For me, one of the big headaches about going abroad was figuring out what I would need to keep my electronics from blowing up! Computers tend to be easier (virtually all of them should have currency converters built in) but what about everything else? What do you need to know?
U.S. electronics run on 120 V. Most countries will either run on 110V (in which case you shouldn’t need a converter) or 240V (when you will need one). Check out this website for a list by country of what current they use and what kinds of plugs you’ll need http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
You can buy converters at most electronic stores or departments, so I recommend doing this here—it’s a lot harder to find these in a foreign country, especially since you won’t know where to look and most of what they’ll have is to convert THEIR electronics to other systems.
You’ll also want to double check the type of plug you’ll need. Our typical U.S. plug looks pretty standard, but you’d be surprised what these look like in some parts of the world! We use A and B plugs (don’t ask me what that means, just know it!) while the country you’re going to may use a huge variety of other plugs instead. Again, go to an electronics store and ask for a plug adapter for wherever you’re going—they’ll be able to help you find it.
The last thing to check is WHAT YOU’RE ACTUALLY TAKING! Computers, i-pods, i-pads and cameras are pretty standard, but girls, do you really need to bring hair dryers and curling irons? You can find this pretty cheap wherever you’re going and just buy one there—plus, these tend to fry REALLY easily so, in my mind, it’s not worth even taking. Take only the electronics you KNOW you’ll need—anything else you can borrow, buy cheap or do without. Lots of Study Abroad providers have stashes of small electronics left by previous students, so you may ask them too.
Studying abroad and budgeting are two words you normally do not find in the same sentence. Although it takes time, effort and dedication, it is absolutely possible to stick to a budget while abroad – I’m the proof! As a study abroad returnee from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, I dealt with (and overcame) bad exchange rates, a missed flight, ATM withdraw fees… everything that can make or break a budget. If you are preparing for your adventure of a lifetime and worried about stretching your money, read on for tips on how to maximize your budget!
My friend Rahela and I at Versailles happy as could be… before we missed our flight back to Glasgow.
1. Sit down and figure out how much money you can afford to spend while abroad.
You’d be surprised how many of my friends had virtually no idea how much money with which they started the semester. It seems basic, but if you don’t know how much money you have, how can you budget? Remember to take into consideration any expenses you will have while abroad – credit cards, car and insurance payments, etc.
2. Ask your bank if they partner with any banks in your study abroad city – or if they are willing to waive the ATM fees for you!
$5 ATM fees add up quickly! If it all possible, use your bank’s “sister bank.” For me, it was Barclay’s in the UK and I got free withdrawals! Some banks are willing to waive the ATM fees entirely – it never hurts to ask!
3. Get a credit card (if you don’t already have one) – preferably a MasterCard or Capital One.
Credit cards are a necessity while abroad, especially for booking tickets online. If you can, get a MasterCardã – which only charges a 1% fee for international use – or a Capital One – which doesn’t charge anything.
4. Plan your trips as far in advance as possible.
Spontaneity is great… for everything but your wallet. If you book trips in advance, you will get far better deals. I booked most of my trips at least 2 weeks in advance and was able to go to London for $25 roundtrip on the bus.
5. Check the up-to-date exchange rate often.
While I was in Glasgow, the rate dropped significantly, so I withdrew a lot of cash that week and had enough money for a month. The seemingly small savings in a lower exchange rate can really make a difference!
6. Check and see if your city offers student discounted rail (transportation) cards.
If you plan to take the train, for example, often, it might be worthwhile to buy a rail card. In the UK, they cost about 30 pounds up front and then you get 1/3 off all fares! Great deal!
7. Take advantage of the student discounts – they are likely everywhere!
Unlike in the United States, most countries offer great student discounts on virtually everything, restaurants, movies, coffee, books, etc! Make sure you keep your student id with you at all times and always ask what kind of deal you can get
8. Re-budget often. For me, it was once a week on Sunday nights.
It’s important to take a look at your finances every so often to make sure you’re still on track. I spent 15 minutes every Sunday night looking over my online banking statements and checking how much cash I was going to start the week with.
9. When something doesn’t go as planned and costs you extra money, relax.
No matter how much planning and budgeting you do, it is possible that something will go wrong and cost you more money than expected. For my friends and I, when we missed our flight back from Paris, we ended up spending over $300 to rebook on the next flight. Although it was awful, we just had to be especially careful with our money for the remainder of the semester.
10. Keep everything in perspective. If you’ve been DYING to go to London since you were 10, make it happen even if it’s pricey.
Some trips, items, meals are worth the splurge! Just because you’re sticking to a budget doesn’t mean you can’t be extravagant once in a while.
Mikaela Gibson, DU Study Abroad Alum, University of Glasgow ‘11
240V (when you will need one). Check out this website for a list by country of what current they use and what kinds of plugs you’ll need http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
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