Financial Resources

Myth: Studying abroad is too expensive


Reality: Studying abroad often costs the same or even less than spending a quarter or year at Northwestern. Especially if your student studies in a country that has a lower cost of living, their day-to-day living expenses may be far lower than those they are accustomed to in Evanston. In addition, if your son or daughter qualifies for financial aid and participates in an affiliated program, they are still eligible to receive their Northwestern financial aid. Study abroad program costs do not impact the calculated Expected Family Contribution, so your out-of-pocket contribution for costs related to study abroad should not be different than for on-campus study.

In this section you will find:

Program Costs & Fees

Program Costs


When studying abroad, students pay the costs of the study abroad program (not Northwestern University tuition) for the quarter(s) they are abroad. Total estimated costs for affiliated programs can be found on each program page on the study abroad website; the most updated cost information can usually be found on the program's website.

It is important to note that study abroad program costs vary widely and may be considerably more or less expensive than the cost of attendance at Northwestern. Please check this information carefully. More information about billing and payments can be found here. You can compare the cost of studying abroad to the cost of studying at Northwestern by reviewing the cost comparison chart (pdf).

Study Abroad Administrative Fee


In order to be eligible to receive credit at Northwestern for study abroad (unless they are studying abroad on a Northwestern program or a Northwestern exchange program), most students must pay the SAAF. This fee is in addition to program charges and covers all services related to the administration of study abroad at Northwestern University. For students on non-Northwestern programs, this is the only portion of the study abroad costs that Northwestern keeps.


The Study Abroad Office uses the SAAF to fund some of its work, including:

  • Evaluating potential programs for affiliation and monitoring currently affiliated programs.
  • Developing and implementing a variety of educational programs, including information sessions, the study abroad fair, pre-departure events, and special events for students who have returned from study abroad. These programs provide students with the practical, educational, and emotional knowledge that will help them do a number of things, including:
    • Choosing the study abroad program that best meets their needs.
    • Making the most of their time abroad.
    • Contining to learn from and utilize their study abroad experiences once they return.
    • Working closely with faculty and administrators throughout the campus to clarify and streamline study abroad materials and policies.
    • Producing informational materials on study abroad for students, faculty, and administrators.
    • Advising students on an individual basis, as often as the students would like.
    • Talking with parents/guardians about the study abroad process and related issues.
    • Maintaining contact with and providing support for all students abroad, as needed.
    • Facilitating the transfer of credit once students return to campus

Additional Costs


Airfare


Students are generally responsible for making their own flight reservations and payments according to their program's specific dates and rules. Some programs include international group airfare in their program costs, so be sure to have your son or daughter consult their program office or program literature for more detailed information. Northwestern students frequently use STA Travel, which has a branch on campus. Also, make sure to take into consideration baggage limits and weight restrictions for each airline as these can add significant fees to your student's travel expenses.



Passport and Visa


Passport expenses range from $75 for a renewal to $100 for a new passport. There may also be fees to expedite service if not done several months ahead of time. For more information about the fees associated with applying for a passport, see the Department of State website. Visas are required for travel in certain countries. Fees vary widely depending on the country in which your student will study. Information about entry and exit requirements are listed by country here.



Medical Expenses (e.g. insurance, immunizations, etc.)


Northwestern University requires all study abroad students to have HTH Worldwide health insurance coverage for the entire period of time they are studying and traveling abroad, regardless of any other coverage they might have from their parents, Northwestern, or their study abroad program. Click here to find rates and purchase HTH insurance. Additionally, many regions of the world require that students are immunized against certain illnesses. Information about immunizations, travel medicine clinics, and their associated fees can be found on the Center for Disease Control Travel Website or Northwestern University Travel Health Services.

Additional Fees


In addition to regular tuition, housing and program fees, some study abroad program providers may charge additional fees, such as:

  • Supplemental Course Fees: These fees are charges in addition to the regular program fee, academic fees, and tuition, and are assessed to students for enrollment in certain courses or departments. For instance, some foreign universities may charge a supplemental course fee for courses taken in science, engineering, and other specialty areas involving laboratory, studio, or fieldwork.
  • Supplemental Housing Fees: these fees are a surcharge imposed by some programs for the following services:
    • Housing with extra features: full-service facilities, telephone or computer links. This surcharge may also include student activity fees, mandatory board program fees, and miscellaneous charges such as housing application or registration fees.
    • Housing deposit: such deposits are usually refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines, or outstanding debts in the student's name.
    • Meal plans: some programs abroad may assign students to a residence hall or other housing with a mandatory meal plan.

