Top 10 Most Affordable Study Abroad Programs
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Studying abroad is a life-changing experience we wish for every student, including YOU. That’s why we offer a ton of programs in a range of price points that are packed full of excursions and amenities – so your dollar can go further.
If you’re looking for a study abroad program that fits a certain budget, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most affordable study abroad programs. Take a look!
Top 10 Cheapest Study Abroad Programs:
| Program Name | Cost |
| Summer in Santiago DR | $3,950 |
| Summer Communications, New Media + Journalism in Prague | $4,950 |
| Summer in Mérida | $2,950 |
| Liberal Arts in the Dominican Republic | $13,950 |
| Semester in San Juan | $9,950 |
| Semester Global Internship in Mérida | $6,950 |
| Semester in Tallinn | $14,950 |
| Semester in Kyoto | $14,950 |
| January in Berlin | $4,350 |
| January in Taipei | $3,950 |
Most Affordable Summer Study Abroad Programs
We offer more than 70 summer adventures, including these cheap summer study abroad programs:
Summer in Santiago DR
Study in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic and immerse yourself in the daily life of a vibrant developing Caribbean island. This summer study abroad program provides an excellent opportunity to explore Dominican and Greater Caribbean history, culture, language, and more.
- Timeframe: 4 weeks, May-June
- Language: English
- Credit: 3-4 per session semester hours / 4.5-6 per session quarter hours
- Cost: $3,950
Summer Communications, New Media + Journalism in Prague
Make Prague your classroom in this program that offers local perspectives on media and its role in society, intercultural communication, gender, identity, and many other relevant themes. This opportunity is perfect for students majoring in communications, marketing, and journalism.
- Timeframe: 4 weeks, May-June
- Language: English
- Credit: 3-4 per session semester hours / 4.5-6 per session quarter hours
- Cost: $4,950
Summer in Mérida
Bring your interest in history, culture, and sustainability to life while spending your summer in vibrant Mérida. Get a firsthand perspective on the Yucatán’s rich Maya heritage and colonial past while furthering your education in courses exploring topics like environmental studies, public health, Spanish language, and regional culture.
- Timeframe: 4 weeks, May-June
- Language: English
- Credit: 3-4 per session semester hours / 4.5-6 per session quarter hours
- Cost: $2,950
Most Affordable Semester Study Abroad Programs
If a semester abroad is what you’re after, we offer dozens of programs around the world. Here are some of the most affordable study abroad semester programs:
Liberal Arts in the Dominican Republic
Improve your already strong Spanish language skills and immerse yourself in the developing Dominican Republic. Along with Spanish language classes, learn about the evolution of society, culture, economics, and politics of the island of Hispaniola and the greater Hispanic Caribbean through liberal arts courses, in Spanish.
- Timeframe: 16 weeks, spring or fall
- Language: English and Spanish
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
- Cost: $13,950
Semester in San Juan
Enroll in our Semester in San Juan program and explore how Caribbean traditions and contemporary life come together while advancing your degree. Outside the classroom, your academics are enhanced through immersive co-curricular activities and excursions throughout Puerto Rico that connect your coursework to the island’s history, culture, and communities.
- Timeframe: 12 weeks, spring or fall
- Language: English
- Credit: 12-14 semester hours / 18-21 quarter hours
- Cost: $9,950
Semester Global Internship in Mérida
Build real-world experience while living in the capital of the Yucatán with the Semester Global Internship in Mérida. Gain hands-on professional skills in a cross-cultural setting while exploring Maya heritage, colorful colonial streets, and a close-knit local community that makes it easy to feel at home abroad.
- Timeframe: 12 weeks, spring or fall
- Language: English
- Credit: 9-13 semester hours / 13.5-19.5 quarter hours
- Cost: $6,950
Semester in Tallinn
Spend a semester in one of Europe’s most digitally advanced societies while living in a city where medieval architecture meets startup culture. In Tallinn, you’ll take innovative courses, explore Estonia’s e-governance model firsthand, and experience daily life in a Baltic capital known for creativity, tech innovation, and easy access to nature.
- Timeframe: 17 weeks, spring or fall
- Language: English
- Credit: 12-18 semester hours / 18-27 quarter hours
- Cost: $14,950
Semester in Kyoto
In Kyoto, centuries-old temples and gardens shape everyday life, offering a living classroom unlike anywhere else. During your semester, you’ll dive into Japanese language and culture while experiencing traditions, innovation, and seasonal beauty that make this former imperial capital unforgettable.
- Timeframe: 12 weeks, spring or fall
- Language: English
- Credit: 12-14 semester hours / 18-21 quarter hours
- Cost: $14,950
Most Affordable J-Term Study Abroad Programs
Some of the cheapest study abroad programs can be found during J-term, thanks to its short (but mighty!) duration. We currently more than 30 J-term programs, including the following two:
January in Berlin
Designed for students of all majors, this program will help you discover firsthand how historical forces have shaped Germany's turbulent past and are building its vibrant future. Spend January immersing yourself in an intensive three-week course as you engage with the material in and out of the classroom.
- Timeframe: 3 weeks, January
- Language: English
- Credit: 3 semester hours / 4.5 quarter hours
- Cost: $4,350
January in Taipei
Spend January earning credits in one of Asia’s most dynamic and modern cities. This exciting winter program in Taipei is designed for students from all majors who want to experience what it’s like to call Taiwan’s vibrant capital home for three weeks.
- Timeframe: 3 weeks, January
- Language: English
- Credit: 3 semester hours / 4.5 quarter hours
- Cost: $3,950
Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants
Studying abroad is so important, and we believe all students deserve access to experience living and learning in a foreign country firsthand. That’s why we offer millions in scholarships and grants each year to students seeking financial assistance.
From merit-based scholarships awarded to those with proven academic merit to need-based grants available to those with demonstrated financial need, we offer more ways for students to get on their way, including YOU.
Additionally, your university may have financial aid available for study abroad. Be sure to check with your study abroad advisor to see what you may qualify for.
Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps
Study Abroad on Your Terms
We hope this list of 10 of the most affordable study abroad programs helps you decide where to study. With a wide range of programming, costs, seasons, and locations, you can find the best fit for you, on your terms.
Ready to take the next step?
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