By Liz Houston, Contributing Writer
Houston partaking in a cooking class. (Photo Liz Houston/The Gettysburgian)
It is so easy to get swept up in the excitement of studying abroad. As a first-time traveler I had no concept of prices or what it was like to travel. So, when I was daydreaming about my time abroad, I had a vision of constant travel, going out with friends every night, and shopping until I dropped.
I quickly realized that this fantasy I created in my head was not exactly achievable. Even though I spent all summer working hard to save up money, it still was not enough for this lofty dream I envisioned. But this newfound frugality did not mean that I could not enjoy my time in Rome. In turn, I found ways that combined my hope for adventures, and studying abroad on a budget.
With my strict budget set at the beginning of the semester, I had to plan out how to enjoy my time here within manageable constraints. For me, this looked like limiting the number of major international trips I took. I learned that, without planning ahead, traveling from Rome, flights can be expensive. So, I ended up only taking three major trips: Munich, Prague, and Vienna.
Each of these trips were budgeted at the beginning of my semester. But I knew I still wanted to see new places. The train system in Europe is superior to that in the United States. Because of this, I was able to see several cities and regions within Italy, truly helping me to gain a deeper understanding of the country I was living in.
Going out is expensive. So, this was the first thing that I put on the chopping block. Rather, I found other free ways to explore Rome. I took classes that offered field studies that took me to explore my host city. And I talked to my host parents about tips on where to go. I accepted the Italian pastime of hanging out in piazzas and parks with friends.
When it came to food, I was lucky enough to benefit from my host parents’ amazing cooking skills, especially during our dinners. For my other meals, I leaned into the Italian cuisine and began to cook traditional meals with local ingredients.
Although the budget-friendly approach to studying abroad may not be as glamorous as spending a fortune, there are plenty of ways to have a life-changing experience. In my time, living like a local and leaning into a host country’s culture really brings a more impactful understanding of what studying abroad can be.
If I could give any advice to those looking to study or travel abroad, do not get caught up in the excitement of wanting to do everything. You will not be able to do it all. So, find the things that are important to you, factor those into your budget, and dive deep into the local culture.
This article originally appeared on page 18 of the November 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
