Begin your financial planning when you start researching various programs abroad. Remember that program costs may list only part of your expenses; you will have travel costs to get there and vacation costs you don't normally have here. Important things to remember about program costs and study abroad:

• Tuition and fees for study abroad vary from what you pay at Purchase College.
• Prices are influenced by local economies, by type of program, location, length, cost of living, excursions, and more.
• Exchange programs & SUNY Study Abroad Programs tend to be most affordable.
• Nearly all programs cost more than an in-state semester at Purchase College when calculating total costs.

Location & Length of Program.

It's important to keep in mind where you are going and for how long. Living and traveling abroad incurs costs. Prices are also subject to the exchange rate. For the most up-to-date rates, visit www.xe.com/ucc. For specific program costs, please contact the program director.

Tips for Finding the Money for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an investment in your future. Like any other type of investment, it requires planning, careful management, creativity, perseverance and commitment. The personal, academic and professional rewards will last a lifetime.

Planning Ahead

Calculate all of your current on-campus costs, starting with your Purchase College Cost of Attendance. Think about your Purchase annual budget, add up your rent, meals, tuition and fees, travel expenses, entertainment, trips to the city, books, supplies, etc. Use this calculation as a baseline for comparison of costs abroad.

Check the program brochure or webpage for a list of expenses -- there you will find a list of items included in the program fee.

It will be helpful to plan for these primary (estimated) costs:

• $0 - $100 Application Fee (applicable to the program fee-different for each program)
• Program Fee (may include tuition and some fees)
• Room & Board (if not included in program fees)
• Roundtrip Airfare
• Estimate for in-country expenses (i.e. local travel/commuting, internet, books, supplies)
• Educational or Cultural Excursions
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

For some programs, there will be additional expenses such as:

• Visa (varies for each country)
• Passport (new or renewed US or other country for US Permanent Residents)
• Immunizations (specific to certain parts of the world)

If program costs are still unclear, contact the program provider for a full explanation. Determine your needs and interests. Compare the features and costs of various programs to find the best match.

Various factors influence the total cost of participating in a study abroad program and include:

• Location
• Local cost of living
• Timing and length of program
• International and on-site transportation
• Type of program

Make the program work toward your long-term goals and it will be worth the investment. Apply for financial aid well in advance. Determining your award ahead of time will help you budget accordingly.

Check out the Financial Aid Section on http://purchase.abroadoffice.net/resources.html