I'll admit it - there was a time when I thought international travel and studying overseas was an opportunity only for the wealthy and affluent. I didn't know the first thing about applying for grants or abroad programs, and went into it pretty blindly my Junior year of college. The only reason I even considered applying to the CEA Study Abroad Program in the first place was because it didn't have an application fee. So if I get in, I get in, and if I don't, I don't, right? Well, when I actually was accepted to the program, I realized, "hey, I actually really want this."
Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime... but it can also cost a pretty penny. Luckily, there are more than a few choices if you want to study abroad for cheap – or even for free. Let me show you how I did it.
Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime... but it can also cost a pretty penny. Luckily, there are more than a few choices if you want to study abroad for cheap – or even for free. Let me show you how I did it.
MY TOP STUDY/INTERN ABROAD PROGRAMS
ABROAD GRANTS + SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition to looking this list, here are some other tips for finding more study abroad funding:
- Apply for federal financial aid - many students don't realize that these government grants and loans may be used towards study abroad. You can fill out the application online at the US Department of Education FAFSA website
- Google to find financial aid options available through a specific abroad program.
- Check with the government of the country you want to study abroad in - some give financial support to international students.
- Visit your financial aid office, study abroad office, and foreign language departments to ask about potential funding, or if there are any scholarships specific to your major.
- Travel as an affiliate of your university - meaning that any financial aid you are receiving at college will transfer to contribute to the cost of your abroad program (this is how I was able to go abroad for free, as my tuition was fully covered!).
NOTE: Most of these opportunities will be geared towards young people (ages 16-26) and students because that demographic is often the least financially stable.
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Try searching for keywords: (Diversity, Women, Pell Grant, all students, graduate, CEA, etc)
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ELF Funding for Black and African American Students
There are many scholarships for African American students that can minimize the out-of-pocket costs of college and abroad opportunities. Knowing how to get a scholarship can also help you take out fewer student loans, allowing you to graduate with less debt. Many of these scholarships for Black students are designed for those studying a specific major or degree, but others are for all disciplines. To make it easier, ELF has compiled a list of some of the best scholarships for Black students.
ELF Funding for Latino and Hispanic Students
There are a number of different scholarships for Hispanics and Latinos. You can look at resources like Scholarships.com and FastWeb for ideas of different Latino and Hispanic college scholarships. You might also find other scholarship ideas based on other characteristics and qualities. For those looking for Latino or Hispanic college scholarships, here are some of the available options:
Future Leaders Foundation Fellowship & Internship Funding
If you are a first-year student, the Future Leaders Foundation Fellowship is an amazing opportunity. Not only do they help to fully-fund an international internship, but they provide leadership training and personal mentorship throughout your time at university. Fellows also enjoy one-on-one career advising and the opportunity to make valuable connections with top professionals. If you’re an ambitious student from a disadvantaged background, the fellowship could be an amazing way to boost your undergraduate career.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Offered by the Institute of International Education with support from the U.S. Department of State, Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships are offered to help students on Federal Pell Grants study abroad. Each scholarship is up to $5,000 and, generally, one in four students is selected as a recipient during each application cycle.
Diversity Abroad Consortium Summer Scholarship
Diversity Abroad strives to provide underrepresented students with the opportunity to study abroad through their many scholarships. This scholarship provides minority, first-generation, or low-income undergraduate students with the funds to help them participate in a summer study abroad or internship abroad program. If you attend a Diversity Abroad member school or participate in a program run by one of their members you may apply for this scholarship.
Critical Language Scholarships
If learning a foreign language is on your list, the Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) program may be perfect for you. Each year, the U.S. government lists specific languages they are encouraging students to learn while studying abroad; the scholarships are applied toward programs which allow you to focus on these.
Rotary Foundation & Club Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation and regional clubs offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for students to study and to study abroad. These include scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and the amounts and eligibility vary by club. You do not necessarily need to be a Rotary member to qualify. Scholarships totaling 7.5 million dollars are given out each year. There’s a special scholarship for those who want to study peace and conflict resolution at one of their six partner universities.
The Boren Awards
The Boren Awards are scholarships and fellowships of $8,000 to $25,000 offered to undergraduate and graduate students learning critical skills or languages in countries of interest to the U.S.
Tortuga Backpacks
Part of Tortuga Backpack's mission "is to help people take amazing trips" -- which is why they dedicate part of their proceeds towards a study abroad scholarship. Oh, and you also get a Tortuga travel backpack if you win!
The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation
The foundation set up a scholarship for undergraduates in need. The farther we roam, the more change we effect.
