The phrase “study abroad” tends to conjure up a certain image. Maybe it’s someone sipping espresso in Rome between art history classes, or backpacking through Southeast Asia while casually knocking out college credits. And too often, that image is dressed head-to-toe in financial privilege—cue the “rich kid energy” meme.
But here’s the truth that rarely gets the spotlight: studying abroad is not just for the trust-fund set. In fact, it can be far more accessible—and affordable—than most people realize.
I say this not as someone who breezed through it on a platinum card, but as someone who’s worked in education and lifestyle for over a decade and seen students—from first-gen college goers to working adults—find smart, strategic, and doable ways to take their education global. It’s not about pretending money isn’t a factor. It is. But it’s also about dismantling the myth that you need stacks of cash to get a plane ticket and some credits abroad.
So, if you’ve ever felt like studying abroad isn’t for people like you, hang tight.
Top Takeaways
- Study abroad ≠ rich kid default. Financial aid, scholarships, and exchange programs can make it surprisingly affordable.
- Short-term programs exist. You don’t have to go for a whole semester or year.
- Community colleges and state schools offer options too. You don’t need an Ivy League acceptance letter.
- Language fluency isn't mandatory. English-friendly programs are everywhere.
- Studying abroad could even cost less than a semester at home. Especially when you factor in housing and tuition in certain countries.
Why Does Studying Abroad Feel Exclusive?
There’s also the perception that the experience itself is more vacation than education—a luxury, not a necessity. But that line of thinking undersells the academic, professional, and personal value of the experience. And it overestimates how expensive it has to be.
Here’s the good news: that old narrative? It’s cracking. And more students from all backgrounds are rewriting the story.
So, How Do People Actually Afford This?
Let’s talk dollars and sense. Because yes, studying abroad costs money. But it’s not inherently expensive. The key is understanding the hidden routes that make it affordable.
1. Financial Aid Travels With You (Often)
A lot of students don’t realize this: your federal financial aid can often be applied to study abroad programs. That includes Pell Grants, student loans, and state-based aid in many cases. The caveat? The program usually needs to be approved by your home institution, and the credits have to count toward your degree.
If you’re already using aid to attend college, you might already be eligible to use it abroad. And that’s a game-changer.
2. Scholarships Specifically for Studying Abroad Exist (and Go Unclaimed)
There are literally hundreds of scholarships out there that are only for study abroad—and a lot of them don’t require a perfect GPA or a soul-selling essay.
A few big names:
- Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship – For Pell Grant recipients. Covers up to $5,000.
- Boren Awards – Focused on language and critical global regions, offering up to $25,000.
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) – Prioritizes students of color, first-gen college students, and community college attendees.
- Freeman-ASIA – For students going to East or Southeast Asia, especially from low-income backgrounds.
Pro tip? Many schools also have their own internal funding or partnerships with external programs that lower the total cost.
3. Cost of Living Abroad May Be Lower Than Staying Home
This is the part that surprises people: sometimes it’s cheaper to live and study abroad than to stay put. Countries like Portugal, Thailand, or Colombia have significantly lower living expenses compared to U.S. cities or campus housing.
Think: $300 a month for rent instead of $1,200. Meals for $3. Public transit for cents. You get the idea.
Combine that with tuition exchange rates or partnerships, and the whole experience might end up being a bargain.
Not All Programs Are Long or Pricey
If you’re picturing a year-long sabbatical, pause. That’s not the only model.
You can study abroad for two weeks over winter break, or during a summer session. These programs are often more structured (read: less intimidating) and usually cheaper. They're perfect for students with jobs, family responsibilities, or financial limitations.
Some schools also offer faculty-led programs, which means you go abroad with your professors and classmates. Built-in community, academic support, and clear logistics? Yes, please.
What If You’re Not a Traditional Student?
You don’t need to be 19 and living in a dorm to go abroad. Study abroad is evolving to include:
- Adult learners
- Community college students
- Part-time or online students
- Parents or caregivers
A lot of programs offer hybrid models, weekend coursework, or remote options paired with in-person intensives. It's about building global fluency—not fitting a single mold.
I once worked with a 36-year-old mom who did a two-week human rights course in Costa Rica while finishing her degree online. She brought her daughter with her, arranged childcare through the program, and said it was the best decision she ever made for her confidence.
The Less-Discussed Benefits
Look—we all love a scenic pic from a Parisian rooftop, but the real benefits of studying abroad aren’t surface-level. They’re career-building, brain-expanding, and genuinely life-shifting.
1. It Supercharges Your Resume
Global experience shows employers that you’re adaptable, culturally competent, and able to navigate unfamiliar situations. In a world where remote teams and cross-border work are the norm, this matters more than ever.
2. You Get Perspective You Literally Can’t Google
Living abroad—even briefly—forces you to step outside your bubble. You see how other cultures approach work, community, rest, even time. That exposure builds emotional intelligence, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding in a way no textbook can replicate.
3. It Could Lead to Future Opportunities Abroad
A surprising number of students return to work, intern, or even move permanently to a place they studied. It opens doors—and not just figuratively. Many programs help with networking, internships, and career advice in-country.
What to Watch Out For
Not everything is rose-colored luggage and breezy classes abroad. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Credit transfers can be tricky. Always confirm with your school what will count toward your degree before you go.
- Cost transparency matters. Read the fine print—what's included, what's not (like flights or meals).
- Mental health abroad is real. Culture shock, homesickness, and stress can hit hard. Choose a program with good support systems.
- You may have to hustle. Finding scholarships, applying, prepping paperwork—it takes effort. But it’s effort that can pay off big time.
It’s Not About Luxury—It’s About Leverage
This isn’t about jet-setting for the sake of looking cool on social media. It’s about using every tool available to make your education work harder for you.
Studying abroad isn’t a bougie detour. It’s a legitimate, enriching part of a college education that can be both transformative and attainable.
If you're scrappy, strategic, and a little bit adventurous? You don’t need rich kid energy. You just need resourceful energy.
Global Dreams Are Closer Than You Think
Studying abroad might not be the default path for everyone, but it’s a lot more possible than it’s been made to seem. Let’s drop the “rich kid energy” stereotype once and for all. Studying abroad isn’t about privilege—it’s about planning. And with the right tools, guidance, and mindset, it’s within reach.
You don’t have to have a luxury budget to build a global life. You just need resourcefulness, curiosity, and maybe a checklist or two.
And honestly? The moment you watch a sunrise from a new city, sit through your first class in another language, or learn how to order coffee like a local—it won’t matter how you got there. Just that you did.
