Financial Wellness Tips:
- Consider what your priorities are for your global experience.
- Do some research on your specific program location.
- Talk to Financial Aid and apply for scholarships.
- Make a budget!
- It is never too late to start a savings fund - and get creative with ways to save!
- Call your bank/credit cards before you depart.
- While on your program, make sure you have more than one way to access funds.
- Make any necessary arrangements for any current bills and/or taxes to be forwarded to you or covered while you are away.
- Look up the local currency and exchange rate before you go.
- Shop and eat where the locals do! Tourist areas are almost always over-priced.
- Use student discounts when possible. Many museums and other cultural organizations offer student discounts on tickets/tours, for example. You'll even find that transportation can be cheaper with a student ID.
Resources |
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Pitt Study Abroad budgeting sheet* Bradford Campus Financial Aid* Greensburg Campus Financial Aid* |
Apps |
Mint - Financial planning app. Available for iOS and Android. |
Tripcoin - Travel budgeting app. Available for iOS. |
XE Currency - Currency converter/exchange rates app. What's your money worth where you're heading? Available for iOS and Android. |
Trail Wallet - Travel budgeting app. Available for iOS. |
Articles and Blogs |
15 Ways to Save Money for Study Abroad - IES Abroad blog. |
Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate Student's Resource - NAFSA article with linked resources. |
Vlogs, Videos, & Podcasts |
Budgeting - A Federal Student Aid video on budgeting for the college student. (2m) |
How to Budget and Save for Study Abroad - Diversity Abroad video. (1hr) |
Don't throw your budget out the window once you get on-location. While you'll want to make the most of your experience, you'll also want to make sure you are keeping yourself comfortable financially and being mindful of what you can or cannot afford. There are plenty of ways to be money conscious while on your program. Cook your own meals when possible, utilize student discounts, or research economical travel options, for example. In addition to the wellness-centered resources listed here, please be sure to consult the Finances section of the Pitt Study Abroad website for more technical details.
Resources |
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Bradford Campus Financial Aid* Greensburg Campus Financial Aid* Johnstown Campus Financial Aid* ISIC International Student Identity Card - A search engine of available discounts by country. |
Apps |
WeTap - Save your money and use this app to refill your water bottle. Water isn't free at most restaurants abroad! Available for iOS. |
XE Currency - Currency converter/exchange rates app. What's your money worth where you are? Available for iOS and Android. |
GlobeTips - App to help you determine an appropriate tip (if any) in locations around the world. Available for iOS. |
The ISIC global app - Can help you filter discounts by destination. Available for iOS and Android. |
Articles and Blogs |
Pack These Useful Money Tips When You Study Abroad - Nerdwallet article with a list of common/well-known banks in some countries abroad. |
Stretching Your Money While Abroad - Diversity Abroad post. |
Getting the Best Deal - How to Haggle Abroad - GoAbroad.com blog post on the art of negotiating down prices. |
Resources |
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Bradford Campus Financial Aid* Greensburg Campus Financial Aid* Johnstown Campus Financial Aid* Pitt Business International Ambassador Program* - Are you a Pitt Business major who studied abroad? Help others along their study abroad journey while being paid to speak about yours! |