Update: I did not end up studying abroad in Spain but I have experienced studying abroad in Costa Rica.
IT’S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!!! In a few months, I will be studying abroad in Spain.
This is a HUGE deal as this will be my second study abroad trip in my college career. As I prepare to embark on this new journey, I want to take you guys with me. First stop: FUNDING. Many students don't study abroad because of the difficulties they face with being able to afford the programs. I was just like that. From my first study abroad experience, I have learned about some really cool study abroad scholarships that most college students are eligible for.
When I prepared to study abroad in Costa Rica last semester, I was a little nervous because of the price tag. I had so many questions running through my head: “How am I going to be able to afford this?” “Am I going to sign up and go through the whole process and THEN realize that I do not have the money?” And on top of all these concerns, I was paying for my program all on my own. This was all quite daunting.
However, I succeeded and I want to share with you guys how I did it and how you can do it too. No matter your situation. Scholarships are the best way to get money to study abroad. It’s literally free money at your fingertips waiting to be won. To assist you guys I have listed 10 scholarships available to students studying abroad. Without further ado, let’s dive in:
1. The Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative
This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens with at least a 3.8 GPA and will be participating in semester study abroad programs. Bright!Tax awards one scholarship award for the fall (deadline: November 1) and spring semester for (deadline: June 1) $1,000. The application can be found on their website.
2. Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship is available to undergraduate students who will receive the Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. There is no GPA requirement and this scholarship is applicable for fall, spring, and summer semester programs. With this scholarship, applicants can be awarded up to $5,000. The deadlines for this scholarship vary depending on the term you will be studying abroad so refer to the Gilman website for deadlines and more in-depth info about eligibility.
3. Tortuga Study Abroad scholarship
This a great scholarship for students studying abroad for a full semester. The scholarship may be used for tuition, room and board, books, or travel. The recipient of this scholarship will receive a $1,000 and an Outbreaker Backpack. The deadline for the Fall semester is around May and the deadline for the Spring semester is around December. There is also no GPA requirement.
4. Overseas Ambassador program
In order to qualify for this scholarship you must have a 2.75 GPA at an accredited U.S. university or college and will be participating in a semester or yearlong study, intern, volunteer, or teach abroad program. This is a scholarship available for students who enjoy writing because as a member of the Ambassador program you will have to write about your experience abroad. Participants will be eligible to receive a $500 stipend with the possibility of it being matched by Diversity Abroad partners. To learn more information, check out their website.
5. Go Overseas Scholarship
This scholarship is pretty simple and open to any undergraduate student studying abroad for a semester. If you win this award, you win $500 towards your study abroad program. There are different competitions for the Fall and Spring so be on the lookout for those deadlines.
6. Good Colleges Study Abroad Award
To apply for this scholarship you must submit a 150-200 word essay that follows the theme for that year. The recipient of this scholarship will receive a $2,000 cash prize.
7. The Study Abroad Journal $500 scholarship
To be eligible for this scholarship you must be enrolled full-time in a US college or university (international students welcome to apply) and plan to study abroad during the designated scholarship term. This scholarship is pretty simple you must submit an application, an essay which can be in the form of a photo or video, and complete a few other easy tasks. The winner of this scholarship will win $500 and a travel journal to document their time abroad. The deadline constantly changes so check the link above.
8. The Fund for Education Abroad
This scholarship is a little different because you must complete it a year in advance before your study abroad program (when you check the website you will see what I mean). However, it is well worth it because if you win you will receive up to $10,000 (Academic Year); $5,000 (fall/spring semester); prorated by no. of weeks, minimum $1,250 (summer).
In order to be eligible you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. and currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. Your study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s educational institution and the program must include at least 4 weeks (28 days) in a country/countries.
9. Study Abroad scholarships through your university
Most of the scholarships that I received came from my university and really helped me to cut down the cost. So, you should go talk to the advisers in your study abroad office as well as the fellowship office because they might have funding options to suggest.
This is a list of study abroad scholarships that you can start with. There are definitely more study abroad scholarships that you can apply for so don't stop look here. I hope this helps. Let me know in the comment box which country you are planning to study abroad in.
As you start to plan for your actual study abroad trip, here are some useful tips that are often overlooked in my post Preparing for the Weeks Leading up to Study Abroad.