Study abroad costs can turn into a major investment in some cases, so they shouldn't be underestimated. But why can the costs add up so quickly? As a rule, you shouldn't lose sight of the following expenses:

Study abroad costs in detail:

Study abroad costs
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Course materials
  • Semester fees, and possibly tuition fees on top
  • Leisure
  • Clothing
  • Internet and phone
  • Accommodation
  • Passport and, if needed, vaccinations

In individual cases, this list could be extended considerably. Still, the scope of each item makes the scale of the costs clear. A semester abroad should be planned well in advance. In some cases, financial aid is also available. Your first stop should be your own school's study abroad advisor. Information sessions are also often held for students who want to spend a semester abroad. Anyone entitled to BAföG (German federal student aid) should tell the student services office (Studierendenwerk) about the planned stay abroad in good time so that no gaps in funding arise.

The costs of a semester abroad often go beyond the stay abroad itself

Students with their own apartment in particular should think about all the costs involved early on. Many young people at universities no longer live with their parents. This leads to further study abroad costs. Your own apartment may then sit unused for up to 6 months. That isn't necessarily a problem at first, but the rent still has to be paid on time. Many young people aren't up to this financial burden.

In a case like this, subletting the apartment can be a good idea. But you absolutely have to agree on it with your landlord. If the landlord approves the temporary sublet, financial bottlenecks in this area are quickly overcome. With a sublet, though, you should always draw up a written agreement. The subtenant should also put down a security deposit or provide a guarantee. If that doesn't happen, serious problems can arise at the end of your stay abroad.

Study abroad costs

Study abroad costs are a good investment

A semester abroad can definitely get very expensive. Besides the costs of travel and accommodation, you often keep paying ongoing costs for your actual apartment as well. Insurance premiums and installment payments also have to keep being made. Sometimes money can get really tight. But you shouldn't underestimate the real value of a semester abroad. It's about life experience and a one-of-a-kind chance to dive into another world. That other world broadens your horizons and opens up new perspectives.

The semester abroad may even pay off financially later. Many employers like to see that a semester like this has been completed. In many cases, a semester abroad extends the time it takes to finish your degree. This is due to the different modules and exam regulations in each country. After your stay abroad, make sure to get the relevant modules recognized. Some universities have meanwhile developed very flexible policies to keep these problems to a minimum.