Study abroad scholarships are available to students hoping to travel while continuing their education. Whether students want to travel for a few weeks during their breaks or for a full academic term, scholarships can help them afford to do so.
While many scholarships for study abroad are offered to students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, some scholarships may be reserved for students who have recently graduated or plan to work in conjunction with a student program.
The following sections detail the types of study abroad scholarships, the benefits of each program and potential eligibility requirements that may apply to some scholarship programs. Even if scholarships cannot grant students free trips to foreign places, they should not be overlooked as viable means of paying for study abroad programs. Students can read the sections below to determine which scholarships may be suitable for their travel plans. Additionally, they can better learn if they may qualify for certain study abroad scholarships offered in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Scholarships for study abroad opportunities are divided based on the organization that funds them, the location to which students are traveling and the frequency in which they are provided to students. For instance, some summer study abroad scholarships may be distributed to a specific number of students on a yearly basis. A list of the scholarship types offered to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying abroad is as follows:
Of course, countless other scholarship programs and organizations award financial aid to deserving students going abroad, but the list above represents some of the most common and nationally recognized scholarships available. While some study abroad scholarships merely provide financial aid to students traveling abroad, others offer accommodations and employment opportunities through the program or a partnering organization at the student’s destination. Students are advised to review the terms and conditions of all scholarship opportunities before accepting or rejecting offers to ensure they receive the type of assistance they require.
Scholarships for study abroad trips can be found online, in reference works in libraries and from reliable professionals. Information on study abroad scholarships can be accessed on each program’s official website and from resources provided by students’ colleges. Foreign language professors and administrators may be familiar with scholarship programs to recommend to their students. At some post-secondary institutions, study abroad offices can help place students in programs that satisfy their educational requirements and offer competitive scholarship deals. When searching for information online, students should rely on study abroad organizations such as Go Overseas, SIT Study Abroad, CIEE and the American Institute for Foreign Study, as they are global organizations that have served thousands of students.
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Students should also consider researching programs and scholarships that may not be specifically designed for study abroad purposes. If students want to conduct research or study geographical areas or historical events, some scholarship programs may allow student to use their funds to travel abroad. In these cases, general scholarship resources from places such as financial aid offices and education departments may be able to supply students with useful information. However, study abroad scholarships should be prioritized.
Unlike most other scholarships with clear regulations, study abroad scholarships vary greatly in terms of eligibility criteria and may be a combination of merit- and need-based. Students are advised to review program-specific guidelines for each study abroad scholarship application individually to ensure they are eligible to receive funds. However, the study abroad scholarship essay is a common requirement for students seeking financial aid for studying abroad. Students applying for financial aid should prepare to write an essay for each application. A list of helpful essay writing tips is as follows:
Study abroad scholarships can be applied to other types of financial aid including, but not limited to, grants, loans and other scholarships. Primarily, scholarships for study abroad offer students great financial rewards. In addition to the financial benefits these scholarships provide, students may experience the following benefits:
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