Financial Aid
Despite the growing numbers of students going abroad each year, there are hundreds of thousands more who want to go abroad but, unfortunately, do not think that they can afford it. While it is true that not everyone can ask their parents to foot the bill, nor can they afford to leave the job that is putting them through school, thankfully there are many types of aid available to students who demonstrate financial need.
One of the major hurdles for many students who want to go abroad is simply finding out relevant information that can help them get the aid they need. Here at Voy!™, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get all the financial support you need so that money is no longer an excuse to not make study abroad a part of your college experience.
Here, we have put together a non-exhaustive list of resources for financial aid and scholarships available to help offset the high costs of study abroad programs.
Federal Student Aid
This one should be a no-brainer. You most likely have already filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at some point in your college career, but if not, this is a great place to start.
International Education Financial Aid
Searchable databases, resources, web links, and message boards for financial aid for both U.S. and international students
Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
U.S. Department of State scholarships for undergraduate study abroad students with financial need, with a supplement for study of “critical need” languages and regions. The Gilman program awards more than 2,350 scholarships per academic year. This support has enabled well over 12,500 young Americans to go abroad and learn a second language, conduct research, and prepare themselves for the increasingly globalized marketplace. An important component of these scholarships is that students complete a service project when they return to their home campus, thus expanding the impact of their experience abroad.
Boren Awards for International Study
National Security Education Program grants for undergraduate study abroad to underrepresented countries of critical importance to U.S. interests, with encouraged study of less commonly taught languages. These awards were created with the goal of enhancing the U.S. government’s preparedness to deal effectively with the emerging global issues of the 21st century. In exchange for receipt of funding, award recipients commit to working in a national security position for at least one year after graduation.
Fulbright Program for U.S. Students
The Fulbright Program is a highly regarded international education program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is a vital resource that enables college students to study, teach and conduct important research abroad. It’s stated goal is to increase and improve mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries.
The Program is the largest U.S. exchange program awarding approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study, and operating in more than 140 countries according to their website.
DAAD German Academic Exchange Service
Undergraduate scholarships, summer courses, and internships for study abroad experiences in Germany.
*Check back for further updates to this list of financial aid options*