FINANCIAL AID / SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

While you are selecting a study abroad program, financial considerations can play a big role. Put together a budget and make a financial plan that will ensure your program is paid for, and that you have enough living and spending money to make the most of your experience abroad. NAFSA: the Association for International Educators has published a pamphlet with helpful tips and questions to consider when securing financial aid for your program. This brochure is available in the GEO Center office.

• PLAN AHEAD- Start thinking early about applying for funds to go abroad- a wider range of options will be available to you. There is no “last-minute free money”, and the amount of private aid for study abroad is limited. So you need to start investigating and planning –usually at least a year before you go abroad.
• CONSIDER YOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS- Go to the study abroad office on your home campus to learn about programs that are available from your institution and from other institutions, and whether or not they meet your academic requirements.
• COMPARE COSTS- There are a large number of programs available, and costs vary widely. Talk to your study abroad office for tips on how to compare costs of various programs.
• FIGURE OUT YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS- Visit your financial aid office. The professionals in these offices are experts in federal and state regulations and know how to help you apply your aid to your study abroad experience.
• CREATE A CALENDAR- Make note of application deadlines for federal and state aid and any scholarships and grants for which you qualify. Write down the key dates your home campus has provided to help students through the process, and make note of deadlines for deposits and payments for your overseas program.

Important questions to ask when you visit you financial aid office:

• What can I include in my “cost of attendance” budget?
• How much of my current financial aid will apply toward the program that I am considering, and what steps do I need to take?
• What are some possible additional sources of financial aid for studying abroad? How will they affect other awards?
• When will my financial aid be available to me or transferred to my program?
• What forms do I have to fill out to allow for release or transfer of aid?
  (adapted from Get Ready, Get Set, GO! Fund your study abroad by NAFSA: Association of International Educators)

Tony Laing, Diversity & Exchange Programs Advisor at MassArt, has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities for students.

Certain study abroad program providers offer their own scholarships. Check with your provider to see when and how to apply.

Ask your financial aid counselor and study abroad adviser about scholarships on your campus. Application deadlines vary by campus, so plan early!