Jumpstart your program research (and avoid going broke) thanks our list of low cost study abroad programs. If you’re a university student with even the slightest interest in what life is like outside of your home country, you have most likely found yourself daydreaming about study abroad. You’ve probably imagined rushing to class down historic streets, cozy dorm rooms along pristine riverbanks, or zipping around cobblestone roads on a moped Lizzie McGuire-style. Truly, study abroad gets the gears of imagination moving like almost no other form of travel.
It’s time to get on that moped and ride off to your study abroad adventure!
If you’ve moved past the daydream stage into finding concrete locations and subjects of study, then you’ve also come across a common roadblock to the study abroad journey: cost. However, cost doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Instead, you can look at it as a temporary barrier that can be easily hopped with the proper research. To help you out a bit, we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest study abroad programs for this year!
Low cost study abroad programs can be easy to find, but it’s worth noting that it’s rare to find a program that includes airfare costs. It’s also important to keep in mind that scholarships are widely available and should be pursued either independently or through your home university.
The cheapest study abroad programs next year
1. ISA Study Abroad in Costa Rica
ISA Study Abroad offers this program in San Jose, Costa Rica. However, if your skills are barely beyond hola and cerveza, never fear—all Spanish levels welcome! The range of subject material is wider than just Spanish, and students can choose to study healthcare, liberal studies, or environmental studies. Program fees include tuition, homestay, meals, laundry, a New York Times digital subscription, internet access, excursions, and cultural experiences.
- Where? Costa Rica
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$10,000
- More info on this program provider
2. USAC Poland
The USAC Poland program is based in Krakow. The program focus is political, with an emphasis on the history of Poland, and course material includes economics and Jewish studies. Despite being in Europe, living costs in Poland are overall affordable. Program fees include tuition, housing placement, health insurance, visa assistance, and field trips.
USAC is a great organization to study abroad through, and offers fulfilling and safe experiences across the board. They can help foster new friendships, and also offer both interesting classes and helpful professors.
- Where? Poland
- When? Full year
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000
- More info on this program provider
3. AIFS Study Abroad in India
AIFS Study Abroad in India, in addition to being quite affordable, offer a range of subject material unrivaled by most other programs. Students will be able to choose from courses including anthropology, business, IT, and gender studies. Classes take place at the beautiful University of Hyderabad. Program fees include pre-departure assistance, tuition, housing, meals, excursions, bicycle rental, and volunteer opportunities.
To kick off the program, AIFS offer a six-day tour of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). Students will also enjoy the large campus, where the will find lakes and hiking trails. There is also an option to extend your stay if you just can’t get enough!
- Where? India
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000
- More info on this program provider
4. IES Abroad Summer in Argentina
The IES Abroad summer program in Argentina is based in busy Buenos Aires. Here, students will be able to study agricultural and environmental sciences, with Argentina’s dairy and agricultural industries (and their impacts) at the center. Students will also gain hands-on experience through lab work. Program fees include tuition, housing or homestay, meals, and insurance.
IES does a great job of encouraging cultural immersion, and keeps participants in the loop about local cultural events happening around town. The small group sizes enhance the experience, and students will love trips to waterfalls and mountains.
- Where? Argentina
- When? Summer
- Rough program cost: ~$5000
- More info on this program provider
5. Asia Exchange in Malaysia
Asia Exchange in Kuala Lumpur offer courses in economics, engineering, technology, political science, and more. Universiti Putra Malaysia is ranked as the second-best university in Malaysia, so there is no doubt that you will be receiving a quality education. The teaching language is English, and participants have their choice of both bachelor’s and master’s-level courses. Program fees include tuition, academic advising, orientation, and volunteering options; it is worth noting that the program fee does not include visa costs, rent, or insurance.
Asia Exchange is touted as helpful and responsive. The program makes it easy to meet new people, and students will find lots to see and do in Kuala Lumpur—one of the most affordable cities in Asia. Studying in Southeast Asia has helped many students realize skills they didn’t know they had.
- Where? Malaysia
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$3,000
- More info on this program provider
6. Culture & Language Abroad in Guanajuato
You may have never heard of Guanajuato, but you’ll never be able to forget it after you have studied there. Culture & Language abroad offers high quality, cheap study abroad programs for college students in liberal arts and culture at the University of Guanajuato. The city hosts 21,000 students, and is thus an exceptionally great location to spend a semester abroad. Program fees include orientation, housing, meals, travel insurance, tuition, excursions, Spanish lessons, and volunteer opportunities. We think you should make it a personal challenge to try out every one of more than 30 street tacos around the city.
CLA will show you just how different Mexico is from the United States despite its proximity. You will have the opportunity to share classes with students from all over the world, and enjoy a small-town feel in Guanajuato.
