Students without these proficiencies may petition the Off-Campus Study Committee for an exception. This is difficult to answer because costs vary tremendously by program and personal spending patterns. In most cases, study abroad costs no more than being at Bates including international airfare and limited foreign travel. With careful planning, it can cost considerably less. Expenses, especially personal expenses, tend to be highest in Europe and Japan.
Aid is available according to the same policies that apply on campus.
A book allowance is sometimes included as well. The Bates grant may be as large as received on campus, but it is generally smaller since the sum of the costs listed above is less than attending Bates. Other potential travel costs, including passport, visa, medications, non-program travel, and extra personal expenses, are not included in the Bates aid calculations. In English-speaking countries, aid calculations are based on the cost of applying directly to the university rather than through a program. This is a bit overwhelming.