Cost of a year abroad

A year abroad is a formative experience – but also a financial challenge. Costs vary greatly by programme and country.

School exchange (ages 15–18):

• USA: €8,000–15,000 (with an organisation)
• Canada/Australia: €10,000–25,000
• Europe (Erasmus+): €3,000–8,000 (often subsidised)
• Included: flight, host family, school attendance, insurance
• Extra: pocket money (~€200–300/month), visa, vaccinations

Work & travel (ages 18–30):

• Australia/New Zealand: €5,000–8,000 starting capital
• Canada: €5,000–10,000
• Earning on site: minimum wage in Australia ~AUD 18/h (~€11)
• Proof of funds: usually AUD/NZD 5,000 in your account (visa requirement)

Au pair (ages 18–30):

• Cheapest option: €1,000–3,000 of your own costs
• The host family pays: accommodation, food, pocket money (~€280/month in Europe)
• Your own costs: flight, insurance, agency fee, language course

Funding and scholarships (Germany):

• Parliamentary Sponsorship Programme (PPP): full scholarship for the USA (Bundestag)
• AFS/YFU scholarships: partial and full scholarships
• BAföG: BAföG for studying abroad is also possible for pupils (higher limits than domestic BAföG!)
• Loan: KfW education loan (up to €300/month, low interest)