you are, set aside money for different things: shopping, eating, traveling, etc. Once you have this established, stick to it, but also account for some emergencies. Maybe you’ll find a fabulous leather jacket in Paris that is just outside your price range—take money from other areas of your budget, but be cognizant that you’ve done this. Further, you may want to buy your whole family souvenirs, but trust me they don’t need or want everything you see.

With these tips, go forth and conquer. Make the most of your time and take time to talk to everyone you meet. You are about to have the time of your life! Don’t forget to take pictures!