Have your student contact their program provider for billable estimated program costs. Because the Study Abroad Office cannot monitor or anticipate the type or amount of any of these special fees, it is imperative that your student contact the study abroad program to ascertain what fees, if any, will apply.



Please note that the special fees outlined above are not covered by NU Financial Aid. The program provider will bill you directly for these fees.



Personal Expenses


How much money your student will need while abroad depends on where they are going, currency fluctuations and exchange rates, the cost of living in their specific country, and the amount of independent travel they expect to do (if any) while abroad. Just as important to consider is the type of program that is chosen and the length of stay.



It is a good idea to create a budget prior to departure that separates any known living and school expenses from general spending money that can be used for independent travel and sight-seeing (if not already included in the program fee). Keep in mind that having a budget does not mean that your student should carry cash around for each of these expenses (not recommended). It will just help him or her know about how much is allotted to each activity so money is not spent carelessly.

Things to think about when budgeting for a study abroad program:

  • Commuting costs to and from classes/internship sites
  • All food, from arrival to departure, not included in the program fee
  • Housing, especially if your student plans to arrive before the program start date, and housing related deposits
  • Utilities (electricty, water, gas) if not included in the housing fee
  • Independent travel, e.g., hostels, train/plane tickets, souvenirs, etc.
  • Electronic fees, e.g., cell phone, Internet access etc.
  • Incidentals such as laundry (if not on-site), postage, gifts, toiletries, and entertainment.

This list is by no means exhaustive, so make sure to have your student talk with the program provider and students who have gone on their program for a more accurate assessment of the costs associated with their particular program. Having your student read the program evaluations located in the Study Abroad Office may also be helpful. Remember, one student's experience may be very different from another's, so asking specific questions may be more helpful than asking about an "overall budget."

Financial Aid & Scholarships


Northwestern University's policy of meeting demonstrated need extends to students attending affiliated study abroad programs. Students who attend unaffiliated programs are not eligible for any form of financial assistance through Northwestern.

As in any other quarter or year, your Expected Family Contribution will be calculated based on your family's financial information as reported in the financial aid application materials. Study abroad program costs do not impact the calculated Expected Family Contribution.

When calculating financial aid awards for study abroad, the Financial Aid Office will use a budget based on the program's costs, including tuition, room and board, personal expenses, books, transportation, and the Study Abroad Administrative Fee.  Estimated personal and other costs do take into account reasonable cost of living for the area in which you will be studying. All forms of financial aid will be adjusted to meet your demonstrated need for the quarters spent studying abroad. You can find additional information on Northwestern's financial aid policies relating to study abroad here.

In addition to the financial aid available for all NU, affiliated, and exchange programs, there are a number of scholarships and grants open to all students. These might be available through the program sponsor or an outside organization. Visit the scholarships page to view a list of common study abroad scholarship opportunities and search engines.

Accessing Money Abroad


There are several ways in which your student may access money while abroad:



ATM or Debit Cards: In many parts of the world, this is the most convenient way of getting foreign currency. This also generally has a more favorable exchange rate than traveler's checks. If using an ATM or debit card abroad, your student should know about any special rules about withdrawal amounts and call their bank to learn about any foreign exchange fees on foreign withdrawals.



Credit Cards: These are also a popular way to purchase items abroad; however, it should be noted that many places (e.g., local shops, some grocery stores and restaurants) may not accept credit cards. Make sure your student carries enough (but not too much) cash in the local currency to cover small daily expenses.



Traveler's Checks: Although ATM's have become the more convenient way to obtain money abroad, some people still use traveler's checks. Because they can usually be replaced if lost or stolen and they never expire, they are considered to be "safer" than carrying cash or credit cards. Be aware that depending on where your student will be living, traveler's checks may be difficult or expensive to redeem. For tips on when and if you should use traveler's checks, click here.