"Reverse Financial Shock"

While most people are prepared for a “culture shock” when moving to a foreign country, it is the reverse effect they fail to foresee. After a year or semester abroad, re-adjusting to life at home can be surprisingly difficult. Both psychologically and emotionally.

However, as the majority of our foreign exchange students are from Europe, the cultural differences they must deal with are all but extreme. Therefore, it is not their emotional or state of mind I’m concerned about.

It’s the balance on their bank account.

It's no secret the Serbian capital is somewhat of a financial haven for foreigners. In other words – it’s cheap. Unfortunately, as the summer semester comes to an end, so do careless times of drinking cheap booze and cashing scholarship checks.

So I thought I’d share some useful tricks and tips on how to save a few bucks and ease the “reverse financial shock”, as I like to call it, when you return home to the EU. (Although, all of the below can be applied anywhere.)

1) Study during the day

The average student studies at night time, arguing that they can concentrate better then. However, if you replace several hours of studying after midnight with several hours in the morning, you can save up to 60 hours of energy of a burning light bulb in one month.

2) Buy fruits and vegetables at the market

Instead of shopping at multimillion-dollar-earning supermarket chains, buy your fruits and veggies at the market or piazza. Not only will you save money, but you will help your local farmer’s business.

3) Throw a pre-drinking party before heading out

The price of alcohol drinks at your nearby convenience store or kiosk is half of that in downtown clubs.

4) Carry as much money as you intend to or, rather, CAN spend

With any excess amount, you will succumb to temptation of buying an extra drink; thus, hurting your liver and your wallet.

5) Wait for the first morning bus

Taxi fares are higher at night. So prolong your night out and head home just in time to catch the first morning train/bus, even if that means only three hours of sleep until class. (Not recommended on a regular basis.)

Finally, 

6) Make sure to bring home a legal amount of fine Serbian rakija

It will last you a week or two! :)

Cheers! 

(Written by Maja Dragičević)