Student Resources

This page outlines security and support information for students studying abroad. You can find out more about study abroad programs in each country through the U.S. Department of State Travel Database.
US State Department Program Search

Identity Abroad

While experiences abroad can help expand and explore identity, they can also be challenging. One should reflect and research about how various aspects of identity are perceived in their intended host country. To help students explore and prepare, we have compiled these resources relating to different identity characteristics. While they are separated in this manner, many do intersect and should be read in conjunction with one another depending on the reader. Everyone will have a unique experience, and we hope these resources can be a starting point.
A white building against a blue sky.

Finances Abroad

There is no monolithic experience for every student studying abroad, especially when it comes to finance. The hope is that these resources can serve as an initial guide for finances at all stages of the study abroad experience; from financing your chosen program to re-entry. Personal finances intersect with different identity characteristics, for this reason we wanted to create a comprehensive resource regardless of one’s starting place.
Study Abroad Scholarships →

Study Abroad Process

  • Continuing International Experiences
    After a semester abroad, there are many ways to continue your international experience! This can be through keeping in touch with your host institution’s alumni/ae network as well as looking towards potential careers.

    Considerations
    How to Market Your Study Abroad Experience to Employers
    Contact your home institution’s career development office! For Bard students: Bard's CDO can provide Bard students institutional access to GoinGlobal, a site providing country-by-country job search support and real-time job listings.  
    Keep in contact with alumni/ae from your program, as a way to feel connected to your time abroad by:
    • Going to returner/re-entry meeting
    • Keeping in contact with the friends you made while abroad
    • Sign up for alumni/ae emails from your host institution or program provider
    Tips for Maintaining Language Fluency When You Return Home

    Informational Support
    Diversity Abroad - Guide to Global Programs & Career Readiness
    4 Steps to Land an Internship Abroad
    Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
    Fulbright U.S. Student Program
    Peace Corps
  • Pre-Departure
    Prior to a study abroad experience, responsibilities and concerns regarding finances and paperwork may include:

    Considerations
    Students on a Budget Abroad
    Costs to keep in mind before you leave:
    • Cost of living for locations
    • Passport Fee (if you don’t currently have an up to date passport)
    • Application Fee
    • Deposit
    • Student Visas (Depends on the program, may be included)
    • Health Insurance (Depends on the program, may be included)
    • Airfare and other transportation costs
    • Travel health and immunizations
    • Any medication you will need while abroad (term supply)

    On-Campus Resources
    Familiarize yourself with the details of your Financial Aid package and the transferability of its various components towards study abroad (institutional scholarships, federal/state aid, loans).

    Discuss options and financial aid transferability with your study abroad advisor. For Bard students, your study abroad advisor is Trish Fleming: [email protected]. Meet with the Financial Aid Office if you need further clarification about your aid package vis a vis study abroad.

    Tip from an Alum:
    "When you are packing be aware that seasons change and you’ll want to bring things home with you. This isn’t a vacation, you'll have a laundry machine only to pack what you need. You may leave things behind so pack things you would be fine with donating seeing as you may pick up things you like better!"
  • While Abroad
    Finances and budgeting during a semester abroad can look different then a semester at one’s home institution. Be mindful of what you have and what you want to experience, and create a new semester budget from there!

    Considerations
    Find below various fees to keep in mind during your time abroad. Please note: some of these fees may be included in the overall cost of a program.
    • Permit fees
    • Immigration/entry fee
    • Accommodations (bedding, kitchen)
    • Local cell phone/ internet access
    • Public transportation
    • Currency conversion
    • ATM fees
    • Additional meals
    • Additional personal activities and travel
    • Academic expenses: tuition, books
    • Program expenses: group excursions
    • Health and safety expenses: insurance
    • Personal expenses: toiletries, souvenirs, entertainment
    • Souvenirs
    Saving While Abroad
    In constructing these following sections, Bard study abroad alumni/ae provided input regarding budgeting from their time abroad. Bard Abroad does not endorse these organizations and it is your responsibility to research which are appropriate for you.

    Recreational Travel
    • Ryan Air
    • Easy Jet
    • Rome2Rio
    • FlexBus
    • Google Flights
    • Omio
    Alternative to Hotels when Traveling
    • Hostels Worldwide
    • Couchsurfing
    ATM and credit fees
    • Discuss ATM and credit fees with your banks
    • Be aware of exchange rates (especially if it's not around a 1 to 1 rate) 
    • Consider getting an international credit card
    • Cash can be a better option due to exchange rates
    Eat and shop locallyGoing out
    • Look up free and cheap events
    • Free museum days
    • Open-air cinemas
    • Street festivals
    • Walking:If the location allows for its walking can be the best way to get around. Not only is it a free option, but it allows you to sightsee as you travel and find hidden gems you may not have otherwise.
      • If your school doesn't include a pass with your program cost, oftentimes public transport has student discounts.
    Transportation
    If the location allows for its walking can be the best way to get around. Not only is it a free option, but it allows you to sightsee as you travel and find hidden gems you may not have otherwise.

    If your school doesn't include a pass with your program cost, oftentimes public transport has student discounts. Bikes and scooters can be available to rent depending on your location. 

    Textbooks

    Many textbooks can be found online or in your host institutions' library. Not only can this help with your budget while abroad, but it also does not add another item to your suitcase. 

    Student Jobs while Abroad

    Depending on your visa and your host institution/program, you may be able to get a job while abroad! To start this process, talk to your program coordinator and host institution to see what is possible.

    Student Discounts
    Nearly all study abroad destinations – whether capital city or a small town in the countryside – will have establishments that offer discounts to students or are generally more affordable. 
    • Ask students who are alumni of your program, local students and staff on your program or at the host university. 
    • Check online to see if there are any places that offer student discounts!
    • Establishments by universities often offer student discounts, be on the lookout!
    • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
    • ISIC offers travel and student discounts for cardholders. Some programs provide this card within the program cost.
    • UNiDays is a search engine to locate places that offer a discount with student ID. Searchable categories include retail, food, and entertainment. There is no additional feed for this service.

Safety and Security

Faculty Recommendations

To recommend a student for study abroad, use the link below to log in to the Bard Abroad online recommendation system.
Recommendation Login →

Bard Abroad In-Class Presentations

If you would like a member of the Bard Abroad team to give a 10-minute presentation to your class, please email us to make an appointment at [email protected].