How to Save Money Studying Abroad for the Summer

Itching to get outta dodge this summer with little cash to spare?  Traveling and studying abroad doesn't have to tack another huge debt onto your student loans.  With extra planning you can fully experience another culture for much less than traditional programs.
 
1. Contact a university directly to make arrangements
If you connect with a college abroad, often they will be able to recommend a summer program with dorm or family housing and appropriate classes for your language abilities.  By doing the work yourself to arrange a study abroad with a university you can tailor it more toward your goals and save money.

2. Pick inexpensive destinations
The following are generally less expensive yet safe locations for studying abroad.  Parents, don't discount non-European destinations for fear of crime--most tourists who are aware of their surroundings have a higher likelihood of getting mugged in Detroit than in South America.

Guatemala continues to be a beautiful location for language study and great scenic travel.  Antigua is one of the cleanest and most visually appealing cities in the Americas.  From Mayan ruins to beautiful beaches, students headed here will make the most of their travel budget.
Head to Southeast Asia for cheap, tasty food, great sites, and cheap programs.  Saigon tops the list for must-sees.  Flight costs are not as prohibitive as you might think.

Believe it or not, Colombia is once again a safe place to travel.  Medellín is a delightful city with beautiful, lush greenery and welcoming Colombianos.  

3. Arrange an internship abroad instead
Forget the studying--especially the language class part.  If your aim is to learn to speak like the locals, find a friend of a friend who knows somebody overseas to work for.  My cousin flew down to Costa Rica and worked in furniture refinishing in exchange for a home stay and food.  His only cost was the plane ticket and expenses for weekend travel.  Part of the reason you're in college is to build a network of friends.  Ask around and make some connections.  Working for free will truly immerse you in culture and keep you from hanging out with American students.

4. Get a scholarship
More than likely your college has a study abroad office.  Comb through their list of scholarships and apply for all of them.  I went abroad on a grant that required me to write a paper and present it to a group of students.  It helped keep my trip focused and paid a decent chunk of expenses.  Your local Rotary Club usually sponsors ambassador study abroad trips as well.

5. Be leery of third party study abroad programs
Signing up with a pre-fab program with language classes and scheduled field trips is akin to a cruise.  If you'd rather hang out with your buddies in a foreign country and be shuttled around like high school freshmen, be my guest.  I'd rather travel with a university program or, better yet, make my own arrangements before forking over mega dough to a third party planner.  

6. Don't be tied to college credit
Study abroad classes may officially grant you a certain number of hours for your "class work", but I always preferred not to waste my time in a class.  Get to know the local baker, hang out with the waiter at a favorite restaurant, or chat with your family--it's all more authentic than verb charts.

As always check the water quality, make several copies of your passport, take traveler's checks, and locate your embassy before boarding.  Enjoy this time, but be reasonable with your budget.