Any hesitation about studying abroad is typically related to the cost. However, what most students don’t know is that they can actually apply their current on-campus financial aid package to their study abroad trip in addition to scholarships. In fact, for some students, particularly those who pay out-of-state-tuition, studying abroad can sometimes be cheaper than a traditional on-campus semester.
A study abroad scholarship is a monetary award for students to use toward the expenses of their program such as travel, course credits, books and lodging. Students must apply for scholarships and some can be very competitive while others are underutilized. There are several types of study abroad scholarships to apply for such as:
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Merit-based: These awards are based on a student's academic, artistic, athletic or other abilities, and often factor in an applicant's extracurricular activities and community service record. It’s important to note that qualifications will vary based on the particular scholarship.
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Student-specific: These are scholarships for applicants who initially qualify based on factors such as gender, race, religion, family and medical history, or many other student-specific factors. Minority scholarships are the most common awards in this category, but qualifications will vary based on the particular scholarship.
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Destination-specific: These are scholarships awarded by a country to students planning to pursue a study abroad program in that particular country. They are awarded as an incentive to study in that country instead of elsewhere. Check with government-sponsored travel websites of the country where you wish to study to see what scholarships are available.
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Program-specific: Program-specific scholarships are offered by individual study abroad programs and/or the colleges and universities where they may be associated to qualified applicants. These scholarships are often given on the basis of academic and personal achievement, but qualifications will vary based on the particular scholarship. Check with your study abroad program and university to see what scholarships are available.
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Subject-specific: Subject-specific scholarships are awarded by study abroad programs or institutions to students based on their particular major or field of study. These scholarships may require the recipients to enroll in subject-specific courses while abroad or conduct subject-specific research while abroad, but it’s important to note that qualifications will vary based on each scholarship.
Study Abroad Scholarships
GSF Student Grant
The Global Studies Grant for Student Travel and Study Abroad
Designed to support foreign language training and other academic studies abroad, this grant provides supplemental funds for American students who already are studying abroad under the auspices of an official study abroad program conducted by an accredited academic institution. As with our faculty grants, GSF seeks to support a formative experience abroad for the recipient, who also must share this experience with others upon his or her return – ideally, with multiple audiences and varied media. We are particularly interested in funding the study of strategically important countries and languages (as defined by the US Departments of State and Defense).
Applicants must be US citizens and currently enrolled full-time and in good academic standing in an accredited secondary or post secondary institution. Among the most significant selection criteria are academic performance (as indicated in courses, grades, recommendations, and other achievements), program merit, and outreach potential. Grant recipients will be expected to acknowledge GSF's support, to report on their experiences, and to work with GSF to share those experiences as widely as possible.
CEA Scholarships
CEA scholarships are open to all CEA program participants who meet the eligibility requirements; their objective is to aid students in subsidizing the cost of their study abroad program.
The CEA Scholarship program has been specially designed to meet the needs and qualifications for a wide range of students. CEA values the different backgrounds and experiences that a diverse student body brings to the study abroad experience. We strive to provide funding to as many students as possible through a wide variety of scholarship options; however, a limited number of scholarships are issued each term.
**CEA provides more than one scholarship with a wide range of requirements. Please go to the website for more information about which specific scholarship may pertain to you.
For more information, please visit: http://www.gowithcea.com/students/financing/scholarships.html#Summer
Rainbow Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving GLBT student who aims to participate in a high-quality rigorous education abroad program. Applicants must meet general FEA scholarship eligibility requirements & preferences. Students interested in being considered for this annual scholarship should indicate this through their application forms. This scholarship is made possible by the generous support of a group of international education professionals who are committed to advocating on behalf of LGBTQI students. These professionals counsel international and study abroad LGBTQI students and support their LGBTQI colleagues in the field. Many of these educators have come together through groups created with the support of NAFSA and the Forum of Education Abroad. Award Amount: $5,000-$10,000Deadline: November 14Application can be found at: http://www.fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/scholarships/
Hiliary Echo Douglas Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Hiliary Echo Douglas, a study abroad advocate, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and colleague. Hiliary graduated from the University of Evansville in 1999 with a BA in Theatre Arts and a minor in International Relations. She then traveled to Vietnam with a Fulbright Fellowship to investigate modern theater in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. After two more years working for various international cultural collaborations in Vietnam, Hiliary joined CET Academic Programs as the Vietnam Immersion Resident Director eventually transitioning to become the first CET Campus Relations Manager for the West Region until her death in 2008.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates Hiliary’s love for Vietnam and other cultures, her desire to give back to the world community,
and her contagious love of life.
Award amount: $5,000
Deadline: November 14
Application can be found at: http://www.fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/scholarships/
FEA (Fund for Education Abroad) Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as undergraduates in US universities/colleges who plan to study abroad for at least four weeks between May 2014 and May 2015. Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs in the 2014-2015 academic year or summer 2014. The financial support for these scholarships is provided by generous donors, who are committed to increasing study abroad opportunities for dedicated American students.
Number of Scholarships awarded: Up to 15
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Check back in November for 2014-2015 scholarship
For more information, please visit: http://www.fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/scholarships/
