The costs of study abroad programs vary greatly. Some programs will cost much less  than a year at a U. S. university; others might be more expensive.  So, if you plan to pay for your expenses without regard to scholarships, loans, or financial aid, cost might really be the deciding factor.

If you have scholarships or other financial aid, the cost factor may not effect you as much. You will still have to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you received financial aid, and your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) will be the same, regardless of where you attend school. Some international programs will accept Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, and Parent Plus Loans.  

You will need to find out if the program you like provides its own financial aid or loans. Some of them do, of course.

Now, you know a bit about study abroad program costs and your eligibility for financial aid for study abroad.  The next page will answer some of your questions about how much language fluency you need to study abroad.