For many students at UNC Asheville (UNCA), the prospect of studying abroad can seem financially out of reach. However, a network of exchange programs and strategic financial planning are helping to make these international experiences more affordable than many students realize.
According to Doug Rhein, assistant director of study abroad, the exchange programs at UNCA are especially beneficial because students pay their regular UNCA tuition. This setup allows students to attend universities abroad without the added cost of paying for tuition at both institutions.
“The exchange programs are quite popular because you pay UNCA tuition,” Rhein explained. “This makes studying abroad more affordable.”
Affordable Exchange Programs
UNCA offers bilateral exchange programs, where students can pay their standard tuition while attending partner universities overseas. Housing and living expenses are often comparable to those on campus. For example, Rhein pointed out that housing costs in Sussex, UK, are similar to UNCA dorm fees. In some cases, living expenses may even be lower.
“Students going to Tokyo are actually spending less because the cost of living there has dropped significantly,” Rhein added. “You can get a decent dinner for $6 or $7, which is not possible in Asheville.”
Even in cities with higher living costs, students often manage to make their budgets work. While Sydney is known for being expensive, cities like Seoul, Bangkok, and Brno offer affordable programs. For instance, students can find dormitory accommodation in Seoul for as low as $1,500 for the entire semester.
A Range of Program Options
UNCA offers study abroad programs ranging from a few weeks to an entire academic year. While semester- and year-long programs provide deep cultural immersion, the faculty-led Maymester programs are the most budget-friendly. These three-week trips are designed by professors like Assistant Professor Anne Slatton, who handles everything from cultural planning to budgeting.
“I handle all the logistics, from booking accommodations to planning excursions, and I create a budget with a per diem,” Slatton said. “Our students don’t have to pay for food while abroad, and that’s a big priority for us.”
Slatton, who co-leads programs in Ireland and Scotland with Sarah Judson, a professor of history, emphasizes affordability and peace of mind for students.
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t afford to eat while on the trip,” Slatton said.
Financial Aid Options for Study Abroad
Students can apply their existing financial aid to most study abroad programs, whether through UNCA or third-party affiliates such as the Center for International Studies (CIS) or the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). This includes federal aid like Pell Grants, as long as the courses abroad count toward graduation requirements.
Rhein helps students ensure that their study abroad plans align with their graduation requirements, ensuring that financial aid remains applicable.
“If you receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, you can apply those to study abroad programs as long as the courses contribute to graduation,” Rhein explained.
Additionally, UNCA waives application fees for Pell Grant recipients and offers extra scholarships for students receiving federal aid. Rhein works closely with students to help them secure funding.
“One of my roles is to assist students in writing strong scholarship applications,” Rhein said. “For example, one student last term received a $3,500 Benjamin Gilman Award and two additional scholarships for a total of $6,500.”
Planning Ahead for Spring 2026 Study Abroad
Students interested in studying abroad during the spring of 2026 should start preparing now. Rhein recommends that students apply at least a year in advance to allow time for approval of coursework, scholarship applications, and passport processing.
Earning While Studying Abroad
For students like Dylan Machi, a sophomore majoring in mass communication, earning income while studying abroad is a consideration. While labor laws vary by country, Rhein noted that some study abroad organizations offer stipends for students who participate in promotional partnerships.
“They offer a program where they subsidize your study abroad or give you a stipend after your trip in exchange for producing content featuring their logo,” Rhein said. Both CIS and AIFS offer these opportunities.
Machi, who has lived in Korea and traveled across Asia, is eager to return abroad for more cultural experiences.
“I’m mostly interested in Japan, or possibly somewhere in Europe due to its accessible travel options,” Machi said. “Cost will be the main factor in deciding where to go.”
For UNCA students, studying abroad is more achievable than they may have initially thought, thanks to a combination of strategic planning, financial aid, and support from the study abroad office.
