Scholarships for volunteering abroad programs?

I'm really interested in volunteering abroad during college, but it seems expensive. Are there scholarships specifically for students looking to volunteer internationally? I'd love to hear about programs that can help offset the costs.

Yes, there are several scholarships specifically meant to assist students interested in volunteering or interning abroad. While each has its own eligibility criteria and application process, they all aim to make these kinds of experiences more accessible and affordable.

One such scholarship is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which supports students who've been traditionally under-represented in study and intern abroad programs. This could be a good fit, depending on your financial need and the length of your intended program.

Another resource is the Omprakash Ethical Global Engagement Grants. These offer support to volunteers and interns heading off to work with one of the Omprakash partner organizations around the world. This could be a great fit if one of their partners aligns with your volunteer interests.

Also, Fund for Education Abroad awards scholarships to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, who plan to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs.

Keep in mind that some scholarships are specific to certain locations, fields of study, or types of volunteer work. Make sure to do your research and see which ones best align with your personal circumstances and goals. Also, consider reaching out to your college's study abroad office, as they might know about more resources, including potentially school-specific grants or scholarships.