Hello everyone! This is Mentor Language Institute!
Today, I would like to share with you the cost of studying abroad internationally and how to reduce its costs. For instance, when you hear “study abroad in the United States,” it often sounds expensive, doesn’t it? Nowadays, the inflation rate has gone up quite a bit, impacting not just tuition fees but everyday expenses as well. This includes the cost of living, transportation, and even a simple burger combo.
Let me provide you with some examples, starting with the price of a Big Mac at the world-famous fast-food restaurant, McDonald’s, in the United States before Covid-19 (pre-2019) and after Covid-19 (post-2019).
| USA | 2019 (before Covid-19) | 2023 (after Covid-19) |
| Big Mac burger price | Avg. $4.71 | Avg. $5.58 |
It may seem like only an 87-cents increase, but in terms of percentage, it is a whopping 18.5% increase in only four years! An 18.5% increase over four years can indeed significantly affect our budget and everyday expenses.
With that being said, I will share with you the most updated cost of study abroad all over the world and how to save the cost of study abroad.
Contents
1. Cost of Studying in the U.S.
1.1. Study Abroad in Los Angeles (USA) vs Toronto (Canada) vs London (England) vs Sydney (Australia)
First, let’s compare the average of the basics of studying costs around the world, including tuition for private language schools, rent for a studio apartment, Restaurant costs, the monthly grocery expenses and some other expenses such as phones and transportations for one person. All of these costs are estimated for the central part of the city.
| 2023 (per month) | USA (Los Angeles) | Canada (Toronto) | England (London) | Australia (Sydney) |
| Tuition | $900 (MLI) | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Housing (Studio) | $1,800 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Groceries | $320 | $300 | $300 | $370 |
| Others (phone, transportation) | Around $150 | Around $200 | Around $175 | Around $200 |
| Mid Class Restaurant (4 times per month) | Around $100 | Around $100 | Around $120 | Around $120 |
| Monthly Expense Total | $3,270 | $4,100 | $3,595 | $4,190 |
People tend to think Los Angeles, USA, is expensive because it is a very popular place and thousands of people know about it. Many cities within Los Angeles are famous, such as Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. However, as you can see, the cost of living and expenses are very similar across all the cities where international students choose as study destinations in English speaking countries, including Los Angeles. Thus, the importance of reducing costs is more focused on tuition and housing rent.
1.2. Private English School vs ESL school at College/ University
Many people considering studying in the United States often hear that community colleges are a budget-friendly option. But, what are the differences between studying at a community college and a private language school?
Community college English Program
“Community college” refers to two-year public colleges in the United States. The approximate English language proficiency requirements for international students enrolling in community colleges are typically TOEFL iBT 45-71 or IELTS 5.0-6.0 or Duolingo 75 – 85 . Students who don’t meet these English language requirements may still be able to enroll by taking ESL (English as a Second Language) courses.
However, it’s essential to note that the credits earned in ESL courses may not necessarily count toward graduation at the community college, and this could potentially be the time needed to graduate.
Private English school
On the other hand, when enrolling in an ESL program at a language school (private school), there are no English proficiency requirements, making it accessible even for beginners in English!
In connection with this, we have compared the costs of enrolling in an ESL program at a language school and directly entering a community college.
| School fee 2023 | MLI (Private English School) | Glendale Community College | Santa Monica College | Los Angeles City College | Pasadena City College |
| Enrollment fee | $150.00 | $ 552 ($46 /unit) | $ 552 ($46 /unit) | $ 552 ($46 /unit) | $ 552 ($46 /unit) |
| Tuition /semester (3 months/ 12 units ) | $2,736.00 | $ 3,120 ($260/unit) | $ 3,792 ($316/unit) | $ 4,104 ($342/unit) | $ 4,968 ($414/unit) |
| Student Representation Fee/ Semester | – | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Health Services Fee/ per long semester | – | $21.00 | $26.00 | $19.00 | $23.00 |
| Insurance / per 2 long semesters (a year) | Not mandatory | $1,506.00 | $2,124.00 | $1,484.00 | $1,200.00 |
| textbooks / per class | $ 95 – 180 (Varies with level) | $100 – $300 (Varies with level) | $100 – $300 (Varies with level) | $100 – $300 (Varies with level) | $100 – $300 (Varies with level) |
| Total / semester ( 3 months) | $3,066 | $4,748 | $5,734 | $5,719 | $6,445 |
The information provided above is a rough comparison of enrollment fees and tuition costs. When enrolling in a community college, there are additional expenses such as the requirement to have health insurance, as well as facility fees and service fees that may be collected in addition to tuition and textbook costs.
When considering these costs, going to a Private English School such as MLI and then moving on to college can ultimately be a significant factor in cost savings for those aiming to enroll in a community college.
1.3. English school Los Angeles vs San Francisco vs New York
When it comes to learning English in the United States, three major cities immediately come to mind: Los Angeles (LA), San Francisco (SF), and New York City (NYC). These cosmopolitan hubs offer a wide array of opportunities for language learners, but choosing the right one can be a challenging decision. In this article, we will compare English schools in LA, SF, and NYC to help you make a decision where you study.
Los Angeles: The Entertainment Capital
Los Angeles, often dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” attracts people from all walks of life. While you can honestly learn and improve your English anywhere, the advantage of studying in Los Angeles, such as in Hollywood or Santa Monica, lies in the diverse stimuli and opportunities you can gain from the local environment outside of school.
Tuition Comparison
Language school in Los Angeles:
| School fee 2023 | Enrollment fee | Tuition/ESL program (12 weeks) |
| Mentor Language Institute | $150 | $2,868 |
| EC Los Angeles | $170 | $5,640 |
| Kaplan International English | $200 | $5,400 |
| ELS Language Centers | $180 | $4,680 |
| Kings Los Angeles | $175 | $5,400 |
San Francisco: The Innovation Hub
San Francisco, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is the epicenter of technology and innovation. Like in LA, you can learn English anywhere, but studying English in San Francisco means being in an environment where there are many GAFA, IT companies, and startup companies around you outside of school. This allows for exposure to the kind of stimulation and direct engagement with these industries, offering the advantage of gaining practical experience.
Tuition Comparison
Language school in San Francisco:
| School fee 2023 | Enrollment fee | Tuition/ESL program (12 weeks) |
| EC English Language Centers | $170 | $5,580 |
| ELS Language Centers | $180 | $4,800 |
| Kaplan International English | $200 | $5,760 |
New York: The City That Never Sleeps
New York City, known as the “City That Never Sleeps,” provides an exhilarating atmosphere for English learners. With its diverse culture, world-class museums, vibrant fashion scene, and historical architecture, students in NYC can explore their interests while studying English.
Tuition Comparison
Language school in New York:
| School fee 2023 | Enrollment fee | Tuition/ESL program (12 weeks) |
| Rennert International | $155 | $5,100 |
| Kaplan International English | $185 | $5,460 |
| ELS Language Centers – New York City | $180 | $4,680 |
When comparing English language schools in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, it becomes evident that Los Angeles offers the most cost-effective tuition options. For international students aspiring to study abroad, choosing a school that strikes a balance between affordability and quality is important.
| School fee 2023 (Cheapest language school in the city) | Enrollment fee | Tuition/ESL program |
| Los Angeles (MLI) | $150 | $2,868 |
| San Francisco (Avg) | $183 | $5,380 |
| New York (Avg) | $173 | $5,080 |
Los Angeles not only boasts a diverse and vibrant atmosphere for language learning but also provides relatively cheaper tuition fees compared to its counterparts, New York and San Francisco. By selecting a reputable school that offers good value for money, international students can effectively manage their expenses while still receiving a high-quality education. This balance allows students to save money for their study abroad experience, making Los Angeles an attractive choice for English language learners.
2. The Keys are cost of School(Private) & housing
The total cost of your stay can vary significantly based on where you choose to attend a school and consequently, where you decide to live. Your living environment will have a significant impact on your experience as an international student in the United States. Here, we’ll introduce key points to consider when choosing a school and housing:
✅Choosing the right school: You must consider a multitude of factors to choose the right school. One of the factors could be the tuition. Private schools are much cheaper than College and University ESL courses. The location is one of the important factors as well. Schools located in areas with less favorable safety conditions might offer lower costs, but finding safe and convenient housing in these areas can be a daunting task. Without local knowledge, it can be challenging to determine which neighborhoods are safe.
