Tips on finding scholarships for studying abroad?

I've always dreamed of attending college abroad, but I'm not sure how to find scholarships for international students. Does anyone have experience with this or know where I could start looking?

Finding scholarships for studying abroad can be complex, but there are a multitude of resources available to you. Let's break down the process into a few manageable steps.

First off, I recommend starting close to home. Check in with your high school guidance counselor. They often have a wealth of knowledge about various scholarships and may be able to point you in the right direction.

Next, go directly to the source. Look within the universities you're interested in. Many schools overseas have scholarships specifically for international students and can offer you merit-based aid. These scholarships may be listed on the universities' financial aid websites. Furthermore, you may wish to contact the admissions offices of these schools to get additional information.

You should also explore organizations dedicated to international study and exchange programs. The Fulbright Program, for instance, offers scholarships to study abroad in virtually any field.

There are also several databases that you can search for scholarships. Normally, these databases let you enter your specific criteria, which can help narrow down your search. Appily (formerly known as Cappex), Fastweb, and Scholarships.com are good places to start.

Lastly, consider non-traditional sources. Sometimes local community organizations, businesses, or even religious organizations may offer scholarships that can be used towards overseas study. Don't overlook these possibilities!

One key tip is to start early and prepare your applications well in advance of the deadlines. Many of these scholarship competitions can be quite competitive. Remember to tailor each application to the specific scholarship, highlighting how you meet the stated criteria. Good luck!