How do I find scholarships for studying abroad?

Okay, so I really want to study abroad. Like, really badly. I’m a junior in college now, and I know I need to start applying for programs and figuring out funding ASAP if I want to go next year. The problem is, study abroad programs are EXPENSIVE. I’ve already talked to my parents, and while they’re supportive, they definitely can’t cover the full cost. So, scholarships are my only real hope.

I’ve tried Googling, of course, but the results are overwhelming. It’s just a massive list of websites and different kinds of scholarships. I don’t even know where to begin! Is there, like, a specific type of scholarship I should be looking for? Or some really good databases that are actually up-to-date?

Also, I’m planning on studying abroad in Rome, Italy, for a semester. Does that narrow down the scholarships I should be looking at? Are there scholarships specifically for studying in Italy, or even Rome itself?

Finally, is there anything I can do to make my application stand out? I’m a decent student (GPA around 3.5), but I’m not exactly a straight-A student or anything. I’m worried I won’t be competitive enough. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

To find scholarships for studying abroad, utilize a multi-faceted approach incorporating online databases, institutional resources, and program-specific opportunities. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Online Scholarship Databases:

• IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding: Hosted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), this is one of the most comprehensive databases. It allows filtering by country, field of study, award type, and applicant level. The advanced search function allows for very specific criteria.
• GoAbroad.com: This website has a large study abroad scholarship directory, that you can filter by destination, academic subject, and other relevant criteria.
• StudyAbroad.com: Similar to GoAbroad.com, StudyAbroad.com has a scholarship search section. It offers featured scholarships and allows filtering based on destination, program type, and field of study.
• InternationalScholarships.com: This database specifically focuses on scholarships for international students studying abroad or domestic students studying internationally. Search filters include citizenship, field of study, and destination.
• Fastweb: This general scholarship website also includes study abroad scholarships. Create a profile to receive personalized scholarship matches.
• Scholarships.com: This is another general scholarship database with a large collection of awards, including those for studying abroad. Create a profile to receive tailored recommendations.
• Leverage Edu: This site has an extensive list of study abroad scholarships, broken down by region, program, and other criteria.
• Go Overseas: Like GoAbroad.com and StudyAbroad.com, Go Overseas has a scholarship section.

2. University Resources:

• Study Abroad Office: This is the primary resource at your home university. The office maintains lists of scholarships specifically for students participating in their programs or partner programs. Study abroad advisors can provide personalized guidance and application tips. Many universities offer their own internal scholarships or grants for students studying abroad.
• Financial Aid Office: Consult your university’s financial aid office to understand how your existing financial aid package (federal loans, grants, and institutional aid) can be applied to your study abroad program. The office might have additional funding resources that are not widely publicized.
• Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments (e.g., history, biology, engineering) offer scholarships specifically for students in their major who are studying abroad. Check with your department advisor for available opportunities.
• Alumni Networks: Some university alumni associations have scholarships for current students studying abroad.

3. Program-Specific Scholarships:

• Program Provider Scholarships: Organizations that run study abroad programs (e.g., IES Abroad, CIEE, API, CEA) often offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific program locations. Check the program provider’s website for details and application deadlines.
• Direct Enrollment Scholarships: If you are directly enrolling in a foreign university (i.e., not through a program provider), check the university’s website for scholarships available to international students. Some foreign universities offer generous scholarships to attract top students.

4. Government Scholarships and Grants:

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: This U.S. Department of State program provides grants to undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients and are studying abroad. It emphasizes supporting students from diverse backgrounds and those studying in non-traditional locations.
• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this program offers intensive summer language programs in critical languages (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Russian). While it’s not a traditional "study abroad" scholarship, it can be a valuable language learning experience.
• Boren Awards for International Study: These awards (for undergraduate and graduate students) support study abroad in regions critical to U.S. national security. Recipients are expected to work for the federal government after graduation.
• Erasmus+ (for EU citizens or those studying in the EU): This European Union program offers funding for students studying or training in other European countries.

5. Organization and Association Scholarships:

• Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA offers scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion.
• BUTEX Scholarship: Open to students from any British university participating in a study abroad program.
• Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants: Members of Phi Kappa Phi honor society can apply for study abroad grants.
• Diversity Abroad Scholarships: This organization offers scholarships specifically for students from underrepresented backgrounds studying abroad.
• Various cultural and professional organizations: Many organizations tied to specific countries, ethnicities, or career paths offer scholarships. For example, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for study in Germany. Check with organizations related to your heritage or field of study.

6. Scholarship Application Strategies:

• Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance of your study abroad program. Many scholarships have deadlines several months before the program start date.
• Meet Eligibility Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying. Pay attention to GPA, major, citizenship, program location, and other criteria.
• Tailor Your Applications: Avoid using generic essays. Customize each application to highlight your specific experiences, goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Highlight Your Strengths: Showcase your academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos. Ask a friend, professor, or writing center to review your application before submitting it.
• Seek Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
• Write a Strong Essay: The essay is a critical part of most scholarship applications. Use it to tell your story, explain why you want to study abroad, and how the experience will benefit you.
• Be Realistic: Apply for a variety of scholarships, both large and small. Even smaller scholarships can add up and help offset the cost of studying abroad.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the scholarship provider to confirm that your application has been received.
• Keep Track: Maintain a spreadsheet or document to track the scholarships you have applied for, application deadlines, and any required supporting documents.

7. Additional Tips:

• Consider Location: Certain countries or regions might have more scholarship opportunities available than others. Research funding options specific to your desired study abroad destination.
• Be Flexible: Be open to studying abroad in a less expensive location or participating in a program that offers more financial aid opportunities.
• Explore Alternative Funding Options: Consider crowdfunding, personal loans, or fundraising to supplement your scholarship funding.
• Utilize Networking: Talk to students who have studied abroad before and ask about their experiences with scholarships and funding. Attend study abroad information sessions and connect with alumni who have received scholarships.
• Don’t Get Discouraged: The scholarship application process can be competitive. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive every scholarship you apply for. Keep trying and learn from your experiences.