Good Colleges Study Abroad Award
To have a chance to win a Good Colleges Study Abroad Scholarship you just have to write an essay on the theme they give every year. This scholarship is open to current and future college students.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Funding & Awards
The AAUW supports women pursuing a variety of graduate academic opportunities. Grants are typically in the range of $2,000-$30,000 to pursue topics including community development, international projects, and career development -- and the funds can be used for study programs as deemed appropriate as part of the AAUW application.
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
One $3,000 scholarship is awarded, plus two $1,000 scholarships to one student from each geographic area: Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, India, and Asia (omitting India). Once awarded, the scholarship is disbursed to the university or college of the application, directly.
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
AIFS, a study abroad provider, gives away scholarships to a variety of different universities and student types. Awards range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the program and eligibility requirements.
CAPA Scholarships
CAPA, another study abroad provider, offers a huge number of funding opportunities for students enrolled in their programs. There are need-based scholarships, diversity grants, and grants to study abroad again -- and even a grant for a blogger/vlogger!
CEA Scholarships
Study abroad provider CEA offers scholarship opportunities available to those enrolled in CEA study abroad programs. Scholarships are available on a merit, need, and diversity basis. And there’s also a $1,000 flight voucher for those who apply with a code within a certain time after being accepted.
CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships
CIEE is a study abroad provider who offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students throughout the year. Scholarships include merit and need-based opportunities, diversity scholarships, and scholarships for summer abroad programs.
IFSA-Butler Study Abroad Scholarships
Study abroad provider IFSA-Butler offers a variety of study abroad scholarships, including merit-based and diversity scholarships. They also offer program-specific scholarships depending on which of their programs you enroll in.
IES Study Abroad Scholarships
IES Abroad is another major study abroad provider, and they offer a wide range of scholarships to help make study abroad more affordable. In particular, they offer need-based grants, diversity scholarships, and a variety of other grants and scholarships with different requirements and prize levels. The deadlines for each opportunity vary too, so be sure to check the IES website linked below to find out which you might qualify for and when the application materials are due.
The Intern Group Scholarships
Supplement your academic career with an internship abroad! The Intern Group offers merit-based scholarships for students and recent graduates every term. These grants are used towards The Intern Group's programs in specific countries and may change from year to year. Previous destinations have included Dublin, Shanghai, Madrid, and Australia.
International Studies Abroad (ISA)
If you plan on volunteering with International Studies Abroad (ISA), you're in luck; they have over $600,000 in grants and scholarships available to current students who are accepted into one of their programs. Exact requirements vary between the scholarships and several are exclusively open to students on financial aid.
Hostelling International USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Hostelling International USA offers scholarships for use on travel programs that focus on education or service (this includes study abroad!). This is one of the biggest scholarship opportunities on the list, and open to students (and non-students).
Scotts Cheap Flights Scholarship
This scholarship is super helpful as you start looking for flights to study abroad, also offers a scholarship to help make those study abroad dreams possible. Twice a year, they award $1,000 to help an intrepid traveling student cover study abroad costs.
There are many scholarships for African American students that can minimize the out-of-pocket costs of college and abroad opportunities. Knowing how to get a scholarship can also help you take out fewer student loans, allowing you to graduate with less debt. Many of these scholarships for Black students are designed for those studying a specific major or degree, but others are for all disciplines. To make it easier, ELF has compiled a list of some of the best scholarships for Black students.
- Award: Varies
- Requirements: Black and African American undergraduate students
- Application: Click Here
ELF Funding for Latino and Hispanic Students
There are a number of different scholarships for Hispanics and Latinos. You can look at resources like Scholarships.com and FastWeb for ideas of different Latino and Hispanic college scholarships. You might also find other scholarship ideas based on other characteristics and qualities. For those looking for Latino or Hispanic college scholarships, here are some of the available options:
- Award: Varies
- Requirements: Latino and Hispanic undergraduate students
- Application: Click Here
Future Leaders Foundation Fellowship & Internship Funding
If you are a first-year student, the Future Leaders Foundation Fellowship is an amazing opportunity. Not only do they help to fully-fund an international internship, but they provide leadership training and personal mentorship throughout your time at university. Fellows also enjoy one-on-one career advising and the opportunity to make valuable connections with top professionals. If you’re an ambitious student from a disadvantaged background, the fellowship could be an amazing way to boost your undergraduate career.
- Award: Full funding
- Requirements: First-generation or low-income first-year undergraduate students
- Application: Click Here
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Offered by the Institute of International Education with support from the U.S. Department of State, Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships are offered to help students on Federal Pell Grants study abroad. Each scholarship is up to $5,000 and, generally, one in four students is selected as a recipient during each application cycle.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: Up to $5,000 (and a supplement of up to $3,000)
- Requirements: Students must be current recipients of a Federal Pell Grant
- Application: Click Here
Diversity Abroad Consortium Summer Scholarship
Diversity Abroad strives to provide underrepresented students with the opportunity to study abroad through their many scholarships. This scholarship provides minority, first-generation, or low-income undergraduate students with the funds to help them participate in a summer study abroad or internship abroad program. If you attend a Diversity Abroad member school or participate in a program run by one of their members you may apply for this scholarship.
