A dream of most students, doing exchange is becoming easier because of partnerships between governments of different countries. However, the cost of staying at the destination is one of the deciding factors. Some measures can help at this point, such as financial planning. Check out tips to prepare for the exchange and make the trip of your dreams.
Financial life
Before you start thinking about an exchange, you need to consider your income and see if there are any outstanding debts. When everything is paid for, it’s worth organizing a spending spreadsheet to see which ones can be cut. This control will help you to have a broad view of how much you can save and, therefore, is quite useful, especially for those who have no idea how much to save per month.
If you are not a spreadsheet fan, use mobile apps. The important thing is to analyze the inflows and outflows of money, so you will know exactly the type of trip you can make. In addition to the course itself, the student must take into account accommodation, food, tours and, of course, the length of stay. If you want to study abroad next year or stay a long time abroad, you will need to cut back on some expenses and think about ways to earn more money, such as working weekends or freelancing for other companies.
Advance
It’s easier to accumulate money over months than all at once. With that in mind, it is better to save a reasonable amount in advance. In addition, closing a package months in advance can guarantee a good discount and even the possibility of splitting the exchange in fixed amounts. Having enough money to enjoy the place also makes it easier to have a smoother trip, without thinking about later debts.
Choice of destination
Knowing how much you can spend on the exchange, it is easy and safe to choose study destination, period and type of trip. Currently, there are packages to suit all budgets and even the option of working abroad, depending on the language level and age of the tourist.
Think carefully to find the best package to Oceania for your budget and goals. Some cities have a lower cost of living than others, and you can share a room and stay in a student accommodation if you want to save money.
Savings
With the trip in sight, it’s time to save money to make the most of the trip. If possible, make a pre-scheduled savings, that is, when the bank withdraws a certain amount from the checking account and automatically puts it in savings. This will help you avoid forgetting and create the habit of always saving.
As the value between currencies fluctuates frequently, it is important to make a reservation when the real is favorable. The US dollar, for example, cost more than R$4 in 2015, but then the value dropped. When the currency of the destination is falling, it is an excellent time to buy it and cover the first expenses of the trip.
Prepaid card
The credit card, despite being an ally, can make the trip more expensive, as the quote takes place on the day the invoice is closed, in addition to having special rates. This means that the amount paid at the time of purchase may not be the same when the invoice is due if the currency changes.
On the other hand, with the prepaid card, the user buys credits already in the destination currency and can make debit payments, virtual transactions and withdrawals. Safer than carrying live banknotes, the prepaid card is an alternative to save money and have more financial control in another country.
