You should definately consider the opportunity to study abroad. It can be a tough experience, particularly for people who go for a longer time, but is also awesome and during college is often the best chance to do it. I studied abroad and learned so much. You see all these places and meet people and experience a bit how other people live. On the other hand, I also am paying my student debts and I don't think that's something we can just pretend doesn't put extra pressure on people after they graduate. It sucks and it can be difficult. So the best thing would be to look at various programs, don't just restrict yourself to what your school offers because you could find a better deal somewhere else. Or reconsider the country. Going somewhere closer would at least cut down on the airfare. Good luck.

I think 4 weeks is too short anyway, even if it were cheaper than $10,000. If I were going to go through all the rigmarole involved, I think I'd rather go for a longer period of time...but that's just because I like to travel, too. :p See if there are other programs you might be able to work with.

I am looking at the Study Abroad Program with my school. It will be $5000, excluding tution, for four weeks in the UK, United Kingdom, not the University of Kentucky. It is between 3 and 6 credit hours. In the UK I can sort of speak the language.

If this is the only way for you to go abroad and you think you can handle the debt, then go for it. A lot of people don't get the chance to travel after graduation because they go right on to work and then don't have the time/money to do what they wanted. I have no clue when (if ever) I'm going to have another chance to spend 6 months in another country and go into debt without worrying about a house, a family, etc.

I did a summer program in London after my sophomore year and it was easily the best experience of my life. I'ms o glad I did it and wish I could have stayed over there longer. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely go.

Honestly, as much as I loved my study abroad experience in Vienna, that's about twice what it should cost. The summer program I did for twice as long was around $7500, and that's with outrageous Emory tuition.

I always encourage people to find a way, but if you're only staying a month, you don't get as much out of it. It takes around 3-4 weeks to become acclimated to a new country, and by that time your program is over. Trust me, I love to travel, but I'm not sure it would be worth it for me. If it's something you have your heart set on, go for it, otherwise I would wait.

that's an outrageous amount of money for four weeks in australia. i just got out of 3 months in england, plus traveling extensively, and only spent $4,000 of my own personal money plus tuition and airfare. there ARE other programs out there... not necessarily other schools, but programs that just do study abroad... that you should look into. the experience is unforgettable without a doubt, and everyone should go abroad, but $10 grand out of pocket is a lot of money.

Well, it's $5,600 that included the tution, two meals a day, etc.... the transportantion and anything else is extra. Flights to Australia are expensive

Update
 

awww I hope you get in!!! One of my friends decided to do a "summer abroad" program in Australia- she absolutely loved it. It was definetely a great experience for her; I guess since she was sort of "on her own", she gained alot of confidence and came out of her shell alot! She was almost like a completely different person when she came back (we couldn't get her to shut up, lol):P

I would definitely go. I went to Australia (working holiday, not studies) and what you get in life experience is phenonmenal...much more important than school credits!

You can get a student-rate flight for under $2k. $5600 for a few week course seems outrageous to me. I went to an expensive private school, and our winter term and summer abroad courses were under $4k, flight included. But good luck :)