- Award: $1,000
- Requirements: Undergraduate student from a diverse background participating in a program affiliated with Diversity Abroad
- Application: Click Here
Critical Language Scholarships
If learning a foreign language is on your list, the Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) program may be perfect for you. Each year, the U.S. government lists specific languages they are encouraging students to learn while studying abroad; the scholarships are applied toward programs which allow you to focus on these.
- Level: All Students
- Award: Varies
- Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled at a higher institution
- Application: Click Here
Rotary Foundation & Club Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation and regional clubs offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for students to study and to study abroad. These include scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and the amounts and eligibility vary by club. You do not necessarily need to be a Rotary member to qualify. Scholarships totaling 7.5 million dollars are given out each year. There’s a special scholarship for those who want to study peace and conflict resolution at one of their six partner universities.
- Level: All Students (including High School!)
- Award: Varies
- Requirements: Varies
- Application: Click Here
The Boren Awards
The Boren Awards are scholarships and fellowships of $8,000 to $25,000 offered to undergraduate and graduate students learning critical skills or languages in countries of interest to the U.S.
- Level: Undergraduate & Graduate Students
- Award: $8,000-$20,000
- Requirements: Must be enrolled in an institute of higher education
- Application: Click Here
Tortuga Backpacks
Part of Tortuga Backpack's mission "is to help people take amazing trips" -- which is why they dedicate part of their proceeds towards a study abroad scholarship. Oh, and you also get a Tortuga travel backpack if you win!
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: $1,000
- Requirements: Must be Enrolled at a U.S. Institution
- Application: Click Here
The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation
The foundation set up a scholarship for undergraduates in need. The farther we roam, the more change we effect.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: $4,000
- Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled as an undergraduate in a college or university
- Application: Click Here
Good Colleges Study Abroad Award
To have a chance to win a Good Colleges Study Abroad Scholarship you just have to write an essay on the theme they give every year. This scholarship is open to current and future college students.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: $2,000
- Requirements: Must be a current or future college student
- Application: Click Here
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Funding & Awards
The AAUW supports women pursuing a variety of graduate academic opportunities. Grants are typically in the range of $2,000-$30,000 to pursue topics including community development, international projects, and career development -- and the funds can be used for study programs as deemed appropriate as part of the AAUW application.
- Level: Graduate Students/Professionals
- Award: $2,000 - $30,000
- Requirements: Women identifying individuals
- Application: Click Here
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
One $3,000 scholarship is awarded, plus two $1,000 scholarships to one student from each geographic area: Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, India, and Asia (omitting India). Once awarded, the scholarship is disbursed to the university or college of the application, directly.
- Level: Graduate Students
- Award: $1,000 - $3,000
- Requirements: An international student accepted or currently studying at a full-time program at a U.S. or Canadian school
- Application: Click Here
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
AIFS, a study abroad provider, gives away scholarships to a variety of different universities and student types. Awards range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the program and eligibility requirements.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: $200-$1,000
- Requirements: Varies
- Application: Click Here
CAPA Scholarships
CAPA, another study abroad provider, offers a huge number of funding opportunities for students enrolled in their programs. There are need-based scholarships, diversity grants, and grants to study abroad again -- and even a grant for a blogger/vlogger!
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: Varies
- Requirements: Must be a CAPA program participant
- Application: Click Here
CEA Scholarships
Study abroad provider CEA offers scholarship opportunities available to those enrolled in CEA study abroad programs. Scholarships are available on a merit, need, and diversity basis. And there’s also a $1,000 flight voucher for those who apply with a code within a certain time after being accepted.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: up to $3,000 for Global Education, and up to $2,000 for Diversity Scholarship
- Requirements: Must be a CEA program participant
- Application: Click Here
CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships
CIEE is a study abroad provider who offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students throughout the year. Scholarships include merit and need-based opportunities, diversity scholarships, and scholarships for summer abroad programs.
- Level: Undergraduate
- Award: From $1,000 up to $4,000
- Requirements: Must be a CIEE program participant
- Application: Click Here
IFSA-Butler Study Abroad Scholarships
Study abroad provider IFSA-Butler offers a variety of study abroad scholarships, including merit-based and diversity scholarships. They also offer program-specific scholarships depending on which of their programs you enroll in.
