The 11 Best Scholarships to Pay for Study Abroad

The results are in: study abroad is worth it. But how do you pay for it?

Countless researchers have shown that studying abroad will benefit you by making you more creative, more employable, more mature, and happier — yet a shockingly small number of American students go abroad each year (only 10% of American undergrads went in 2017). One of the biggest reasons? They’re not sure how to pay for study abroad.

So, can you study abroad for free? The short answer is no, but the long answer is more hopeful. While it may seem that study abroad is expensive, it doesn’t have to be. Many students know that financial aid will cover study abroad (visit your study abroad office for details), but what most don’t know is that you can apply for scholarships outside your university from organizations that want to help you pay for study abroad programs. These orgs give hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships because they want to make it so anyone can study abroad. Some scholarships can even help you get a job after graduation! (see the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship below).

Some opportunities are for particular groups of people, like study abroad scholarships for minorities, while others are based on where you live or where you want to go. Study abroad can change your life – so without further ado, here are The 11 Best Scholarships to Pay for Study Abroad:

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

This scholarship offers up to $10,000 for U.S. Citizens or permanent residents at U.S. colleges/universities to study abroad. FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need, and students from underrepresented groups in education abroad, offering study abroad scholarships for minorities, first-generation college students, and community college students.

The Foundation for Global Scholars Scholarship, for students seeking to create sustainable change locally and globally.

The Rainbow Scholarship, which provides scholarship money and mentorship to LGBTQI students who want to study abroad.

The Hiliary Echo Douglas Scholarship, for students wishing to study abroad in Southeast Asia.

The Jane Gluckmann and Carol Rausch Go Global Scholarship, for students wishing to study abroad in Germany, France, Mexico, Central America, or South America.

The STA Travel Start the Adventure Scholarship for students who want to do a Summer Study abroad program.

Scholarships for students at universities/colleges in New England, Washington, D.C., Minnesota, and Portland, OR to study abroad.

Where can I go? Current FEA Scholarship Recipients  study abroad in Spain, Ecuador, Thailand, England, and Ireland. Requirements include an online application with unofficial transcript, a Financial Aid form filled out by your Financial Aid Office, and 1 letter of recommendation. Application Deadline: January 10

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

This Scholarship offers up to $8,000 for students who might not otherwise study abroad because of financial constraints. Extra funding is available to applicants who want to study a critical language such as Arabic or Hindi. Another perk: because it’s funded by the U.S. Government, Gilman Scholars can apply for jobs in the federal government under noncompetitive eligibility for 12 months after their program.
Where can I go? Spring 2018 Gilman Scholars will study abroad in France, Germany, Thailand, and more.
Requirements include an online application, 2 essays of 750 words, official transcripts, and documents from a study abroad and financial aid advisor. Application Deadline: March 6 for Summer, Fall or Academic Year programs, October 3 for Spring programs.

The Ashley Soule Conroy Foundation

This scholarship offers $4,000 for undergraduates enrolled in a 4-year college or university in the U.S. to Study Abroad. Ashley’s family created the foundation to support students wishing to explore the unknown and better themselves and others through international study abroad.

Where can I go? Past recipients have done study abroad in Australia, Scotland, and more.
Requirements include demonstrated financial need, a resume, a 500-800 word essay, and an official transcript. Scholarships are for Fall or Spring Semester Study Programs only. Application Deadline: December 1 for Spring, July 1 for Fall.

The ScholarTrips Scholarship

This contest awards up to $2,500 for Study or Volunteer Abroad programs, to promote creativity and the desire to learn through travel.The application works like a contest, where students submit a 60-90 minute video or a written essay on your ideal travel companion (living or dead) – a good one for students who like to express themselves creatively!
Where can I go? Past winners have done study abroad in Spain, Germany, and France.
Requirements are a video or written essay from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled in high school, college/university, or trade school. Application Deadline: November 6.

The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship

This scholarship offers $1,000 for study abroad programs in addition to their Outbreaker Backpack, to help young people experience the world beyond their college campus. It’s awarded biannually to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US on a student visa who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate college/university.
Where can I go? Past recipients have done study abroad in France,  England, and more. Requirements include acceptance into a Study Abroad program, a 500 word essay, and photo contributions via social media.
Application Deadline: December 20 for Spring, May 20 for Fall.

Here at World Endeavors , we’re excited to help anyone enjoy the benefits of studying abroad. Check out our Costs page and connect with a Program Advisor today!

Posted by World Endeavors on    December 11, 2017