How to Travel for Free as a Student?

Posted on: Nov 7, 2022 | | Written by:

How to Travel for Free as a Student?

Published on November 07, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Students who want to learn will find travel to be one of the best teachers that they could have asked for. Travelling both domestically and internationally can widen their experience and perspective. It also offers a lot of unknown and new experiences that they might otherwise miss. At the same time, travelling as a student might not be feasible due to financial restraints. Thus, here are some ways you can travel for free. Yet, it is recommended that you opt for travel insurance online, since it can make your travel that much more secure.

1. Teach English Abroad

One of the most rewarding ways to travel abroad is to teach English. There are ample opportunities across the globe where you can teach English. Thus, making it one of the best ways to travel for free. Apart from teaching English, you can get to know the new culture as closely as possible. It also lets you meet different people who are like-minded and the payment from schools will cover all your expenses. You can either teach at a school or at a camp. There are a few companies that offer such opportunities. Opting for travel health insurance is important since it will cover any medical emergency.

2. Competitions

Though getting into competitions is one of the ways of travelling abroad, it is not guaranteed that you will get to travel. Depending on the competition that you are entering, the winning prize can be different. With bigger exposure and better funding, winning competition can easily fund your travels as well. There are a few websites that constantly run competitions for writing, blogging, films, and photography if you are interested in them.

3. Tour Guide

Staying in one place for a longer period can be very rewarding. It will help you learn more about the place, customs, and traditions and let you explore the country in a much better way. If you have such plans, you can apply to become a tour guide. There are a few companies that look for tour guides who are proficient in English and have local knowledge. The two characteristics needed to be a good tour guide are confidence and charisma. Also, ensure that you opt for student travel insurance when you are on the move.

4. Working On A Farm

There are a few firms that offer farming-related jobs in other countries. These usually provide food, accommodation, and some stipend, in exchange for the labour that you put into the farm. If you do not mind getting your hands dirty, this can be a good way to explore new places. You might have to pay a small membership fee to get access to different types of long-term and short-term work related to farming. If the idea of simple living amidst clear skies and nature sways you, this can be the perfect way to travel.

5. Ask Your Friends

Universities are ideal places to meet people from different walks of life and different locations as well. You might even meet some people who are from places that you had never heard of. Being in the mix of people from different locations on the map can be quite exciting. You can make use of these friends to travel to new places.

Though you might have to pay to reach there, you can get access to a good local guide and accommodation. Such stays will help you learn about a way from a local’s point of view, help with new perspectives and even pick up some new words from a different language. Since you are travelling on your own, opt for travel insurance online.

6. Student Schemes

Some universities across the globe offer cultural exchange programs. In this, a limited number of students can go on a short-term program to another country. The schemes usually cover travel, accommodation, and subsistence. Your home university will usually cover the cost of flights, visas, and vaccinations if needed. Student exchange programs let you explore a different country, its food, local cultures and even drinks with many things to worry about. Do not forget to buy student travel insurance before you head out.

7. Travel Grants

It might be a bit surprising for some, but there are companies that solely exist to fund your travel. To be able to get the travel grants, you must present a clear plan that would persuade the board of the company that your trip is important and worth the money. Quite a few of these companies offer travel funding which can boost cultural development and aid with personal development as well. Each of these companies might have specific criteria that you must meet. Educational trusts might be a good place to start looking, along with UNESCO and UN, which both offer funds for people to travel. Getting travel insurance online will only enhance your entire experience.

8. Study

There are a few courses out there that allow students to travel for a term or even a year. These opportunities allow undergraduate students to travel while studying, making it one amazing term or year. Based on the university that you are studying in, there might be a few student exchange programs that allow for such travels. Also, there are scholarships, grants and other financial assistance tools, so you need not worry about the expenses. Some universities even have partnerships with other universities overseas, which make the arrangement possible.

9. Hitchhike

If you are looking for a more adventurous way to travel for free, you can try hitchhiking. There is a popular book, On The Road by Jack Kerouac, which depicts the same. Though hitchhiking can be relatively safe, you must take a few necessary precautions and always stay alert. To make it even more interesting, you can combine hitchhiking with couch surfing. Couchsurfing essentially allows you to stay at a local’s home for free. This way, you can travel more without really having to spend much from your pocket, at least on hotels and transport. However, it is recommended that you buy travel health insurance. It will keep you safe if there are any medical emergencies.

10. Charity

Another challenging way to travel for free or at minimal expenses is to try something called Jailbreak. The trip is around raising money for charity with the help of your university or campus. Charity events are mostly annual, and the idea of these events is to travel the further that you can over a weekend or even longer duration without spending anything.

Conclusion

It is not impossible for students to travel for free. Though you might have to put some effort in some of the ways, the experience that you gain is worth the additional effort. Above are some of the most pronounced ways that a student can travel without spending anything or by spending minimally. However, it is advisable to opt for travel insurance online before you start. It will keep you and your belongings safe in the new place. And more importantly, offer peace of mind to you and your family members.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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