costs vs benefits

just did my sums on the coming move to germany to continue my 2nd 6-month period in europe, and i had a shock... well, i didnt expect to pay so much for this "exchange" program...

semester fees: 250 euros

tuition fees : 500 euros!!! (this was the unexpected expenditure... i was told by the coordinator at the international office of aveiro university, that once we pay the fees in aveiro...which is a mind-bogging 2500 euros for one year... we do not have to pay to the other universities anymore if we are to move over during the 2nd semester...bloody liar... either that, bloody communication breakdown...though i have a scholarship, but what is not spent on tuition fees can be better utilized as travelling budget)

flight tickets + train tickets: 150 euros

visa fees + miscellaneous: 300 euros

grand total: 1200 euros!!!!!!!!!

chance to take more technical modules and the chance to experience a brand new culture in germany: PRICELESS!

(sigh.... 1200 euros = 2400 singapore dollars = take-home pay of most of my working friends... )

on a happier note, easter weekend is coming up... thinking of going to berlin, when fabio suggested this (are you reading this alexis???):" lets go to turkey!!!!!!!" well, it may be expensive, but turkey? east meets west.... think i have to scrimp and save in march in order to afford this turkey trip... tough but definitely worthwhile...