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Mentor Advice

Question

Do you have any advice for students seeking funding to study abroad?

6 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Dawn Anderson
     
    Dawn Anderson
    Housemaster at MIT and a professional photographer
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Find out if your school will allow you to use any financial aid to pay for study...
    Find out if your school will allow you to use any financial aid to pay for study abroad credit–bearing program. Apply for campus, regional and national scholarships. Look at programs that are in countries where the value of the USD is strong so that you money can go further.
  • mentor picture Kenya Casey
     
    Kenya Casey
    Study Abroad Advisor
    Emory University
    Often I hear students say they cannot afford to study abroad, yet they have not researched...
    Often I hear students say they cannot afford to study abroad, yet they have not researched the actual cost of a summer or semester program. Never assume you cannot afford to study abroad. There are many colleges and universities that allow students to use their federal and institutional aid toward their summer or semester(s) abroad. In addition, there are several scholarships for students who have high financial need. Speak to your study abroad advisor to learn more about the various scholarships, but also do your own research. Think about fundraising as an option; even if you only raise $500, that money could go toward your airfare. There are several crowdsourcing sites online that provide travelers with a platform to fundraise.
  • mentor picture Yating Haller
     
    Yating Haller
    Assistant Director
    Global Engineering Program, Purdue University
    Think outside of the box!! There are pots of money on various campus offices that are not...
    Think outside of the box!! There are pots of money on various campus offices that are not designated until you ask for it. Also, the advantage of internship abroad allows students to get the biggest bang for their buck, they may event earn some money on their trip abroad.
  • mentor picture Tony Laing
     
    Tony Laing
    Ph.D. Candidate at Education Policy Studies and AFRO Studies
    University of Illinois – Urbana, Champaign
    Many study abroad programs offer scholarships for students to take part in their programs. Its...
    Many study abroad programs offer scholarships for students to take part in their programs. Its best to start researching programs and funding early, maybe as a sophomore and not the semester you want to study abroad. Specifically consider researching and and applying for grants like the Rotary, CIEE Bailey and Bowmen fellowship or national other fellowships the Gilman. By during some of the early homework, studying abroad because a more tangible option.
  • mentor picture Malaika Marable Serrano
     
    Malaika Marable Serrano
    Assistant Director of Global Communities
    University of Maryland
    Being open–minded is essential for folks who want to study abroad but are a little short...
    Being open–minded is essential for folks who want to study abroad but are a little short on funds. There are MANY places you can go, where the cost of living is equal or less than the cost of living in the States. In addition, I would encourage people to consider exchange programs and studying abroad for a semester or year, as this will open up additional opportunities for funding. Planning your study abroad experience 9–12 months in advance is also helpful, as scholarship applications may be due several months in advance of your trip date.

    In addition, I would also encourage people to consider alternatives to study abroad (e.g. international alternative breaks, internships, teaching, and volunteering abroad). When I lived in Venezuela, I didn't go through a program or pay a fee. I found the position on Dave's ESL Café job board, applied, interviewed, and bought my ticket to Caracas. Initially, it was really challenging. I didn't speak Spanish and had to find a place to live. The first few weeks were stressful, but afterwards, I started to adjust, make friends, and learn Spanish. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

  • mentor picture Shannon Wilson
     
    Shannon Wilson
    Sales Representative
    Polymer Science, Inc.
    Get creative! Contact your local churches, country clubs, pizza shops, etc. Talk to people one...
    Get creative! Contact your local churches, country clubs, pizza shops, etc. Talk to people one on one, share your excitement for traveling abroad and ask if they"d be willing to contribute to your cause. When all else fails, don"t be afraid to take out a loan. Of course, loans are not the ideal route, but if you are having trouble finding complete funding, it may be your saving grace. The last thing you want to do is miss out on the experience of a lifetime because of finances. Also, make sure you have enough spending money for your trip. You want to be able to experience study abroad in the fullest form. Don"t let money hold you back!