Don’t Be Discouraged by the Lack of a Study Abroad Scholarship
Can you imagine a better approach to learning about a new culture and radically broadening your perspective than studying in a foreign country? Studying abroad offers enticing benefits, but here is the catch: Many students lack the finances to join a study abroad program. Gladly, numerous institutions and organizations can provide access to a study abroad scholarship.
It is a given that the majority of college and university students are financially not secure. Many of them depend on their parents for financial support. Perhaps you have part-time work, but typically most of those earnings would go into tuition fees. And you also have to pay for other education-related expenses like books and study utensils. Or that money from your work is directly needed to sustain your daily livelihood.
As a result, because studying abroad is a considerable expense, the majority of students is not in a position to afford it. But luckily help is around the corner. Scholarships can enable students to pursue an overseas education by providing the necessary funds.
Where to Find a Study Abroad Scholarship?
Start with Your Home University and Search the Web For Scholarships
If you want to find grants and scholarships to study overseas, you can begin by inquiring at your school’s financial services office.
In most cases, they will have a collection of available scholarships and perhaps can even point you in the right direction.
Make use of this opportunity first on your quest for a study abroad scholarship. Use the personal relationships at you local institution may smooth things over.
Another good starting point is, of course, the Internet to find scholarships that you may be available to you. Searching the Internet is quick and convenient, right? Well, keep in the mind that you will have to filter through a lot of information. A lot.
Dedicated Websites like the one you are currently on can make this search more comfortable for you as they already categorize and evaluate the numerous options out there. While a specific organization might have a particular interest in offering you an individual scholarship, this might not be entirely altruistic. Read on to learn more about these implications.
Study Abroad Scholarships vary significantly in their qualification requirement. Generally speaking though, a student must have good or excellent grades and be an upright person. Be prepared to make your credentials available in a presentable format for the scholarship qualification process.
The Government or the State May Offer Scholarships to Study Abroad
You can apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship with the federal government, the state, or various private institutions. The federal government, for example, funds both the National Security Education Program (NSEP) and the Fulbright Program. These scholarships offer grants and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students to study and do research abroad.
Check what is available in your country: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or the ERASMUS program of the European Union offer scholarship funds. Be aware though that government-financed programs sometimes pose conditions like completing a termed employment contract after completing studies abroad.
Some states also offer loans and grants for study abroad to college and university based on either need or merit. Typically, state grants include tuition waivers as well as work programs.
Universities Themselves Offer Scholarships
Many colleges and universities also provide scholarships. Institutional aid typically offers grants to either a student in need or to those with outstanding academic merits. Wealth alumni, faculty, and endowments make these scholarships possible.
While some financial aid may also pay for overseas studies, other scholarships and grants are for domestic programs only.
Private Organizations also Fund Study Abroad Scholarships
Finally, certain private organizations, corporations, civic groups, and foundations are also excellent sources of assistance for study abroad. Many big brand companies, like for example Google, also provide funds for studying overseas. The Rotary Foundation has an international scholarship program for undergraduate, graduate and vocational students.
Some private and public organizations provide scholarships for students to study a particular major or field of study abroad. Often these organizations are interested in having students they support work for them later and make that a contractual arrangement. Beware that you will need to feel comfortable when entering a long-term relationship with a company. Let’s assume that you receive a grant from a bank. This bank requires you to later for them for a minimum period of five years.
Don’t take this lightly and if you are not sure, keep your independence. It is a truism that many organizations also pursue their interest when offering a study abroad scholarship to you. The better a student you are. Naturally the more options for financial aid you will have. But the more you also might want to guard your independence. You don’t want to regret limitations in your future.
An excellent way to meet private organizations providing scholarships is university fares. Sometimes there may also be funding organizations in your destination country to foster cultural exchange and acquire foreign talent.
Choose Yourself and the Study Abroad Scholarship Will Follow
There you are, these are the various ways to fund your study abroad aspirations. Whatever your choice may be, the single best starting point to venture overseas is yourself. Dedicate yourself fully to your studies. Be the best person you can be, and you may well find plenty of scholarship opportunities.
Always remember that ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity’ (Seneca).