Going abroad costs money – but there are resources to help pay for it.
Like most worthwhile experiences, going abroad costs money. This reality tends to scare off some students, but there are tons of resources out there to help you pay for it. In many cases, going abroad for a semester or a summer is actually cheaper than a semester of college. You can apply for grants and scholarships to go abroad, use financial aid to pay for study abroad, and crowdfund.
Going abroad is an investment, but one you won’t regret. As Ione, one of our recent Volunteers in Tanzania said,
“When you’re older, you aren’t going to reflect on these experiences and say, ‘I wish I didn’t spend the money.’ You are going to look back and be forever grateful that these experiences have shaped you into who you are.”
How to Fund Your Program Abroad
1. Apply for Grants and Scholarships
Take advantage of all the funding opportunities available for students like you who want to travel abroad for transformative programs. We’ve compiled a list of scholarship options for studying abroad, but if you’re interested in volunteering or interning abroad, there are more options available to you, like the Christianson Fellowship, which offers up to $10,000 for volunteering or interning abroad, or the HI USA Explore the World Scholarship, which offers up to $2,000.
You might also find grants and scholarships through your university, or through online resources like GoAbroad.com. And we have some exclusive discounts and scholarships for World Endeavors participants too!
2. Use Financial Aid
If you receive financial aid from the federal government, or if you are eligible to, you can use that financial aid to pay for study abroad. While these processes and procedures can be a little complex, your college/university financial aid office and study abroad office are great resources. In many cases, yes, financial aid will cover study abroad. Study Abroad and Financial Aid Advisors are usually very willing to meet with students, so don’t hesitate to set up a meeting or swing by their office!
3. Crowdfund Your Experience
Don’t be shy about asking your friends and family to help fund your trip abroad!
FundMyTravel is our go-to platform for funding meaningful travel experiences, because it’s built specifically for individuals wanting to fund their trip abroad. It’s easy to create a page and campaign and funds will be sent straight to your account, so you don’t have to wait until you hit your goal. And with a 5% processing fee, it’s still very affordable compared to other crowdfunding sites.
4. Seek Advice from International Education Professionals
At World Endeavors, we want to show that going abroad doesn’t have to be too expensive for most people. While it might not be free, you can definitely make it affordable with a little effort. As a past volunteer of ours once said, “You just need to go out and look for it. It won’t come to you on its own, but if you search, you’ll find options.”
If you want to learn more about affordable study, internship, or volunteer programs and scholarships to help pay for them, get in touch with a World Endeavors Advisor today!
You can’t travel abroad for free, but you can get help with the costs!
Whether through scholarships, grants, financial aid, or crowdfunding, there are plenty of ways to make your dream of going abroad a reality. With some effort and resourcefulness, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. So go ahead, take the first step, and start exploring the world.
Want to learn more about affordable Study, Intern, or Volunteer programs and scholarships to help pay for them? Message a World Endeavors Advisor today!
