How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (4/5)
EasyExpat
29 April, 2009 18:02
This is the fourth article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
First article: Decide Where to Go
Second article: Determine When to Go
Third article: Language Problems and Programs
How to Pay for It
The main obstacle to study abroad for many people is the cost.
However, there are ways of getting around this. For instance, if you
are an American college or graduate student and receive financial aid,
you can almost always apply your financial aid from your present
institution to the study abroad program you choose. European students
should investigate the Erasmus
program. In any case, you will need to contact the financial aid office
at your school and make the necessary arrangements. This may require a
few extra steps and a somewhat longer period of time, so don't put this
task off until the last minute.
It is less likely that you will be able to arrange financial aid
directly with the host institution, but not impossible. Some programs
do offer scholarships; however, these scholarships are almost always
very competitive. The best advice is to prepare as good an application
as possible, but don't count on scholarships from the host institution
for all or even most of your funding. Volunteer programs may provide a
small stipend or free room and board in exchange for your
participation. If you are studying at the graduate school level, you
might also consider grants or fellowships such as the Fulbright,
although the competition for these grants is also very competitive. In
addition, deadlines for grants and scholarships often fall a year in
advance, and two years in advance is not out of the question. (More)
