Study Abroad: A Lifetime of Memories Are Affordable
Imagine walking past the Eiffel Tower each morning, as you sip a cup of latté and munch on a freshly baked baguette, on your way to class. Or, picture yourself studying Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. Wherever in the world you want to go, you can, when you study abroad.
At the beginning of every academic year and semester, hundreds of students embark on journeys that will change their lives. Studying abroad offers a wide range of advantages, ranging from enhancing your resume and allowing you to gain valuable international experience to giving you the unique opportunity to experience another culture and form lifelong friendships.
Even better is the fact that there are plenty of options, including scholarships and grants, for funding your study abroad experience. And, while you’re creating those lifelong memories, you won’t be in debt for the rest of your life.
Scholarships
It will take time to find and apply for scholarships, but it’s essential. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. Many scholarships require essays, so make sure you apply for scholarships well ahead of schedule to allow for adequate time to prepare a standout application.
You can find a slew of scholarships online and by visiting the study abroad office at your university.
Grants
You may not realize it, but your current financial aid package, including your Federal Pell Grant may cover your time abroad, if you meet eligibility requirements. If you’re enrolled at least part-time and are taking courses for credit that count toward your degree, your financial aid should cover your study abroad experience.
If you’re currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant or a Federal Loan, ask your financial aid counselor if you can increase one or both to help fund your studies.
Some organizations also offer grants for students who are going to study abroad. The Council on International Educational Exchange, for example, offers travel grants for students who are studying abroad through one of their programs.
Research, research, research!
The key to finding free money to help fund your study abroad is to research. Sure, you want to follow the traditional avenues: talk to your financial aid and study abroad advisors for a list of grants and scholarships they know about, and do a Google search. (You’ll find a wealth of information online, but be prepared to spend some time wading through the many scholarship and grant hits you’ll get.)
But, you also want to think outside of the box. Call local organizations – the Rotary Club, your high school alumni group or your church, for example – and inquire about scholarships for local college students. Talk to people. You never know who they might know or what suggestions they may give you for finding scholarship money.
Be creative and raise funds
In addition to applying for scholarships and grants, many students fundraise. All it takes is time, effort and creativity to raise money to fund your trip. Fundraising can be as simple as offering to write travel articles for your hometown newspaper and holding a bake sale. Your options are only limited by your creativity.
If you’ve always wanted to immerse yourself in a new culture and live overseas, now is the time. Studying abroad offers you even more than you can imagine, until you’ve done it. And, best of all, it’s affordable, especially if you’re proactive. Apply for scholarships, grants and do some fundraising. You’ll have fun, and you’ll help pay for your adventure abroad
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