Budgeting & fundraising

• Refer to a Cost Sheet that is available under the Finances tab within an online program brochure and learn what it costs to participate in the study abroad program that you are interested in. A Cost Sheet provides an estimate of the total cost to study abroad through a particular program.
  The Cost Sheet consists of two parts:
  • Billed to MyUW Account: fees that are billed to your UW account
  • Other Estimated Expense: costs that you will pay out of pocket, which can include:
    • Books and materials
    • Housing – some programs include housing in the program fee
    • Food – some programs include homestay meals, but most do not
    • Local transportation – some programs include local transportation in the program fee
    • Program-related Personal Expenses – including but not limited to passport or visa fees
    • Health-related expenses – including Insurance, immunizations, travel clinic
    • Roundtrip airfare

  
  

• Review the ‘Payment and disbursement timelines‘ section below and learn about the payment timelines for your expenses.

You will feel more in control of your finances if you plan out when program payments and expenses are due and when financial aid and scholarships will disburse.

Payment and disbursement timelines

You can find more information on fees and billing on our Study Abroad fees & billing page.

• Estimate how much you need to save.
• Scholarships might help offset the cost, but you shouldn’t depend on them.
• If you submit a financial aid revision request, be aware that it might only cover the increased cost in the form of a loan.
• Know how much time you have to save before each payment.
• Break down your goal into a monthly or weekly target.

How are you spending your money everyday? Create a budget for your current expenses in Seattle and see if there are expenses you can reduce to help you save money. If you have a good understanding of how you spend your money currently, you will be better prepared to financially plan for your study abroad program.

Once you understand your current spending, use your monthly or weekly target to determine how much more you need to save by working more, fundraising, or reducing your spending. Review the ‘Budgeting and funding strategies‘ section below and learn about budgeting and funding strategies.

Pick up extra work hours. One of the most straightforward ways to save is to earn a little more. Even a small increase in work hours can make a big difference over time.
For example:
If you earn $20 per hour and pick up 5 extra hours per week, that’s $100 more each week. Over 4 months, you’d earn about $1,600. Even after deducting 20% for taxes, you’d still save around $1,280.

• Offer services such as babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, or yard work
  For example:
  If you earn $25 per hour and you babysit 10 hours per month, that’s $250 each month. Over 4 months, you’d earn about $1,000.
• Sell unused clothes, books, or electronics
• Open a new bank account. Some banks offer sign‑up incentives for students or new customers.
• Organize a car wash, bake sale, garage sale or party fundraiser with friends
  For example:
  If you wash 60–100 cars in a busy location at $10–$15 each, you’d earn $600–$1,500.
• Share your goal with friends and family—many people are happy to support educational experiences
  For example:
  If six relatives donate to you and each gives you $100, you’d receive $600.
• Ask family members or mentors to donate frequent flier miles
• Research if any community or religious groups you belong to have scholarship or donation programs
• Use crowdfunding platforms
  • GoFundMe
  • KickStarter

• Use digital coupons
  Look at what you routinely buy—groceries, toiletries, and household essentials—and start using digital coupons. Stores like QFC and Safeway offer coupons through their apps that stack with sale prices.
  For example:
  Saving $7 per week through coupons becomes $28 per month. Over 4 months, that’s an extra $112 saved.
• Cut beverage spending
  Coffee, soda, juice, and bubble tea can quietly drain your budget. Drinking more tap water instead may not sound exciting, but it’s incredibly effective.
  For example:
  If you cut back and save $15–$30 per week, that’s $60–$120 per month. Over 4 months, you could save $240–$480—enough to cover excursions, or student fees abroad.
• Always ask for student discounts
  Student discounts often exist—but they’re not always advertised. Ask at restaurants, stores, museums, transportation services, and online checkouts. Even if only half your requests work, the savings over several months can be substantial.

Preparing for a study abroad trip often involves buying gear like a larger suitcase, backpack, or travel accessories. Instead of buying new:

• Look for used items
• Borrow from friends or family
• Join a Buy Nothing group in your neighborhood

People are often happy to give away or lend items, especially when they know you’re traveling abroad. You may be surprised by how much you can get for free.