Ideally, you’ve already read Part 1 and Part 2 of this post and you’ve been convinced that being a student is one of the best times to travel. In Part 3, I’ll cover some more gems to help you maximize your travel experiences as a student.
1) Participate in International Extracurricular Activities
Engaging in extracurricular programs with an international focus is another avenue to increase your travel opportunities a student. Many universities host clubs or societies that organize trips for members. I had several friends who were part of university clubs that provided consulting for small businesses in foreign countries and usually concluded their cases with a trip to company’s headquarters at the end of the semester.
Additionally, diplomacy societies like Model United Nations frequently send delegates to international conferences, combining academic engagement with travel experiences. These programs alleviate the stress of planning while providing structured opportunities for exploration. Ensuring sufficient free time outside of program activities allows for genuine engagement with the destination to enhance the overall travel experience.
2) Look Out For University Interest Programs
Another way to maximize travel is by keeping an eye out for university programs aimed at marketing themselves to prospective students. Some institutions offer free trips to top applicants, typically targeting high school seniors applying to college or bachelor’s degree students applying for graduate school. Two friends of mine scored an all-expenses-paid trip to Shanghai courtesy of Fudan University to promote their master’s program. Beyond the incredible opportunity to explore Shanghai, they also benefited from expedited visa processing and seized the chance to visit other cities in China. Be sure that while you are exploring in-house programs at your university to also look out for those at other institutions for potential travel opportunities.
3) Take Advantage of Student Discounts
It’s no secret that being a student often comes with perks, including discounts on travel. Before making any purchases, it’s wise to search for student discount options. From dedicated student travel agencies like Student Universe and STA Travel to student fares on mainstream booking platforms like Kayak or CheapOair, there’s a wealth of savings to be had. Additionally, don’t forget to inquire about student discounts at attractions and transportation services at your destination. Many countries, especially in Europe, offer discounted rates for students at museums and popular landmarks. During my travels in India, even an expired student ID helped me secure half-price entry to palaces and monuments. While students might have limited finances, student discounts can significantly reduce travel costs.
4) Take Advantage of Student Credit Cards
Consider exploring credit cards tailored for students to reap additional travel benefits. Securing popular travel credit cards without an established credit history can be challenging for students. However, student-specific credit cards offer a more accessible entry point and often provide lenient terms to accommodate students’ financial situations. Some cards even offer perks tied to academic performance, such as GPA-based rewards. My first credit card, the Discover Student credit card, not only helped me build credit but also rewarded academic achievement with deductions on payments each year. Leveraging these benefits can save you money to fund your next adventure while building your credit history so that you can venture into the world of the more costly travel credit cards.
4) Apply For Fellowships
One of the most impactful ways to continue traveling after college is by pursuing fellowship programs. These opportunities span a wide spectrum, from furthering your education to conducting research, interning, or volunteering abroad. Many programs fully fund master’s degrees and provide stipends for living expenses, such as the Marshall Scholarship for the UK, the Schwarzman Scholarship for China, or the Mitchell Scholarship for Ireland. The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships to attend universities across Europe, allowing students to split their education between institutions in multiple countries—a truly enriching experience. Your own academic institution may also offer similar fellowship programs. For example, my master’s degree in London was entirely funded by a fellowship offered by my undergraduate university.
If you’re ready to transition from student life, there are fellowship opportunities beyond academic pursuits. The Fulbright fellowship, for instance, supports American students to teach English or conduct research in over 160 countries worldwide for a year. For those passionate about social impact, fellowships like Princeton in Africa or Princeton in Latin America fund individuals to work with nonprofit, public service, humanitarian, and government organizations for a year.
Living in a specific country for an extended period offers an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, connect with its people, and explore neighboring countries at more affordable fares than constantly returning home. Pursuing long-term fellowships in your desired destination provides an immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the local community.
So there you have it…
With over 13 tips across the 3-Part post on how to maximize your travel, I hope you’ve been able to get some insight on how to make the most of your time as a student so you can explore the world. Share in the comments which tips you found most helpful and any additional advice you think would benefit others.
