Sunday, September 23, 2012

Getting Financial Aid For A Study Abroad Program

Study Abroad

The decision to study abroad is often fueled by the desire to see the world while earning a college degree. People who spend a semester abroad enhance their resumes and have the chance to meet students from all across the world. There are a variety of options to accommodate you in another country so that you can customize your experience.

One obstacle that often stands in the way of many students choosing to study abroad is the amount of money it costs. Traveling to another country is expensive, since you will have to purchase items such as a plane ticket, food during your trip, pay room and board expenses, and so on. Fortunately, there are plenty of study abroad scholarships that will make this exciting opportunity affordable.

Types of Scholarships

Some scholarships are referred to as merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on a student's skill level. This is a great option for students who have excelled academically, artistically, athletically, or in any other number of ways. Community involvement will also weigh in to the choice to give you money for your trip.

Student specific scholarships are awarded to someone based on characteristics that he or she possesses, for example, a person's race. You can earn money for your trip based on if you're a member of a specific religion, or even for your medical history. Conducting a search on the internet will turn up many student specific scholarships that you may qualify for.

The location you choose to travel to may provide you with access to funds for you trips. Countries benefit economically from having students stay and study, which is one of the reasons that students are offered money as an incentive to travel to certain places. Information about this type of scholarship can be found on government sponsored travel sites.

The subject area you are majoring in may make you eligible for a variety of scholarships open exclusively to those pursuing a particular field. Qualifications for receiving this scholarship vary depending on the standards imposed by the organization or individual awarding the money. Personal and academic performance in your area of focus will impact your likeliness to receive money from a program specific scholarship.

Applying

Each scholarship will require different materials and have varying deadlines, so it will be essential for you to stay organized and aware of what is required of you. Give yourself plenty of time to complete every part of the application, because staying on top of these tasks will help reduce the stress that can come along with the pressure of deadlines.

Scholarships come in many different amounts and are given out for virtually any reason you can think of. Be creative and resourceful in order to maximize your odds of getting the financial assistance you need to make your study abroad experience a reality. You can seek help from the financial aid department at your college or the people organizing study abroad programs if you have any specific questions about cost and how to access the resources you need. If money is tight, perhaps consider going away for a shorter period of time, like a summer study abroad.


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