Studying abroad can be an expensive semester, but there are lots of ways to reduce costs.  The suggested budget for the trip is about $2000US.  Here is our best advice on how to stretch your budget:


​1.  Hand-washing clothes:  The laundry service is a wonderful thing.  The clothes come back clean, folded, packaged, and smelling great, but if you choose to use it, you’ll be paying about $30-60 a week depending on the weight of your clothes.  For the same price, you can buy one bag of powder laundry detergent and wash them by hand the entire semester.  It’s not the most fun task, but in the long run, it’s well worth it for the amount you save, in our opinion. 


​2. Making food:  During the weekends, meals aren’t provided.  It’s definitely better quality and more fun to go out to eat at restaurants all the time, but if you buy some groceries and make some of your meals, it will definitely make a difference.


​3. Walking:  City buses here are only $6 and very affordable; however, they don’t run past midnight.  Try to walk whenever the destination is within walking distance, and avoid taking taxis as much as possible.


​4. Stay in hostels:  Independent travel takes up a huge chunk of your budget.  One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to stay in hostels.  They aren’t glamorous, but most of them are plenty sufficient, and it’s also a great way to meet interesting people from all around the world!


​5. Explore Mérida:  Independent traveling is great, but don’t forget to spend some of your weekends exploring the attractions of Mérida!  There’s a lot to do including movies, bowling, shopping, clubs, restaurants, and on Sundays the Centro is full of people and activities.  These weekends can be just as fun without breaking your budget.