When it comes to places you can study abroad, there are so many options to select from. When it also comes to the cheapest countries to study abroad, you also have so many choices, however, you may be limited to options you may not like.
Never mind, we are here to help you get the best, even though you are running on a budget. The following countries are ten of the best cheapest countries you can count on when making your study abroad plans.
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- Poland
Poland is a European country whose capital city, Warwick, was ranked the second most affordable city by the QS Best Student Cities in the world. Poland assures you of quality education as well as interesting historical and cultural places. For those who can speak Polish with an A-Level in Polish, you can study for free in the country.
Many English Taught programs are available at an estimate of around $2000 – $3000 per year and the cost of living is about $600 – $650 per month.
- Taiwan
Taiwan is a relatively cheap country whose tuition fee is quite affordable. There are English taught courses that are more than 100 at so many of the country’s universities. The cost of living in Taiwan is very cheap and affordable, with a good quality standard of living. The Mandarin is also taught in Taiwan; you can learn it and also have access to many South East Asian countries like Hong Kong and the Philippines if you wish to have some travel experience.
Tuition fees for undergraduate students are between $2000 and $3000 and $500 – $600 per month and accommodation is as cheap as approximately $1 950 per annum.
- Malaysia
Malaysia is, unarguably, one of the cheapest and most affordable universities with a low cost of living. Some courses are relatively cheaper, making it easier for anyone to study a chosen course. Many of the prestigious universities have their branches in Malaysia. This means you can still afford a quality institution at an affordable cost.
You can comfortably live in Malaysia as a student with an amount between $400 and $450 per month, while you can pay $3 500 on the average, as tuition fee.
- France
In France, the fees are the same for both French and international students. Paris, the capital city of France, has been named a student city four times at a stretch, even though it is one of the most luxurious places to live in. The majority of the courses now are taught in English, though most of them favour postgraduate students. Tuition fees in France for most undergraduate studies are around €180; for master’s studies, €255; and doctoral programs, €390. The living expenses are quite affordable.
- Thailand
For students who wish to study abroad on a budget, Thailand is a very good place. It also offers interesting and new courses for international students. In terms of affordability, the living costs are quite cheap, with tropical surroundings. Thailand, in addition, is a popular tourist haven that attracts people from different destinations of the world. It may not be a very popular study destination, but it is a great choice for students on a budget.
The average yearly tuition fees in Thailand is between $3000 and $4000.
- South Africa
South Africa is a very beautiful place to study abroad. The cost of living and tuition fees are very affordable with a lot of good universities as options to choose from. Moreover, it is famous for its cultural diversity and lifestyle, as well as the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is blessed with natural environments like sandy beaches and iconic landmarks, not forgetting the delicious foods you are going to feel at home with.
The average tuition fees per year are about $2000 and $3000, while the monthly cost is $600 to $700.
- Hungary
Hungary is not just a cheap place to study abroad, it promises more than that. There are so many universities with a number of English programmes. Five of its universities are globally ranked, which makes it very distinctive, bearing in mind the population of the country. It has a very rich cultural lifestyle, with the cost of living very cheap and among the lowest in Europe.
The average yearly tuition fees in Hungary are between $4000 and $5000, while the cost of living is around $400 to $500 per month.
- Argentina
There has been an increasing number of programmes in Argentina, making it a study destination for international students. Furthermore, it has free high education for both local and international students in most of its universities. The culture of Argentina promises to be fun-loving with natural wonders to keep you excited throughout your stay. The cost of living is also affordable.
The average cost of living per month is between the ranges of $400 and $500.
- Russia
Russia is a hot cake for study destination. Each year, international students troop into Russia in droves as a result of its quality of education. The universities are also affordable. The living cost in Russia is cheap, though places like Moscow and Saint Petersburg are not so cheap, compared to other locations.
The average tuition fees per year are on the ranges of $5000 and $6000, while the cost of living is around $400 and $500 per month.
- Vietnam
Though not so famous as a study abroad destination, Vietnam is mostly chosen by international students because of its cheap cost of living, the standard universities and colourful environment. Most major programmes for international students are offered in big cities like Hanoi, though a trip down the countryside during the weekends is not bad at all. You should also bear in mind that when you are looking for a tourist country, Vietnam is one of them.
The average tuition fees per year are between $1000 and $2000 and the living cost is between $300 and $400 per month.
Challenges International Students Face While Studying Abroad
It is very interesting to study abroad because it offers better opportunities like conducive learning environment, good quality teachers, interesting places to visit, and so on for students. However, there are some barriers you may need to overcome in order to enjoy peace. Some of the challenges are listed below with suggestions on how to tackle them.
- The language barrier
The flagrant challenge of studying abroad is the challenge of language. Even if you study in a country that has English as the Lingua Franca, you might still face the challenge of understanding the local accent. It is a worst-case scenario if it is a totally different language.
If it is an unfamiliar language, you will have to put extra effort and time into learning the language. There are some online tools that could be very useful to you in cases like this. One of the best online apps is Duolingo; almost all major languages of the world can be learned using the app.
- The problem of staying far from your family and friends
The feeling of loneliness is inevitable, especially, the first few days, weeks, or months you are yet to get acclimatized to your environment. If you are someone who values relationships a lot, you may have the urge to go back home, just to be with your loved ones. However, after a year or thereabout, you get used to the environment, make new friends, visit exciting places as well as have fun. By this time, the nostalgic feeling may have evaporated and you start living a normal life.
- The challenge of finances
Money has always been a challenge to students and worse for those living abroad. Without realizing it, you might spend a bit more on items than expected unless you get used to the exchange rate. There are times emergencies might set in and if you are not careful with your spending, you might get stuck along the line.
To overcome the challenge easily, it is advisable that you carefully calculate your budget for the period and spend accordingly. You might have to download an app for currency conversion, in order to know the exact amount of money on you. It can also enable you to compare prices of items, to avoid being cheated by sellers.
For your own good, ask the local people around for the real prices of items and places you can get quality and affordable ones without having to break the bank.
- The challenge of adjusting to the new environment
During the period of transitioning, you might find yourself being down and unmotivated to do anything. This could affect your studies if care is not taken. Therefore, always try to motivate yourself and be up and doing.
Another challenge here is that you might feel like moving around and catching fun as someone in an exciting place. You must resist the urge to be found in the wrong place when you are supposed to focus on the major reason for your migration.
Furthermore, your new roommates maybe a handful of trouble, with lifestyles totally different from yours. It is not easy to live with people of different cultural and even religious backgrounds. Try to make friends with them and accommodate them as much as you can. If they prove too difficult, then, you will have to live through the year and get suitable roommates in the coming semester.
- The issue of academic writing
Academic writing is a very tough thing to do. It is almost impossible to write from the first attempt. Even native speakers find it a challenging task. However, you do not have an excuse. There is always a solution to every challenge. In this case, you need to put extra measures in practicing it. You might need online tools like Google Scholar, NinjaEssays, Mendeley, Plagtracker, and so on, to enable you to write and arrange your work.
Studying abroad is very amazing if you are able to put your finances in check. Make sure you gain more knowledge about the place you are heading to so as to be armed with all available information. It is a matter of time for your dream to study abroad to come to reality. Enjoy the best of stay.
