A worthy investment?

Photo Credit: DooByBrian.com

With the economy heading in the direction that it has been for the last few years it's amazing that students can still afford to attend college, much less fork out the extra change to study abroad. Or can they?

The estimated cost  is about $10,000 a semester, not including the flights or traveling expenses, and often deters students from studying abroad. Between paying for tuition, housing, food, and transportation students could use any opportunity to help cushion the financial burden. And even though students are interested in the experience and culture they often put this dream on hold and never return to it.

However unlike the students putting their dream on hold, Dianne Antonopoulos, a junior currently attending CSULB, plans to study abroad in Greece this upcoming spring. When asked about the financial burden awaiting her, and whether or not it will be worth the price tag, she responded without hesitation. "I definitely think so. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that you'll never have time for again. You can't put a price on the experience you'll have or the fact that you're emerging yourself in a whole new culture."

Like Dianne, some students are willing to pay the short-term costs for an unforgettable experience. In 2007/08 there was actually an 8.5% increase in participants compared to the previous year, which could be a result of a number of possibilities. For example, direct exchange, which lets students pay the same amount of tuition they would pay if they were attending CSULB, is one way of many ways that is opening up opportunities to studying in foreign countries. Along with direct exchange, students can also use apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

With the financial assistance that is now available for students, studying abroad is more obtainable now than ever.