Studying abroad can be life-altering experience, yet can also be costly. However, scholarships offer one way of making it more affordable. Scholarships are a form of gift aid (money you don’t have to repay back) provided by universities, government agencies, private companies and non-profit organizations and often awarded on academic merit, financial need or other criteria – some may only be open to local students while others could include all applicants or even members from specific groups.
Scholarships can help fund a semester or year abroad. Scholarships may cover all or a portion of program costs such as housing, meals, airfare and language training while others provide travel stipends or grants for accommodation or transportation costs. To maximize chances of receiving one of these opportunities it’s essential that scholarship searches begin as early as possible; many have application deadlines well in advance of your departure date.
Searching for scholarship opportunities should begin by reaching out to study abroad providers or your university’s international office, but independent organizations or conducting your own research may also yield fruitful results. There are numerous online resources with lists of scholarships organized by country or region as well as searchable databases; many also provide helpful tips for applying for these awards.
As you craft scholarship applications, be sure to outline your individual goals for studying abroad. Scholarship providers want students who will use this time as an opportunity for true education rather than simply vacationing abroad. Be specific when discussing how a program fits into your overall career and academic plans.
Additionally to seeking study abroad scholarships, it’s wise to apply for general scholarship programs available to you. Many national competitive scholarships have deadlines well ahead of your study abroad application date, giving you an opportunity to find funding specifically targeted towards international experiences.
Apply for federal student loans or grants to cover the expenses associated with your study abroad semester or degree program. These are often less costly than private loans and come with fixed interest rates; be sure to discuss all your options with a financial advisor as you might find you qualify for more aid than you expected!