Interning abroad can be a life-changing experience, but for many students and early-career changemakers, the financial realities can be daunting. While the opportunity to live and work in a new country is invaluable, the costs of travel, accommodation, and day-to-day expenses can quickly add up. That’s why learning how to save money abroad is essential to making the most of your international internship. Whether you’re in a major city with a high cost of living or a more affordable destination, these are tips to save money while interning abroad without sacrificing your experience. By being proactive about your finances, you can stretch your funds further, allowing you to focus on the adventure, learning, and career-building opportunities your internship provides.
4 Smart Tips for Saving Money During an Internship Abroad
Interning abroad is an exciting adventure, but it comes with financial considerations. With a bit of planning and some smart habits, you can make the most of your experience without overspending. These practical money-saving strategies will help you stretch your budget, reduce financial stress, and allow you to focus on gaining valuable skills and exploring your new environment.
Tip 1: Shop Like A Local
Shopping at international brands or tourist spots can quickly drain your wallet. By adopting local shopping habits, you’ll save money and gain a deeper cultural experience.
Visit local markets for fresh, seasonal produce, everyday essentials, and more—often at significantly lower prices than established stores. Plus, markets are lively and fun to explore. In many cultures, friendly haggling is expected and can save you money. Learning basic negotiation etiquette and the local language helps build trust, opens doors to local deals, and avoids the “tourist” label.
Timing is also key! Shop near closing time when bakeries, street vendors, and fresh markets often discount perishables. This way, you can enjoy local treats for less.
Buy in bulk to save money long-term. Bulk purchases reduce frequent shopping trips, cut packaging waste, and are perfect for sharing with housemates or fellow interns. Stock up on items like bottled water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and dried goods (rice, beans, grains).
Imported products are marked up due to shipping costs. Switch to local brands for everyday essentials to save money and support local businesses.
Check out these affordable and community-focused internships in the Philippines
Tip 2: Eat Well by Eating Smart
This tip is a no-brainer, but eating out can really add up over each week. Instead, buy in-season ingredients from local markets and grocery stores to prepare your own meals. Try cooking a local dish to immerse yourself in the culture. For snacks, carry pre-purchased or pre-made options to avoid paying for expensive individual servings.
Of course, don’t miss out on local specialties. Street food is an affordable way to experience local flavors—just ensure it’s fresh and hygienic. Avoid food left out for long periods, especially in warm climates, and opt for freshly cooked or reheated food, rather than raw fruits and vegetables.
Lastly, lunch menus are usually cheaper than dinner ones. Consider shifting your restaurant plans to lunch to save some cash while enjoying the ambiance.
Tip 3: Maximize Cultural Exposure For Free
One of the most enriching aspects of interning abroad is immersing yourself in the local culture—and the best part? Much of it is free.
In urban areas, take advantage of free admission days at museums, galleries, and cultural centers—many cities list these in local event calendars. Music, dance, and film schools often host open rehearsals or student showcases that offer high-quality, budget-friendly entertainment. To stay informed, sign up for city newsletters or check “What’s On” guides for free events like outdoor concerts, festivals, or language exchanges.
In more rural or remote areas, cultural experiences are often more personal and community-based. Get involved by attending local religious gatherings, participating in community events, or joining village markets or celebrations. Simple acts like sharing meals with your host family, learning a few local phrases, or participating in traditional crafts can offer rich cultural insight at no cost.
To stay updated on local happenings, one of your best resources is your internship host organization! Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor and colleagues for local recommendations and insights into the best spots to check out.
Lastly, embrace spontaneity. Some of the best cultural moments come from simply wandering into a street festival, discovering a local hotspot , or chatting with community members. Over-planning can limit these unexpected gems.
Read more about the personal impacts of an internship abroad
Tip 4: Pack Strategically
A little preparation before you leave can prevent unnecessary spending down the road.
Emergencies happen, especially when you’re far from home. Instead of buying new clothes or accessories when they break or a whole package of bandaids for a small cut, bring an emergency kit with a needle and thread, duct tape, first aid supplies (band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, medication, sanitizer), spare batteries, multi-tool knife, etc.
A simple reusable essentials kit can also help you save on daily expenses. Include travel-sized containers for toiletries, a collapsible lunchbox to save on meals, reusable cutlery to avoid disposable utensils, and a tote bag for groceries or snacks instead of single-use plastic bags.
Pack items you will need right away to avoid buying them abroad. Voltage converters (if needed), climate-appropriate clothing, and specific items like local medications or toiletries that can be difficult or expensive to find in certain Roots internship destinations.
For toiletries, switch to solid options like shampoo bars and bar soap. These last longer, don’t spill, are travel-friendly, and reduce plastic waste.
Finally, avoid overpacking to steer clear of extra baggage fees. Consider buying or borrowing certain items locally. By packing light and focusing on versatile clothing, you can reduce your baggage and make travel more manageable.
How Smart Money Habits Can Enhance Your Internship Abroad Experience
Applying these tips to save money during your internship abroad can significantly enhance your overall experience. Smart money habits, such as tracking expenses and sticking to a budget, reduce financial stress and allow you to focus more on personal growth and cultural immersion. With a clear budget, you gain the flexibility to say yes to meaningful opportunities like weekend trips, cultural events, or local workshops, without the anxiety of overspending. Practicing mindful spending also helps you adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, making conscious choices like using public transportation, cooking local meals, and avoiding waste. Supporting local businesses becomes more intentional when your spending is aligned with your values, and it deepens your connection with the community. Most importantly, budgeting gives you a sense of control and confidence, helping you get the most of your time abroad. With thoughtful financial planning, your internship becomes not just affordable but truly enriching.
Wrapping Up: Smart Ways to Thrive on a Budget While Interning Abroad
Interning abroad is a unique opportunity to expand your horizons, and managing finances is key to making the most of your experience. By implementing these tips to save money while interning abroad, you can stretch your budget and focus on what truly matters–gaining valuable professional skills, experiencing local culture, and creating lasting memories.
From smart spending habits like shopping at local markets to strategic packing and eating smarter, these tips will help you navigate the costs of living abroad without compromising your adventure. Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant savings, giving you more freedom to fully embrace your internship experience.
Bonus Tip to Save Money: Apply Early!
The sooner you enquire or apply, the sooner you can start planning and saving–it’s never too early! Get in touch with Roots Interns today, and the team will help you find an internship abroad that aligns with your goals. Roots also assists with logistics like accommodation, so you can budget with confidence before you even depart. Start your journey now and let Roots make your internship adventure a reality.
This blog was written by Emily Che.
