By Amina Ahmed, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Spring 2026

As a first-generation, low-income student, the idea of going abroad always felt like an unattainable goal. I kept seeing TikToks claiming you needed at least $10,000 for the “ultimate” study abroad experience, which made the opportunity feel even more out of reach. But after spending the last month studying in Florence, I’ve learned that’s far from the truth. With strong budgeting skills and a willingness to prioritize what matters most to you, it’s completely possible to have an amazing study abroad experience without dishing out $10,000.

After I got here, I quickly realized how easy it was for daily expenses like eating out, weekend trips, and even coffee to add up without me noticing. When you’re in a new country, everything feels exciting, and you want to try everything at least once: the restaurants, the cute cafés, the vintage shops, the late-night gelato runs. At first, it’s easy to justify every purchase because you’re thinking, “I’m only here for a short amount of time.” But those small expenses can turn into a huge dent in your budget if you’re not paying attention.

One of the biggest spending traps for me was eating out. Florence has amazing food on literally every corner, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out how to shop for groceries in a new country with different brands, different stores, and sometimes even a language barrier. It became really easy to just grab a €10–€15 meal here and there because it seemed cheap at the time. But when I started adding it up, I realized that eating out every day was costing me way more than I thought.

Weekend travel adds up quickly. Studying abroad makes it easy to visit other countries or cities. Flights and train tickets can seem inexpensive compared to U.S. travel. But booking multiple trips, paying for accommodations, and eating out while traveling can become expensive if you don’t plan ahead. I learned early that just because something is cheaper than at home doesn’t mean it fits my budget.

Because of this, I started creating a weekly budget for myself. I stopped hoping everything would work out. Breaking my spending into categories made it easier to hold myself accountable. It helped me make intentional decisions about how I wanted to spend my money. This helped me stop spending impulsively. I started asking myself if a purchase was something I truly wanted, or just something that felt exciting in the moment.

When it comes to traveling on the weekends, I’ve also learned a few tips that have helped me save money. One thing I recommend is planning your trips, or at least getting an idea of whereyou want to go, as soon as you receive your syllabus for your classes. That way, you can see if you have any class trips or assignments on Fridays and plan your travel around your academic schedule without having to cancel or rebook anything last-minute.

Another helpful tip is to invest in a travel backpack that fits under the seat on budget airlines like Ryanair or Vueling. This allows you to avoid paying extra baggage fees and makes short weekend trips much more affordable. I also had to learn to stop getting a coffee and a pastry every day and instead make my coffee at home using a Moka pot. It might seem like a small change, but those daily café runs can really add up over time.

Using hostels to your advantage is another great way to save money while traveling. Not only are they usually cheaper than hotels, but they can also be a great way to meet other travelers. I do recommend bringing a luggage lock and checking hostel reviews beforehand to make sure you’re staying in a safe, comfortable place. It’s also important to remember that many cities in Italy are just a short train or bus ride away. One of my favorite trips abroad so far has been to Rome, taken on FlixBus for super cheap, and I absolutely loved it.

Remember, we’re only here for a short time. It’s easy to get FOMO when you hear classmates talking about weekend trips to different places. Florence offers so many amazing experiences. Spending a few weekends here can be just as rewarding. Whether it’s taking a pasta-making class, watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, or going on a wine tour, you can enjoy days off from school without always leaving the city.

At the end of the day, studying abroad doesn’t have to cost $10,000 to be meaningful or fun. Being intentional with your spending and planning ahead makes your money go further. I wish I had known that budgeting wouldn’t limit my experience. It actually made it possible. A little planning helps you enjoy your time abroad without worrying about your bank account when you get home.