Scholarships, Grants, & Fellowships

Many students are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or an entire year. Such students are able to embark on a once in a lifetime journey to see the world, experience new cultures, and earn credit towards a degree. However, a student's acceptance into a study abroad program is certainly not a guarantee that he/she will be able to afford the expenses that follow; this is where scholarships, grants, and fellowships become increasingly valuable. Unlike study abroad loans, that you will have to pay back, study abroad scholarships, grants, and fellowships will not cost you a cent because they are fully funded by the sponsor. Applying for such financial aid sources is a simple process, providing you take the time necessary to research your options.

Scholarships

Though study abroad scholarships may be offered directly through your university's financial aid office, they may also be found through a funded or private source such as a local business, organization, or church. First contact your financial aid office to learn about such funding opportunities. Another option is through your host university. Additionally, be sure to check the Internet for study abroad scholarship options. Here are a couple of options to check out:

http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html

www.iie.org/Fullbright/

http://www.australearn.org/

Link for NCSA/AHA International Scholarship for Study Abroad (Coming soon!)

Grants

You may attain a study abroad grant through applying directly to Grants.gov, or through checking with your financial aid office to see what grants are offered by your university. Student travel grants are awarded to full-time undergraduate or graduate students to help pay for transportation, food, and lodging. A great source for travel grants is the AAG IGIF Student Travel Grant site.

http://www.grants.gov

http://www.aag.org/Grantsawards/IGIF.cfm

Fellowships

Most fellowships are awarded to graduate students, but are also given to undergraduate students in their last two years of study. Fellowships are awarded for a summer or semester abroad. It is important to apply as early as possible since fellowships are very competitive due to the fabulous international learning opportunities they present. Here are a couple of excellent online examples of fellowship resources:

1. Germany: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals

       http://www.cdsintl.org/cbyx/

2. Asia: Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

       http://www.iie/programs/Freeman-ASIA/default.shtm