Here’s How Much 3 Singapore University Undergrads Spent On Their Overseas Exchange

With more millennials placing more priority on personal experiences rather than things, it comes as no surprise that going on overseas exchange is a norm nowadays. Not will you only have tons of fun, it will be a once in a life-time experience. You will get to meet like-minded people who enjoys traveling as much as you, and it also allows you to be more independent. Furthermore, once you start working, it will be difficult to go on such long holidays. If your financial status allows for it, there’s no reason why you should choose not to go for an overseas exchange programme.

Financial planning for your exchange may start earlier than you think. Here’s what 3 Singapore University Undergraduates shared about their exchange.

22 years old, Final Year Student

How long did you spend there?
5 months

Country of exchange?
Toronto, Canada

How much did you spend in total inclusive of flight, accommodation etc?
Between $15-$20k

Where did you get the money to fund your exchange?
Parents and savings.

What did you spend most of your money on? (Touring other cities? Accommodation?)
Flights and accommodation for trips as well as food

Any tips for other undergrads planning to go on exchange?
You will probably end up spending more than you intend to so start saving up early!

 

22 years old, Penultimate Year Student

How long did you spend there?
A little short of 6 months

Country of exchange?
United Kingdom

How much did you spend in total inclusive of flight, accommodation etc?
Around 16k – 17k at most

Where did you get the money to fund your exchange?
80% came from my parents, 20% of the expenses came from myself which came from part time work

What did you spend most of your money on?
Spent most on transport I.e trains, buses, flights, across different cities of Europe. Didn’t really tour much of UK actually, most of my travels within U.K. were day trips or just staying in that city for a night. Expenses for accommodations would come next.

Any tips for other undergrads planning to go on exchange?
Don’t be afraid to travel alone! It can be very liberating.

 

22 years old, Final Year Student

How long did you spend there?
I was in Europe for about 5 months

Country of exchange
Prague, Czech Republic

How much did you spend in total inclusive of flight, accommodation etc?
$15k

Where did you get the money to fund your exchange?
Scholarship and parents paid

What did you spend most of your money on?
Exploring other European countries.

Any tips for other undergrads planning to go on exchange?
Get a small pouch to keep your personal document (passport etc) and cash that can be kept beneath your shirt. Be vigilant at all times as pick pockets are quite prevalent in Europe.

So what can we learn from them about financing an overseas exchange?

If you are an undergraduate planning to go onto a semester exchange, start saving up early. If financing it might be a potential problem for you, it will help to work part time provided that you are able to cope with your school work. Consider options such as waitressing, giving tuition or even driving Grab.

You can also opt for an exchange in Asia countries instead to cut on your total expenditure. For those who are unable to fork out that money, consider going for winter school or summer school instead.

With all the experiences that you can get from going for an overseas exchange, there is no reason why you should skip it.

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