I've been dreaming about the chance to study abroad, and I think a summer program would be an awesome experience. However, I'm a bit stressed about how to afford it. Do any of you know of good scholarships available specifically for summer study abroad? I'm curious about how to find ones that cover more than just tuition, like travel expenses or housing. Insights from anyone who's been through the process would be great. I really want to make my summer count with an international adventure!
Finding funding for study abroad programs can indeed be challenging but there are several ways to go about it. The first place to start should be your school's financial aid office or study abroad office - they often have a list of scholarships and grants that they've found or that previous students have used. They can also point you towards any school-specific scholarships which could assist in covering the costs.
Further, some study abroad companies have scholarships available for students using their programs. For instance, CAPA The Global Education Network provides merit-based scholarships, or if you're interested in sustainable issues, The Fund for Education Abroad is another great resource offering scholarships specifically targeted towards underrepresented students in study abroad programs. You'll want to take note of each scholarship's requirements and deadlines as you get ready to apply.
Outside of that, widen your search to include national scholarships like the Gilman International Scholarship for students studying abroad who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding, or the Boren Awards for students interested in studying less common languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Finally, it may be worth exploring crowdsourcing platforms (like GoFundMe campaigns) if traditional scholarships and grants don't fully cover the expenses. Many students have been successful in raising funds through their networks this way.
Remember, each financial aid source will have its own deadlines, application process, and qualifications, so it's best to start your search early to ensure you don't miss any opportunities. Good luck on your quest to study abroad!
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