- Where? Mexico
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$13,000
- More info on this program provider
7. CISabroad in South Africa
Stellenbosch, in the Cape Winelands, is the oldest college town in South Africa. It’s not far from Cape Town itself, so you don’t have to worry about being too remote. The university offers English-taught courses in a large range of subject material, and courses are also available in Afrikaans and Xhosa. If a semester seems too long, there is an option for a shorter summer program. Stellenbosch University also makes it easy to join student organizations or club sports, so you won’t ever feel like an outsider. Program fees include tuition, housing, medical insurance, a New York Times digital subscription, excursions, and airport pickup.
CISabroad guarantees great student life at Stellenbosch. The provider does a great job of making sure students stay safe, and also helps provide insider tips to life in the town.
- Where? South Africa
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000
- More info on this program provider
8. API Study Abroad in Grenoble, France
API in Grenoble, France offers both language and culture studies, as well as intensive language studies for those who want to take their French skills from sad to exquisite. There is also an option for a shorter summer program. Program fees include student residence or homestay, as well as tuition, airport pickup, pre-departure advising, a transportation pass, tutoring, medical and life insurance, excursions, cultural activities, and volunteer opportunities.
API offers many different programs in France, but none with mountain views as stunning as those in Grenoble. API helps foster personal growth and expanded horizons, and they have been praised for their encouragement and desire to know their students.
- Where? France
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000
- More info on this program provider
9. The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) in Korea
Students studying abroad with TEAN will take up residence at Korea University in Seoul—which is said to be on par with American Ivy League schools. Courses at the university are taught in English, and cover a wide range of subject material. Students can choose from courses in business, engineering, humanities, and even performing arts. Participants will be assigned a Korean student buddy, too! Fees include tuition, on-campus housing, health insurance, SIM card, orientation, academic advising, and airport pickup. Off-campus housing is available at an additional cost.
Seoul makes for a lively backdrop to study abroad for most students. TEAN is known for being responsive, helpful, and committed to making your experience the best possible.
- Where? South Korea
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$12,000
- More info on this program provider
10. Chinese Language Institute Semester in China
If you’re looking for low cost study abroad programs in China, the Chinese Language Institute has you covered. With this program, you will study at Guangxi Normal University in stunning Guilin. Students enjoy English-taught courses on Chinese economy, politics, history, and humanities. Enrollment in three to ten hours per week of one-on-one Mandarin lessons is also included; at an additional cost, students can enroll in the intensive option, which includes extra one-on-one Chinese training. Summer, winter, and academic year programs are also available. Fees include tuition, housing, orientation, private Chinese lessons, excursions, and visa assistance.
CLI offers an effective immersion experience that can drastically improve language skills. Local living costs are quite inexpensive, so feel free to refine your taste in real Chinese food.
- Where? China
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$11,000
- More info on this program provider
11. Carpe Diem Education Semester in Latin America
This program with Carpe Diem Education is one of the cheapest study abroad programs, and you will absolutely get bang for your buck. The program takes place in both Ecuador and Peru, and there is no language requirement for enrollment. Course study includes sustainability and conservation as participants travel throughout Peru and Ecuador, living in hostels and on farms, trekking Machu Picchu, spending time in the Amazon Rainforest, and retreating to the Sacred Valley. Carpe Diem also offers a financial aid option. Fees include tuition, accommodation, most meals, activities, and travel insurance.
Carpe Diem fosters open minds and the ability to make lasting friendships. Earnest support is offered, which those who are traveling abroad for the first time will find especially helpful.
- Where? Ecuador and Peru
- When? Fall or spring semester
- Rough program cost: ~$13,000
- More info on this program provider
12. CEA Study Abroad in the Czech Republic
As one of the cheapest study abroad programs, CEA Study Abroad offers a summer in Prague studying a selection of courses in business, liberal arts, and social sciences. Courses are taught in English, but there will be opportunities to learn and practice Czech for students who are interested. Fees include accommodation in CEA housing, but homestays can be arranged for students looking for something more immersive. Also included is visa assistance, tuition, orientation, a city tour, excursions, and medical insurance.
Prague is ultra Insta-worthy, so make sure you arrive with space on your iPhone. CEA staff does everything in their power to make your experience safe and stress-free.
- Where? Czech Republic
- When? Summer
- Rough program cost: ~$6,000
- More info on this program provider
[Want Even More Options? Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs]
These cheap study abroad programs for college students are calling
Study abroad has long been seen as an experience reserved solely for those who have rich parents or a trust fund, but such is not the case! If you know what to look for when researching cheap study abroad programs for college students, then you will easily be able to find something within your price range. Plus, scholarships and financial aid are more accessible than ever before.
Cheap study abroad programs are available all over the world, in a wide range of subjects and fields. Get out there and find the right one for yo
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