Budget Hints and Optional Expenses

It may be helpful to be aware of expenses and optional workshops and trips, etc., when projecting your budget for your sabbatical year. The following budget hints have been based on recent SAT participants' experiences. A sample budget worksheet is provided on page 2 to assist you in your financial planning.

1. SAT is happy to assist you in arranging the housing environment, which will be most life-giving for you during sabbatical. Convenient housing at the SAT Residence at St. Albert's Priory is available. SAT also has a limited number of furnished apartments. Prices vary.



2. It is highly advisable to have a credit card. Travelers checks are also very helpful for the first few weeks while getting settled. If you are coming to the Bay Area from abroad, be sure to make allowances for the considerable time delay involved in transferring foreign funds to the USA. In order to facilitate your banking, you might want to contact, Donna Bell, Bank of America, 620l College Avenue, Oakland, CA 946l8. The Bank of America is very accessible in the Bay Area and their Financial Services Department has assisted SAT participants in setting up accounts. You might want to phone or fax for the necessary forms before you arrive --Phone: (510) 273-5252 Fax: (510) 273-8039. Again, be aware of any time restrictions on your particular country's currency. U.S. Banks often do not issue credit cards to non-Americans.



3. Many SAT participants love to walk but local transportation is excellent. A typical daily bus ride from the SAT residence to other points in Berkeley is $1.50 each way. A typical trip into San Francisco by BART will cost about $6.20 round trip, depending on the stations used. Monthly discount tickets and excellent senior citizen rates are available.



4. The cost of books varies according to your needs. Presenters try as much as possible to use readers which are optional are given to participants at cost ($4-$8). The cost of readers is your responsibility. This year the cost of all readers was approximately $40 per semester. All required texts are on reserve in the GTU library and a copy of each is kept in the SAT Lounge.



5. Spiritual direction is an essential part of your sabbatical. Some spiritual directors do not charge. Others charge on a sliding scale and still others charge $35-45 per session to help with their personal expenses. Sessions are usually two times a month.



6. There are many wonderful optional spiritual and personal growth programs and resources available in the Bay area, such as Enneagram and Dream workshops as well as many holistic health opportunities such as Massage, the Art of Anointing. These activities are optional. Costs vary.



7. One of the important aspects of a sabbatical at SAT is the opportunity to mingle with persons from varied backgrounds. Socializing with them may mean concerts, plays, and sporting events. Be sure to allow space in your budget for some of these events. We are fortunate to receive scholarships to our state-of-the-art YMCA. Fees are approximately $33 monthly, with no registration fee. This includes many classes such as water aerobics and many opportunities to stay fit.



8. People often car-pool for optional trips and reimburse their driver. If you do not bring a car, it would be wise to budget for this.



9. Rooms and apartments are equipped with phones. Monthly service is approximately $30. We suggest that people use inexpensive phone cards for long distance and international phone calls.

BUDGET HINT WORKSHEET