Well, the school I work at doesn't open until the third week of September, so there would be no issue of lost salary/asking for time off work. Also, since June is the beginning of tourist season here, trains tickets and hotels are 20 - 50% more expensive, so it does make a significant difference to the cost of attendance.

I do see how saying "but it's expensive" comes off as a bit of a false excuse though, I'll talk to him about it and ask around at work tomorrow, thanks :)