By Amy Bernstein
It’s no secret that college doesn’t come cheap. Nor is it cheap to study abroad or travel while in college. For this reason, many students don’t take advantage of this time to see the world because they assume they can’t afford it. But the truth is, you can’t afford not to!
The fact is there are MANY options available to help pay for study abroad or help students budget their money while abroad. Abroad101 prides itself on educating and empowering students so that an amazing experience abroad is in reach for everyone. Below see the low down on scholarships, financial aid and how to budget for travel.
Scholarships:
They come in all shapes and sizes. There are scholarships available for every field of study from Communications to Biomedical Engineering. You want to study it? Chances are there’s a scholarship for that. The myth that only “liberal arts” majors can study abroad is simply not true and we’re here to prove it. Our blog has posts on scholarship opportunities by subject as well as by location. Another great site for study abroad scholarships is www.studyabroadfunding.org. Check out all these resources, find the best scholarship for you, and get packing!
Financial Aid:
Navigating the financial aid landscape can be tricky and confusing. First things first, make sure to check directly with your financial aid office on how they handle tuition for study abroad. Different schools handle study abroad differently so it’s to your benefit to be in the know. Read our post about the different Financial Aid options available, and make sure you don’t miss out on funding opportunities!
Budgeting your money:
Let’s face it. Many college students who set off to a foreign land on their own don’t know how to budget their money. A few thousand dollars may seem like a lot at first, but trust us, it can add up very quickly. A few nights out, weekend trips and hidden exchange rates can cause some serious shock when looking at your bank account. Don’t let this happen to you. Be in control of your finances and be sure you have enough cash to last an entire semester’s worth of fun. Learn how to live it up abroad on a student’s budget by reading our post dedicated just to this!
There you have it prospective study abroaders. There’s no excuse not to go out in the world and apply for all of the funding that is available. Live your dreams today, not tomorrow. And don’t spend your life paying them off.
For more information on how you can get financial aid and scholarships to help you study abroad, check out Abroad101. Abroad101 also serves as a great resource for assistance in finding the right program for you.
