Budget smarter for study abroad and learn how to cover costs with scholarships, aid, and credit cards. Plus: get the inside scoop on Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card.

Can you save money by studying abroad? What scholarships and financial aid can actually cover international programs? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the costs and benefits of studying abroad. But first, they unpack the latest travel headlines, including Alaska Airlines’ new premium airline credit card, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card, and the launch of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ new Atmos Rewards program. They also share highlights from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas cruise ship.

Then, NerdWallet writer Eliza Haverstock, who specializes in higher education and student loans, joins Meghan and Sally to explore study abroad planning, with tips and tricks on budgeting for overseas living, using scholarships and federal aid, and managing unexpected costs like visas and exchange rates. They also discuss student-friendly credit card options, strategies to build financial habits abroad, community college and short-term programs, and the long-term career and personal benefits of global experiences.

Take the Smart Travel Podcast Listener Survey 2025 and enter to win a prize! https://nerdwallet.com/travelsurvey 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Atmos Rewards Summit Credit Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/atmos-rewards-summit-credit-card 

Resources discussed in this episode:

Delta Companion Certificate: What You Need to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/maximizing-the-delta-companion-fare 

Star of the Seas Review: Royal Caribbean’s Grandest Spectacle Yet https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/star-seas-royal-caribbean-review 

How to Pick Between Travel Credit Cards for Students for Study Abroad https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/how-to-pick-study-abroad-credit-card 

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/how-much-does-it-cost-to-study-abroad 

Can College Abroad Actually Save You Money? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/college-abroad-costs 

Is Studying Abroad Worth It? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/is-studying-abroad-worth-it 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  

In this episode, the Nerds discuss: study abroad programs, how to pay for study abroad, study abroad scholarships, Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, federal student loans for study abroad, Pell Grants for study abroad, budgeting for study abroad, study abroad financial aid, study abroad costs, student credit cards abroad, best credit card for studying abroad, avoiding foreign transaction fees, budgeting tips for study abroad, study abroad housing costs, cost of living abroad for students, international student discounts, budgeting for international travel, study abroad visa fees, study abroad health insurance, using credit cards internationally, exchange rates study abroad, travel budgeting for students, short term study abroad programs, community college study abroad, direct enrollment study abroad, third party study abroad programs, exchange student program costs, financial planning for study abroad, saving money before study abroad, international travel on a student budget, affordable ways to study abroad, study abroad safety tips, student travel hacks, building credit while abroad, student budgeting tools, travel emergency funds, and study abroad career benefits.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices