Should I study abroad?

Study abroad or vacation later?

• My situation is this... I have always dreamed of traveling the world since I was little. I am a junior in college and have not had much opportunity for travel... I have been to Brazil and Mexico but that is all. I really, really want to study abroad. I would prefer doing a summer trip.... a Maymester ... I realize this doesn't necessarily immerse me in the culture, but honestly my intention is not so much that as just seeing the world and having the experience of just going. Now, I attend an expensive private college that I really love, but have to fund myself - my parents are unable to assist with costs and I pay for fairly much everything myself through loans, scholarships, working. I am already currently looking at 28K or so in loan debt upon graduation. Nothing to sneeze at, certainly, but a manageable amount. I am a responsible borrower - anything extra/refund money is given back, interest on unsubsidized loans I pay periodically even though I don't currently have to, and every penny that I borrow is actually paid to my school - I pay with money from working all other expenses. My question is, I guess, I know study abroad is really great (in fact I'm tired of having that shoved down my throat), but in light of that fact that I already have debt just to get an education, is it worth it? A trip I have chosen that I would like to go on is about 5000 for about 2 weeks in Ireland- that's everything included except spending money and some meals. Ireland is not even my first choice - of course I think it would be cool - but I almost don't even care where I go - there are so many places I want to go! I can't even judge whether these trips are a rip off or not because I have done so little international travel. Another dilemma is that I could probably go for a semester for about the same amount I'd pay for a summer over what I'd normally pay for a semester at my school. However, I will be a senior - I have certain required classes that must be taken this year or I will not graduate on time (even more costly in the long run). I don't think they can be substituted with any other course. And a lot of the semester programs I've looked at have weird required courses related to the county that really wouldn't count for anything for me. There's just so much info about semester programs I have no clue where to start even after meeting with the study abroad office at my school. And, I'm not even sure I want to go for a whole semester. I'm just afraid that if I don't travel now, I won't ever, which is what everyone keeps telling me. But the funds just aren't there! My boyfriend tells me that if what I really care about is STUDYING or LIVING abroad then I should make sure to take a study abroad trip during college that includes course credit. Otherwise, I have my whole life to travel and vacation in these places, and if I make doing it a priority, the funds will be there. Is he right? What should I do? Advice?

• Answer:

  Vacation should come last because after all your studies at school are done youll have one less burden