Contributors: Anthony Raphael Meza-Martinez (UC Berkeley), Ariana Siordia (UC Berkeley), and Lillian Jiang (UC Berkeley), 2024 blog writing contestants

Growing up in Inglewood, California, first-generation college student Ariana Siordia saw places like Europe as distant fantasies—something she’d only see on television. Yet in summer 2023, she found herself studying data science in Madrid. Meanwhile, UC Berkeley senior Lillian Jiang navigated the financial challenges of studying in Singapore, one of the world’s most expensive cities. And Anthony Meza-Martinez, also a first-generation college student, turned what seemed impossible into reality by studying in both Madrid and Scotland.

These three UC students prove that with smart planning and the right resources, study abroad is more accessible than you might think. Let’s break down how they made it happen.

Breaking down the costs

“Whether or not you’ll be able to study abroad on financial aid depends on two major factors: how much you’re receiving and how expensive the country you’re traveling to is,” explains Anthony.

The good news? Your UC financial aid package can transfer directly to your study abroad program. This means the grants and scholarships you already receive or will receive can help fund your international education.

Ariana Siordia in Rome while studying abroad

Take Ariana’s summer program in Madrid as an example. The total cost was $10,000, covering everything from flights to food. With financial aid, $7,000 was covered immediately.

“It is amazing to only pay $3,000 for a program worth $10,000,” she shares.

Remember that program costs vary by location and length – a full semester might actually be more cost-effective than a summer program when it comes to financial aid coverage.

Finding your perfect program

Choosing the right program sets the foundation for your study abroad success. As Ariana reminds us, “You are not alone! Your school has study abroad advisors to help you find transferable courses that work best for you.”

Your campus study abroad office can help you:

  • Find programs that match your academic needs
  • Understand how courses transfer back to your UC degree
  • Get a personalized estimate from the financial aid office
  • Learn about program-specific scholarships and funding
  • Connect with students who’ve completed the program

Anthony Meza and his partner turned their Madrid dreams into reality by becoming experts on their destination before they even boarded the plane.

“Research quickly became our best friend,” Anthony shares. “We googled and found listings for cheap rooms and apartments in Madrid. We watched travel vlogs about the city, read data from the Spanish government about median income levels, and researched other materials detailing Spanish culture. Study your destination like a final exam!”

Their thorough approach paid off. By understanding local costs and culture beforehand, they could make informed decisions about:

  • Housing options and neighborhoods
  • Local grocery stores and markets
  • Transportation systems
  • Cultural norms and expectations
  • Language essentials

When considering the local cost of living, Anthony discovered, “Scandinavian countries can be brutal on a California financial aid package, but cheaper countries like Spain can easily place you within middle-class living standards if you are disciplined in your research and spending.”

Your choice of destination can significantly impact how far your money stretches.

Anthony Raphael Meza-Martinez in Greece while studying abroad

Finding your home away from home

On some UCEAP programs, the housing is arranged for students; on others, you have to arrange it yourself with varying levels of support from local staff. Both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your comfort level.

Finding affordable housing might seem daunting, but Anthony’s experience in Madrid shows it’s definitely possible with the right approach.

“Once you find affordable housing, your budget is mostly set,” Anthony explains. “We secured an apartment in Madrid’s vibrant Sol neighborhood for around $1,000 per month – right in the heart of the city.”

He recommends using these housing strategies:

  • Unless you’re taking a very short study abroad program, skip popular booking apps like Airbnb, which often have inflated prices aimed at vacationers, not students.
  • Go local. Research Spanish (or local) housing websites and agencies instead.
  • Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to research and compare options.
  • Be thorough: Read reviews, verify locations, and understand all costs involved.
  • Look beyond the rent: Factor in utilities and understand what’s included in your monthly payments.

Making every dollar count

“Finances was one of my biggest concerns about studying abroad,” admits Lillian Jiang. “I worried that my excitement about traveling and new experiences would land me in credit card debt.”

But she discovered strategies to make her money last longer by studying in Singapore – one of the world’s most expensive cities – and exploring Southeast Asia.

The right banking setup is crucial before you leave. Lillian’s top recommendation? “Find a debit card that lets you withdraw cash abroad without ATM fees.”

Avoid the common tourist traps when exchanging money. Lillian warns: “Money exchanges at airports, bus terminals, and tourist-centric locations typically have low currency rates and high fees.”

Do this instead:

  • Exchange initial funds at your local bank before departure
  • Research local exchange locations (in Singapore, Lillian found the best rates at People’s Park Complex in Chinatown)

“Having a university student ID card can unlock all kinds of discounts,” Lillian shares. In Singapore, her student card got her discounts on popular attractions like the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and free entry into the National Orchid garden. Her advice? “I know it can be tempting to do all the popular tourist attractions right when you arrive but waiting a few days until you get your student card can give you great benefits.”

Lillian Jiang studying abroad in Singapore

Living well on a budget

Living abroad doesn’t have to mean living like a miser. Anthony and Jennifer discovered that smart daily choices in Madrid helped their money go further.

“In some countries, eating out can be more affordable and healthier than in the United States,” Anthony shares.

You’ll need to adapt to local eating habits (dinner is much later in Spain) and learn where the locals shop for groceries. Also, be open to new tastes!

“Certain ingredients and food processing methods that are common in the US may be modified or even banned in Europe. I remember my initial hesitation to buy room-temperature milk in Spain, only to learn that their pasteurization process differs from what I was accustomed to back home. Embracing these cultural differences and being open to trying new things not only helps you stay within your budget but also enriches your time abroad.”

In many parts of the world, transportation is more budget-friendly too. Walking to and from classes is a great way to discover hidden gems and feel immersed in the city. It’s also the primary way many people navigate their everyday life to school or work, the grocery store, etc. If it’s too far to walk, consider bike-sharing or student bike purchase programs or monthly public transportation passes before arriving.

Anthony, Ariana, and Lillian turned their initial doubts and worries into incredible adventures, and their experiences prove that studying abroad is within reach with proper planning.

And the rewards go far beyond the classroom. “Being exposed to a new culture and society was transformative,” Ariana shares. “Everything is different from the way people interact, to how the city is built, and how nature is incorporated.” These experiences shaped her future – leading to an internship in Barcelona and even enabling her to share the magic of international travel with her mom, who will visit Europe for the first time.

As Anthony discovered, “All it took was a budget and a plan.” Whether you dream of studying Python in Madrid, exploring Singapore’s gardens, or hiking the Scottish Highlands, your study abroad adventure awaits. With financial aid, scholarships, and the money-saving strategies shared by these UC students, you can make it happen.

Learn more about how to prepare to study abroad when you have financial challenges