Hi thirtyc and welcome to travelblog!
I completely understand the predicament you're in. As a current social sciences grad student in a really cool and respected university in New York City, wracking up student loans as we speak, I won't for a second dismiss the idea that student loans
do and
will influence your future travel plans - but whether they have to limit them is another matter entirely.
We're in the middle of planning our "epic honeymoon" and will do so carrying all the student loans from my M.A. It requires an additional component of traveling. Instead of just thinking about a daily budget on the road, we're also having to plan ahead to make sure we'll have enough money (in separate account to make life easier) to at least cover our minimum payments while on the road and are going into this with the knowledge that when we get back, our travels will be limited locally for a few years while we focus on paying them down.
A couple things to think about - 1) are you able to defer your matriculation for a year? This might allow you some time to either travel and/or pay down your existing loans without having to go through the process of reapplying (and worrying about re-admittance) later 2) it's a real rarity the anthro student that doesn't end up doing some field-work, and these travel costs can be expensed through grants and scholarships. Have you looked into these opportunities for "study based travel?"
Another thing I would offer is what most all travelers have to consider when planning for or during the trip - sticking to a budget. I know I was offered much more in loan "living expenses" than I actually needed - and many of my colleagues took the extra money and lived (and are living) a bit more of a luxurious life in Manhattan than I am for sure, but I'm also leaving with at least 20-30k+ less debt than they are - so yes, get your loans for tuition, but be conservative about taking out additional loans for living expenses. Beans, rice, and taking the subway to Harlem to get cheaper groceries - seriously. Look for free entertainment. Kills the social life a bit but hey, it's grad school. If you're expecting much of an NYC social life you might be barking up the wrong tree.
Also (and this is non-travel related but I think a good thing to ask yourself) is there a reason you're getting an masters in anthro rather than pursuing a doctorate? I ask because an anthro M.A isn't typically designed to be terminal - there's not much more you can do with a masters in this field than a bachelors (which is to say.... not a lot) unless you plan on applying for a PhD program with it. And masters programs tend not to be funded, whereas you can/do/should get stipends and fellowships to pay for your doctoral work. Just a thought.
It's something I stress over on a regular basis, but if you have clear goals and objectives, make a plan and stick to it - you can do both. All that said, don't be afraid of taking a year off to work and save/pay down debt because it's "not what those on the serious academic track do." Sometimes it's that time off that really lets you assess where you want to be, and gives you the conviction that your path is the right one, sacrifices be damned.
- Stephanie
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