Paying for study abroad

The first step in paying for your study abroad is to find out if you can use any of the aid you’ve already received.  Federal aid (ie. Pell grants and Stafford loans), state need-based aid and merit scholarships and institutional aid (money provided to you directly by your school) all can be used for study abroad. Your school can't deny you aid because you are studying abroad, but in order for your current aid to transfer, you will have to meet certain requirements;

• the program must be approved for credit by your school
• your coursework must advance you towards your degree
• your course load has to be at least half-time
• you meet the usual eligibility requirements for financial aid

Check with your school's financial aid office to learn about any special requirements they may have. 

Additional sources of aid

• Rotary International sponsors Ambassadorial Scholarships for college students.
• Boren Scholarships are funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. 
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university. 
• Institute of International Education administers the Fulbright program for undergraduates, graduates and teachers, as well as offers many other resources for study abroad. 
• The National Association of International Educators has a list of more opportunities for study abroad scholarships and grants. 

There are a lot of options out there to help cover your costs for studying abroad.  Make sure to do your research, and you soon could be on your way to an exciting opportunity.