Yes, you can see the world on a limited student budget — and you don’t have to save up for years to make your dreams a reality. You’ll have to work while you travel, but that’s a pretty nice compromise if you can check off your bucket list at the same time. Plus, you’ll have some envy-worthy stories to tell when you return home.
Although COVID-19 has stopped most travel, there’s no harm in planning ahead – here are five inexpensive ways to travel as a student or recent graduate, once things get ‘back to normal’:
1. Look for Internship Programs
You don’t have to stay in-country to further your future career. Many global companies offer paid internships through university-led and independent programs. If your university offers study abroad experiences without internships, it’s best to look into separate organisations. Many accredited groups pair students with summer or semester-long internships.
This experience can be a productive way to meet any internship requirements you may have for your major. Whether you want to travel to Australia to learn about business or France to work at a film festival, it’s easier than you know to travel on a budget. With this option, you’ll also gain vital real-world experience that can lead to a full-time job after you graduate.
2. Try Work Exchange Initiatives
Here are some inexpensive ways to travel as a student. If you’ve already graduated from university, you likely don’t need an internship. What about a temporary job? A work exchange initiative can place you with a business that needs help.
Some programs work with hotels and lodges, so you could run the front desk or tidy up people’s rooms throughout the day. Then, you’d have time to explore the area on your off hours! A trip to an international farm can also be a memorable way to travel if you don’t mind some hard labor. Around the world, farmers need people to help with daily chores, plus crop and animal maintenance.
Make sure to check whether you’ll receive an income throughout the experience. Some employers may provide a stipend, while others give you a bed and meals as payment. If you’re receiving payment, make sure to budget — no more than 30% should go towards living expenses, while the rest can be reserved for travel, food and pleasure.
3. Join a Family as an Au Pair
If you like to work with kids, it may be beneficial to look into au pair opportunities. An au pair travels to another country to help a host family with specific household duties. They often work for room and board, as well as a small monetary stipend. This opportunity can be an excellent way to explore a new country with a limited budget. Additionally, you can see what it’s like to live like a local within a different community.
It’s important to note the differences between an au pair and a nanny. An au pair becomes an au pair because they want to learn about a new culture from within. Even though an au pair may be considered a nanny, the goal is to focus and learn from an immersive cultural experience. They complete daily tasks for their host family, but they have enough free time to make memories.
4. Become a House or Pet Sitter
A job as a house or pet sitter can help you explore a new country, as you won’t need to pay for accommodation. It’s one of the most unique ways to travel. There are people around the world who need someone to watch their homes when they’re away for work or vacation. It’s a two-for-one — they’ll have someone look after their house or pups, while you’re able to create memories.
Like other options on how to travel, it’s up to the homeowner whether they’ll pay for your services. They may only provide you with a place to stay, so you’ll need to save up money for expenses throughout your visit. In any case, it’s a viable way to avoid hotels if you don’t want to spend much on accommodation.
5. Teach English to Students
You can teach English to non-native speakers around the world. Many schools like to work with American or British programs so their kids can master English. It works as an easy way for both you and the students to pursue necessary cultural development as you learn from each other. Plus, you rarely have to have a degree to teach English this way. Many organisations help American college students teach around the world.
You may need to complete a course or certification before you leave. That said, it’s an incredibly simple process. You’ll live with a host family who provides all necessities. You may also receive a stipend, but this isn’t always common.
Use These Tips on How to Travel With a Limited Budget
You don’t have to dream of travel pursuits as far-off impossibilities. Instead, you can make them a reality. Whether you’re a current student or a recent graduate, it’s always possible to achieve your travel goals. Use these ideas for some inexpensive — and unique ways to travel.
