Self+Directed+Exploration-+Money+Matters!


 * [[image:ISE-Logomark-Small-Color.png width="97" height="97" align="right"]] Money Matters! **


 * Individual time needed: 1 hour **
 * Time needed with parent(s)/guardian(s): 1 hour **

Are you ready manage your money and use the currency of your destination country?


 * Questions: **
 * What is the currency used in your destination country?
 * What is your planned budget for food, bottled water and other necessities? (Past participants told us they spent an average of about $150 on essentials.)
 * What is your planned budget for gifts and souvenirs to bring back to the U.S.? (Past participants told us they spent an average of almost $200 dollars on non-essentials.)
 * What is the exchange rate between dollars and the currency of your destination country?
 * Will you be able to use a debit and/or credit card in your destination country?

Here are some websites to get you started on your research and planning.
 * Costa Rica: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - Costa Rica] or []
 * China: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - China] or []
 * Ecuador: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - Ecuador] or []
 * Europe: [|Rick Steves' Money Tips for Travelers - Europe] or []
 * Panama: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - Panama] or []
 *  Peru: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - Peru] or []
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">Puerto Rico: [|Lonely Planet Money Tips for Travelers - Puerto Rico] or []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Homework to do with your parent(s) or gaurdian(s):


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">Ask your parents to help you with your budgeting for the program. Use the ISE Program Budget Worksheet to help you discuss your planned and un-planned expenses. ISE Program Budget worksheet.docx
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">Are there any questions you have left over after your research?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ask your teacher, group leader, travel-mates or call ISE to ask where you might find answers for the questions you still have!