<p>Can anyone explain why an exchange student pays his U.S. university its cost of tuition for a lower priced international school which costs less? i.e. Why not be billed the cost of the international school tuition? Is there an advantage to being an “exchange student” vs. a “study abroad student”?</p>
<p>“Can anyone explain why an exchange student pays his U.S. university its cost of tuition for a lower priced international school which costs less”</p>
<p>Because that’s how the US university makes money. Study abroad (no matter what you call it) is big business and US universities want their cut. </p>
<p>A bit less cynically - it does cost the US university some money to administer a relationship with a foreign institution to ensure such issues as transfer of credit, class selection, etc.</p>
<p>One way to cut the cost dramatically is to enroll directly with the foreign school – without involving the US university. But that lays the burden of all the related logistics – making sure the US university will recognize and grant credits for classes taken for a start – on the individual. Most people decide that in the end, it’s not worth the trouble - and pay. You can also google independent companies that arrange study abroad. They usually charge a lot less and help negotiate with the home institution the granting of credit.</p>
<p>The problem with not doing it the “official” way through your school is that you may not get the credits transferred, even if you would be taking the same classes.</p>
<p>If you are getting fin aid at your school, it will usually go with you. If you are paying full tuition at a private U, study abroad often does not make any sense financially. It also often does not make any sense academically. I do think that living abroad for several months can be a valuable life experience, but it sure does not have to cost $25K.</p>