Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts

Saturday, August 8, 2009

How to Fund a Year Abroad in Japan?

I really do want to study for a year in Japan, and I've started planning before this school year has even started. The estimated cost of the program as of right now is $21,233. That's just for the program, of course. I'm estimating another $2792 for costs the program doesn't consider, such as cell phones and storage costs for things that stay stateside. So, I'm estimating that a year abroad would cost me $24,025.

Upperclassmen can borrow $12,500 for student loans, so that's $11,525 I would need to come up with. Well, this year I don't have a job. While it's a bad thing, it might equate to a good thing. I have less money, so my need for aid would probably increase. Also, there are scholarships for students who study abroad. I'm not going to assume I will get much, though. But who knows?

One thing I've been doing is saving my pennies--and dimes, nickels, and quarters. I have stopped using change altogether and putting it all into a piggy bank. I have been doing this for about three weeks and have $47.65 saved as of today. I usually end up with $2-$3 in change a day, since I don't spend any change at all once I get it. If I can keep it up, I can save about $830 in a year.

So now what I need are some ideas for coming up with the other $10,695. Obviously, I could ask for cash for my birthday and Christmas and save it, but that would be another $200 at best. Do people really sell copies of the notes they take in class? I'm a really good note taker; I've gotten an A in many a class without ever opening a book. If that's a real thing, I could make a good chunk of change.

I want the funding of my year abroad in Japan to be a collaboration of ideas so they can be shared with others who are in a similar situation as myself. Plus, groups think of ideas that individuals do not. Plus, I love collaborating. It really brings out people's creative side. Any ideas at all would be appreciated.