Even if you research commute times and public transportation online, you might discover on arrival that your nearest bus stop is far from your residence, resulting in longer commutes or infrequent bus services, impacting your ability to engage in extracurricular activities or socializing.
✅The Challenge of Finding Housing: Finding a room, searching for roommates, and signing a housing contract can be quite challenging. For international students who may not have established credit, renting a room in their name can be especially difficult. If you’re not proficient in English, you may need an intermediary or agent to assist with housing applications.
At Mentor Language Institute, when you apply to our school, we also offer housing options if you wish. These housing options include Student Residence and Homestay. Your housing arrangements during your study abroad experience can be tailored to match your preferences for the type of environment you’d like to immerse yourself in. Whether you aim to connect with fellow students or engage with local families, you have the flexibility to select accommodations that suit your needs. Furthermore, for Homestay, it’s within 1 hour, and for Student Residence, it’s within walking distance or by using a bus, door to door, in under 20 minutes. You can also save yourself from the hassle of complex household procedures, and what’s more, if you reach out to the school staff about housing issues, they can assist you promptly. That’s one of the attractive features.
3. How can international students reduce the cost?
3.1. Choosing the right school
When international students decide to study abroad to learn English, they are often faced with a crucial decision: should they enroll in a university’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program or choose a private language school? The answer is to study at private language schools which can be a more cost-effective choice for international students.
University ESL Classes are typically more affordable for California residents due to subsidized tuition. However, international students may still believe them to be more cost-effective than private schools.
People think private English schools are much more expensive than university’s ESL which is not true.
While some private schools have higher tuition fees, choosing the right private institution can result in significant savings compared to university ESL programs, all the while delivering high-quality English language education to enhance your English proficiency.
And for sure, private schools have good quality too.
In addition, some private language schools usually offer a more extensive variety of English language programs, including English Test preparation courses (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo).
Also, Private English schools generally have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized instruction and greater opportunities for interaction with instructors.
Private English schools often provide more flexibility in terms of course duration and start dates, making it easier to pursue your education to your specific needs.
3.2. Affordable Housing Options
Housing is one of the most significant expenses for international students. To minimize housing costs, international students should look for affordable housing near their school. It’s essential to keep costs down since students usually have limited budgets. But it’s also important to have a place close to the school for convenience. This way, students can focus on their studies without worrying about expensive housing or long commutes.
U.S. Support Services Inc (USSS) Housing, our partner housing company, stands out as an ideal choice for international students looking to minimize housing costs while enjoying a prime location close to their schools. Rather than going for “cheap is better,” it is essential to choose housing with good quality, relatively affordable prices, and a good safety record. Often, low prices are associated with safety issues.
Recognizing that housing expenses can be a significant burden for students from around the world, USSS Housing offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on its quality. By strategically selecting accommodations in close proximity to educational institutions, USSS Housing not only reduces the financial strain on students but also streamlines their daily commute, granting them more time and convenience to focus on their studies and extracurricular pursuits.
3.3. Economical Food Choices
Food expenses can also account for a significant portion of an international student’s budget.
| If you dine out four times a week for one month in Los Angeles. | If dining out once a week($24), the rest is self-cooking($30 per week). |
| $384 （The average cost of dining out once in Los Angeles is $24 ） | $216 (dining out $24×4 times + self-cooking $30×4 times) |
To cut down on these costs:
Cook Your Own Meals: Eating out at restaurants can quickly drain your finances. Cooking your meals at home is not only more economical but also a healthier option. Look for grocery stores with affordable options and cook in batches to save time.
Bringing your lunch to school or university can also help you save a significant amount of money. Invest in a good-quality lunchbox and prepare your lunch the night before to ensure a stress-free morning routine.
Here are some recommend supermarkets’ examples in the U.S.
– Trader Joe’s
– VONS
– Ralphs
– Whole foods
By carefully considering these strategies, international students can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with pursuing education abroad. Careful planning, budgeting, and resourcefulness can go a long way in making the dream of studying in a foreign country more affordable and attainable.
CEO & PDSO (Principal designated school official) at Mentor Language Institute
Strength:
・Advising about U.S. University/ College System
・Advising U.S. Immigration Matter
