I Traveled the World While Taking Online Classes—And Spent Less than My U.S. College
Forget the dorm room with no AC. Forget overpriced meal plans and sharing a bathroom with twelve strangers. I took online classes while traveling through Southeast Asia and Europe—and somehow, it cost me less than just existing on campus in the U.S.
And no, I wasn’t staying in 5-star resorts or living on ramen. I was studying, exploring, and actually enjoying life.
U.S. College Life = Expensive and… Kind of Miserable
Let’s be real: college in the U.S. is a financial nightmare. According to [EducationData.org], the average annual cost of attendance at a public in-state university is around $26,000. Out-of-state? Private? Think $40k–$55k+.
And that’s just tuition, books, housing, and food. It doesn’t account for the mental toll of debt, burnout, and surviving on microwaved eggs.
Online Classes Open the Door
Thanks to remote learning, I realized I could take a full load of college classes from anywhere. So instead of being stuck in a bland apartment near campus, I booked a one-way flight to Thailand—and suddenly, my “college lifestyle” had tuk-tuks, fresh coconuts, and ocean views.
Online classes gave me structure. Traveling gave me freedom. Together, they gave me balance—and a budget that actually made sense.
Monthly Expenses While Abroad
Here’s what I spent (on average) per month while studying abroad:
- Accommodation (private room in Thailand): $400
- Food (eating out 2–3x/day): $250
- Transportation, SIM, laundry, etc.: $150
- Flights/Visas: $200 (averaged monthly)
That’s $1,000/month, compared to my U.S. college budget of $2,200+ (rent, groceries, books, utilities, etc.).
→ Source: Numbeo cost of living comparisons are a great source like this for the U.S. vs. Thailand.
Real People Are Doing It
I’m not the only one. There are entire communities of student travelers doing remote school from Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
→ For example: Kelsea Myers was profiled in Business Insider for finishing college online while traveling the world—saying it was cheaper and less mentally taxing.
Is It for Everyone?
Of course not. If your major requires in-person labs or internships, this won’t work. And you’ll need solid time management skills, good Wi-Fi, and motivation to study when the beach is calling.
But for many liberal arts, business, or communication majors? It’s absolutely doable—and way more fulfilling than another semester stuck in a beige classroom.
Final Thought
Higher education doesn’t have to come with crippling debt and cafeteria food. If you’ve got the flexibility, a laptop, and some courage, you can build a college experience that doesn’t look like anyone else’s—and costs a lot less, too.
Study abroad? More like study everywhere.
