Going abroad cheaply or even free of charge is possible thanks to many programs that sometimes take care of up to 100% of the stay. Here are some solutions to go abroad cheaply.
EVS
The European Voluntary Service, a European Union voluntary programme, allows you to go abroad free of charge for one year thanks to a total coverage of the stay: transport, accommodation, meals and language courses are fully paid for by the programme and pocket money is given to the volunteer.
Erasmus programme + vocational training apprentice (formerly Leonardo programme)
The Erasmus+ vocational training apprentice programme allows you to go on an internship in Europe. The conditions for funding vary depending on the organization managing the program in which you wish to participate, but in most cases you will not have to incur any expenses. The new format of the programme is now only available to candidates who have recently completed an apprenticeship or vocational baccalaureate. If this is not your case, you can still go on a free internship in Europe through the Eurodysée programme.
Rotary Youth Exchange
The various Rotary Youth Exchange programs offer cheaper travel abroad through the provision of accommodation and meals. There are three formulas: the one-year school exchange for high school students, the summer family exchange for 15-19 year olds and the new generation exchange for 18-25 year olds.
Job at Disney World
The programs that allow you to work at DisneyWorld in Florida, either for a year or for the summer, are a blessing for anyone who wants to work in the United States with peace of mind. Recruitment is done in France and the selected ones fly to Orlando with superb accommodation in assured residence and a salary that will cover the costs of transport, meals and leisure once there.
Au pair
Au pairs are probably the easiest way to stay abroad for free. Indeed, an au pair is housed, sometimes fed and receives pocket money for personal expenses. Although often used by young girls to go abroad, this solution is also aimed at boys, although it is often more difficult for them to find a foster family. It should also be noted that it is not always necessary to go through a paying agency to find a family.
Wwoofing and Helpx
WWOOF and HelpX are two networks that bring together "Hosts" (farms and ranches often, but not only) and Wwoofers/HelpXers, young or old, from all over the world who wish to travel. Hosts provide accommodation and sometimes meals in exchange for the work of the Wwoofers/HelpXers.
Zellidja Scholarship
The Zellidja scholarship is a financial aid given to a personal project carried out by a young person less than 21 years of age. It makes it possible to finance up to 900 euros for an original travel project in any country in the world. It is even possible to benefit a second time from the scholarship with a ceiling this time of 1100 euros.
Professional development internship in Quebec
If you wish to do an internship in Quebec and you are no longer a student, the Office Franco-Québecois pour la Jeunesse (OFQJ), through its Internship Program, allows you to complete an internship of at least 3 months in Quebec with a salary of up to 700 Canadian dollars per month. The cost of the program is 500 euros but it includes several services including round-trip Paris-Montréal air tickets. This cost can even be reduced depending on the region in which you live.
Eurodyssey Program
The Eurodyssey programme is an initiative of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) allowing, as for the Leonardo programme, to go on an internship in Europe, all expenses paid. This program is available for residents of the following French regions: Burgundy, Champagne-Ardenne, Corsica, Franche-Comté, Ile-de-France, Limousin, Midi-Pyrénées, Picardy, Poitou-Charentes and Rhône-Alpes.
French Assistant Programs
It is not always necessary to want to become a French teacher to go abroad as a French assistant! Among the programs open to the largest number of people, we can mention the Fulbright Commission or the Amity Institute.