Scholarships for interning abroad: Any tips?

I'm interested in an internship abroad but the costs seem overwhelming. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options that can help cover expenses for students looking to intern internationally?

There are a multitude of financial aid options and scholarships to help cover expenses for students who are interested in internships abroad. Here are some resources and strategies to help find those opportunities:

1. Study Abroad Office: Your college's study abroad office likely has resources and tips for finding scholarships to support experiences abroad. They can direct you to specific scholarships offered by your institution or external ones.

2. Internship Provider Scholarships: Oftentimes, the organizations that facilitate these international internships also offer scholarships. For instance, providers such as CISAbroad and Global Experiences offer scholarships directly to students who choose their programs.

3. Department or College Scholarships: Depending on your major, your department or college might have scholarships available for students who are looking to gain experience in international settings.

4. NGOs and Non-Profits: Certain non-profit organizations offer scholarships for students looking to intern abroad. For example, the Fund for Education Abroad, or FEA, awards scholarships to students who traditionally are underrepresented in study abroad programs.

5. Private Scholarships: There are several private scholarships designed to help students offset the cost of international experiences. For example, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship rewards up to $5000, or up to $8000 if you're studying a critical language, to Pell Grant recipients who have an internship or study abroad opportunity.

6. Crowdfunding: While not a scholarship, crowdfunding can be a modern way to help finance your internship abroad. Websites like GoFundMe allow you to create a personalized fundraising page to share with family, friends, and social media.

7. Alumni Networks: Reach out to alumni who have interned or studied abroad during their time at your school. They might have great leads on scholarships, whether they're exclusive to your institution or not.

In making your applications for these scholarships more compelling, don't forget to emphasize how the internship aligns with your academic and career goals, and how this opportunity will contribute to your personal growth and global understanding. Good luck with your search!