Things to add to your budget

Of course, the usual suspects should be on here:

• Daily meals/snacks (if not included in your program)
• Daily transport between lodging and the school
• Going out/entertainment (dinners, bars, etc… )
• Souvenirs
• Cell phone/calling card use
• Internet use (Internet cafes or school fees)
• Weekend travel & excursions
• Incidentals: toiletries, film, batteries, etc… 

But don’t forget about these important budgeting factors:

• Airline extra charges (baggage, food, drinks, etc… )
• Airport arrival & departure taxes (see Don' Forget About Departure Tax for more info)
• Entry fees/tourist cards
• Visa extensions
• School activity fees not included in your program
• Book fees and deposits
• Lodging damage deposits
• Unexpected emergencies

Ways to save money

• ISIC: If you are a student, get an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). They cost a little over $20, and the savings you can get will really add up! Make sure to review the benefits carefully, and when in doubt, ask if you can get a discount, it can’t hurt!
• If going to Spain or Latin America, contact eXito Travel, specialists in airfare for those studying abroad.
• Skype: Skype is a wonderful tool to use while traveling. You can make free or cheap phone calls, surf the Internet on their worldwide WiFi, and much more. Find out more about Skype.
• Look into free events in your host city or country. Many great cultural experiences are available for free, check the Internet, or better yet, the local newspapers.
• Ask around for the most inexpensive place to shop for groceries
• Know how much the exchange rate is! Don’t get ripped off by finding the best place to exchange your currency. Universal Currency Convertor

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