The various programs offered through Study Abroad vary in cost. For some programs, students are expected to pay UWF tuition at the appropriate in- or out-of-state rate for their college plus a program or administrative fee. For other programs, academic fees (including sometimes housing costs) are paid directly to the host university.

Thanks to the President’s Office and the efforts of the International Center, the ODIEP is able to provide small and limited scholarship assistance to some students participating in a study abroad program. In determining who receives an award, the ODIEP considers both academic excellence and financial need. If funds are available, the Study Abroad Request for Financial Assistance Form will be available on this page. Those students who wish to be considered for financial assistance should complete the form and submit it with their application materials to the International Center, Attention: Associate Vice President’s Office. If the form is not linked here, funds are not currently available for this award. For additional study abroad scholarship resources, view the list of scholarships found here

 

Funding help for undergraduate study abroad is available from three sources, from most likely to least:

1. Financial Aid: Check with your home institution's Financial Aid Office.
2. Scholarships: From specific study abroad programs and are essentially discounts on tuition.
3. Scholarships: Offering grants that can be used for any institution's program.

 

Basic Facts for Students Regarding Financial Aid for Study Abroad (NAFSA)

Knowledge Community for Education Abroad: Advising
Provides overview of how to use financial aid and scholarships for study abroad with links to web sites for more information.

U.S. Department of Education: Student Aid on the Web
The federal government's official guides to financial aid. Including overseas universities and U.S. universities that have registered for eligibility for financial aid are now listed in the Federal School Code Search Page. To search for overseas universities, choose "Foreign Country" in the menu for "STATE"). The Student Guide to Financial Aid, FAFSA on the Web, and Looking for Student Aid. Also, refer to the FAFSA search page and the FTC's web site on Scholarship Scams.

U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Official information about Fulbright programs for study, research, and teaching abroad. Includes other official exchange programs and information about U.S. government regulations concerning international educational exchange. See the Information on Study and Work Abroad.

Woodrow Wilson International Fellowship Foundation
Information on multi-year scholarship programs for students (especially minorities) interested in international careers.

 

Search for Scholarships - Start Searching Early

The earlier you start researching, the better your chances of getting really significant funding. For best results, start researching possible scholarships one to two years prior to when you plan to go abroad. Most scholarship deadlines are well before your program deadline, often a year or more prior to the actual award year.

 

Recommended Scholarship Search Engines

StudyAbroadFunding.org is a comprehensive directory of study abroad scholarships, fellowships, and grants to find funding for study outside the US at an undergraduate, graduate, or professional level of study.

Internationalscholarships.com offers a searchable list of scholarships, grants and awards that students can filter using their major or host country.

CollegeBoard.com offers a scholarship search based on student’s individual interests and background. No contact information is required and students can view various awards that may be applicable to them.

 

Scholarship Application Tips

• Make sure that you are eligible for the scholarship.
• Read the application carefully before filling it out.
• Make a couple of copies of the application to practice on, and save the original application for the final draft.
• Follow all directions EXACTLY.
• Do NOT include things that the application does not require (e.g., extra pages of information, extra letters of recommendation, etc.).
• Fill out the application neatly. Type it if possible.
• Make sure that your essay addresses specifically how the study abroad program you have chosen and the scholarship for which you are applying will help you to accomplish your particular goals.
• Get your letters of recommendation from professors, faculty advisors, and/or employers who know your work, NOT from a relative or friend.
• Give the people writing your recommendation letters at least 3 weeks to write the letter. Provide them with as much information as possible about the scholarship and the sponsoring organization, two copies of the recommendation form, a copy of your completed application and statement of purpose, a résumé, transcript, instructions on how the letter should be handled, deadline information, and any other relevant information that may aid the recommender in writing the letter.
• Complete the application two weeks before the official deadline to give yourself enough time to proofread it thoroughly.
• Do NOT rely on spell check to catch grammatical errors.
• Proofread the entire application, and then get someone else to proofread it again.
• Remember that you are responsible for ensuring that ALL parts of the application (including transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) arrive on time.
• If you will not be able to meet the application deadline, call the scholarship providers and ask for an extension. Do NOT just send it in late.

 

Program Selection Affects Your Scholarship Options

More scholarships are available to students going to non-traditional sites, i.e. outside of Western Europe and Australia. By going off the beaten path, you may be able to find less expensive opportunities with more scholarship money available. In addition, many scholarships or program fee reductions are available for students who choose to stay for a year versus a semester.

 

Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays

If a scholarship application requires an essay, answer all questions completely and thoughtfully. Proofread your essay carefully—review spelling, grammar, and structure as well as content—then revise your essay. If the scholarship application allows, ask someone to read your essay and give feedback. You are strongly encouraged to obtain feedback on your essay for scholarships awarded through the International Center; use campus resources, such as the Writing Lab or a tutor, to assist you. Save a copy of your essay to use as a template for future essays. Chances are, other scholarships will require a similar essay, and you would only need to make minor revisions to your existing one.

 

Creative Suggestions for Raising and Saving Money

Be creative and diligent in finding ways to fund your experience abroad. Community organizations or your neighbors may be willing to help fund you. When asking for contributions, explain how you intend to use the money or donated items. Let them know what this experience will mean to you, and share something about yourself. In return for financial assistance, offer to contribute your services or knowledge once you return. This can include sharing your photos or stories, making a presentation, cooking a meal, promoting an educational or business exchange, or writing a newsletter article for a high school, church, or library program. You may also offer to update your donors with a monthly email newsletter while you are abroad.

 

Look for All Sorts of Scholarships

Remember that you may be able to apply general scholarships toward international experiences, so extend your search beyond study abroad scholarships. Also check with the program sponsor about scholarships designated specifically for their program participants.

 

More Suggestions for Funding & Saving

• Find work or pick up extra hours during breaks to save up. Plan early and spend carefully now so you have enough time to save.
• Check local libraries, high schools, alumni associations, religious organizations, chambers of commerce, city halls, Lions Clubs, travel agents, media (TV, newspapers, radio stations), country clubs (some will offer scholarships to students who worked there as caddies!), etc. for scholarships, or ask them to sponsor a pancake breakfast or raffle on your behalf.
• Contact heritage organizations for funding, especially if you are a member of that community or if you are planning on studying abroad in a country relevant to the organization's members. Examples include the Swedish-American Society and the Japan American Society.
• Seek professional organizations in the area in which you plan to work, or are working, and inquire about grants or scholarships.
• Ask credit unions, banks, or major corporations for donations or scholarships.
• Have your parents ask their employers about scholarships for children of employees.
• Ask a relative for a low- or no-interest loan.
• Forego birthday and holiday gifts in exchange for financial assistance (gifts or loans).
• Ask your friends and neighbors to help contribute money or used items, such as a backpack or travel gear. Also ask local stores to contribute supplies.
• Sell your non-essential items at a garage sale.
• If you have a talent, do artwork, bake cookies, or build crafts or similar items and sell them.
• Ask your fraternity or sorority to sponsor you.
• Organize a car wash in your neighborhood.
• Arrange for someone to sublet your apartment while you are gone. You will not be able to receive financial aid to maintain an apartment, car payments, or other expenses at home while you are away.
• Offer to let a relative or friend use your car while you are gone in exchange for helping you make your car payments. Or, if your car is paid off, ask for a small amount of money.
• Shop around early for your international airline tickets. The internet does not always give the best prices. Try the newspaper, local travel agents, or look into group flight options offered by the program provider. Ask for a student discount whenever possible.
• Look into alternative student loans if you do not qualify for need-based financial aid.