- Level: Undergraduate Students
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Requirements: Varies
- Application: Click Here
IES Study Abroad Scholarships
IES Abroad is another major study abroad provider, and they offer a wide range of scholarships to help make study abroad more affordable. In particular, they offer need-based grants, diversity scholarships, and a variety of other grants and scholarships with different requirements and prize levels. The deadlines for each opportunity vary too, so be sure to check the IES website linked below to find out which you might qualify for and when the application materials are due.
- Level: Undergraduate
- Award: $500 - $5000
- Requirements: Must be enrolled to study abroad through an IES program
- Application: Click Here
The Intern Group Scholarships
Supplement your academic career with an internship abroad! The Intern Group offers merit-based scholarships for students and recent graduates every term. These grants are used towards The Intern Group's programs in specific countries and may change from year to year. Previous destinations have included Dublin, Shanghai, Madrid, and Australia.
- Level: All Students
- Award: $2,000
- Requirements: Must be a current student or recent graduate
- Application: Click Here
International Studies Abroad (ISA)
If you plan on volunteering with International Studies Abroad (ISA), you're in luck; they have over $600,000 in grants and scholarships available to current students who are accepted into one of their programs. Exact requirements vary between the scholarships and several are exclusively open to students on financial aid.
- Award: $200 - $5,000
- Requirements: Must be a current undergraduate student
- Application: Click Here
Hostelling International USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Hostelling International USA offers scholarships for use on travel programs that focus on education or service (this includes study abroad!). This is one of the biggest scholarship opportunities on the list, and open to students (and non-students).
- Level: All Students
- Award: $2,000
- Requirements: Must be 18-30, a U.S. Citizen, and current Pell Grant recipient
- Application: Click Here
Scotts Cheap Flights Scholarship
This scholarship is super helpful as you start looking for flights to study abroad, also offers a scholarship to help make those study abroad dreams possible. Twice a year, they award $1,000 to help an intrepid traveling student cover study abroad costs.
- Level: All Students
- Award: $1,000
- Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen enrolled at a higher education institute
- Application: Click Here
DESTINATION-BASED SCHOLARSHIPSThe Heather Jow Leibowitz Memorial Scholarship Named in honor of a School of Field Studies (SFS) alumni, this scholarship is offered for students who choose to study abroad with SFS in East Africa. Click here to learn more. The American Research Center in Egypt Fellowships For students in specific relevant majors, ARCE offers a variety of fellowships and grants ranging from $600 to $4,000. Click here to learn more. Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan $2,500-$4,000 for study abroad in Japan, these can also be used for travel and living expenses. The give out 100 scholarships, on average. Click here to learn more. Freeman Asia $3,000-$7,000 scholarships to spend up to eight weeks in one of 15 Asian countries. Perfect if you've never explored specific countries in Asia. Click here to learn more. Henry Luce Foundation, Luce Scholars Program This fellowship encourages cross-cultural understanding between 15-18 graduate American students and the destinations that they visit in Asia. Click here to learn more. IDB King Abdullah University International Scholarships KAUST Fellowship supports individuals during their graduate studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in Saudi Arabia. That includes full tuition support, a monthly living allowance and more. Click here to learn more. Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) Scholarship HACU help students at participating universities study abroad in programs throughout Latin America and the rest of the world. Click here to learn more. Spanish Studies Abroad Scholarship The Center for Cross-Cultural Studies offers merit- and diversity-based $500-$1,500 scholarships for students enrolled in their Spanish programs in Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico and (outside Latin America) Spain. Click here to learn more. American-Australian Education Fund Open to U.S. students interested in or are currently studying abroad in Australia. The application period is from September 1st to October 15th each year. Click here to learn more. Education New Zealand Scholarships Education NZ helps students to focus on their education rather than financial issues. Click here to learn more. |
East-West Center Scholarships & Fellowships Almost any student interested in studying abroad in the Oceania region can find a fellowship or scholarship opportunity through East-West Center. Click here to learn more. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships Each year, DAAD offers a variety of scholarships to encourage students to study abroad for a semester or postgraduate degree. Click here to learn more. Eastern Europe Study Abroad (EESA) Scholarships Up to $7,000 for semester and year-long programs for study in Eastern European countries. Click here to learn more. The Koscuiszko Foundation Scholarships If you are of Polish descent or want to study abroad in Poland, the Koscuiszko Foundation offers a variety of scholarship opportunities. Click here to learn more. Sons of Norway Scholarship Similarly, if you are of Norwegian descent, there are a variety of scholarship opportunities offered through the Sons of Norway. Click here to learn more. Walter Jensen Scholarship $2,000 scholarship to help a student study abroad in France and study the French language. Click here to learn more. American School of Classical Studies in Athens If you want to deepen your studies on ancient Greece you can do it with the help of the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science Grant. Click here to learn more. |