Show Me the Money: An Undergraduate's Budget in Japan

Accommodation and meals

It was very helpful to be able to pay an all-inclusive program fee, which covered accommodation and most of my meals. The fees for identical programs may vary, so find out if your school has an ongoing relationship with the program you're considering.

For me, the all-inclusive fee meant no monthly rent, no utility bills and most importantly, prepared meals. Cooking for one person in Japan is just as expensive as eating out. Moreover, not knowing how to prepare the local foods and vegetables can lead you to seek out more familiar, yet more expensive American foods.

For additional meals, rather than shopping for foreign foods at specialty stores or eating at expensive restaurants, I shopped at the corner store and ate at the same shops as the locals. It saved me money in the long run and allowed me to experience another side of authentic Japan.

Transportation and travel

Unlike many private awards, a portion of the Boren Scholarship can be used to cover transportation to and from your destination. Not having to worry about getting to Japan gave me the time to think about domestic travel within the country.

Thank goodness for student rates. A monthly rail pass that covered my daily 2-hour commute would have been twice as much had I not been a student. For domestic trips, a good travel agent can get you the cheapest rate for trains, buses and planes.

Sidebars

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Angineeki Miles made her budget work in Japan's high-priced economy, where a crosstown taxi ride might cost several hundred dollars. Anne Allen's Tanzania is a very different destination, but you can learn how she paid for it in her "money" sidebar.

Got the money for study outside the U.S.? Now convince your mom that time abroad will be good for you too.

For more on financing your study abroad, visit Netlinks keyword "funding."

Entertaining Yourself Inexpensively

• Take advantage of special discount tickets to cultural events provided for international students.
• Join field-trips & activities included in the study abroad program fee.
• Spend time getting to know friends through house or dorm parties.
• Spend a Saturday visiting museums instead of shopping centers.
• Volunteer time at a local primary school.
• Attend free events such as cultural festivals, concerts, and flea markets.
• Join a campus club or free culture class given at the local community center.
• Choose a stress-free, entertaining subject as a part of the course-load. 

Angineeki Miles's Money