With high expectations but devalued currency, American students studying abroad will need to take precautions to be sure they are spending, if not wisely, at least not recklessly in areas of Europe where the cost of living outpaces even the priciest U.S. cities, New York and Boston included. Boston University’s openness with accepted study abroad students about the cost of its programs and its stipend budgeting are ways to help students enjoy their experiences without economic hardship.
However, it remains the student’s responsibility to discover the real costs of abroad programs and to ask program administrators in Boston about any concerns before applying. Certain costs, like the $16 laundry trips next semester’s London program students have been advised to expect, may come as a shock to students accustomed to Beantown life. Others may also be disappointed if they are setting their abroad standards by siblings’ or friends’ past experiences. Should students decide to cut back on extra trips while abroad this year, as advises Philippe Pavillard, director of finance and operations for BU International Programs, they may imagine their experiences diminished.
Expectation appears to be key to a successful abroad experience during times of a changing international economy. If students are aware of both the increased costs of their luxuries and necessities and accept their impact, there is no reason a well-informed student cannot have a good time.