Education abroad is an educational adventure that allows students to become citizens of the world through exposure to other cultures, academic achievement, and personal development. However, one of the biggest challenges that students face is the high costs associated with studying abroad. Fortunately, there are many scholarships that can help ease the financial aspect. Below are several scholarships for college students studying abroad with their requirements, procedures, and funding strategies.
Whether you dream of studying in Europe, Asia, Australia, or anywhere else in the world, there’s likely a scholarship that can help make your dream a reality!
Why Study Abroad?
Before diving into the specifics of scholarships, let’s consider why studying abroad is a valuable experience. While others would consider it an academic development tool, it can also be defined as exposure, the opportunity to experience personal and social freedom, and the creation of various contacts internationally. Studying abroad is known to help students gain better insights into global realities, uphold mastery of new languages and make a good resume. Furthermore, life in a foreign country puts students in more accommodative environments where they learn different cultures and ways of perceiving things.
Study Abroad Scholarship Categories
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships refer to awards targeted at students with academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular and other talent-related activities. Unlike other scholarships, these types of scholarships rarely account for financial need. There are many opportunities for financial assistance, and several can be merit-based scholarships extended by universities or other external organizations for study abroad programs.
Examples:
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: This program grants to US undergraduate students who earn high GPAs and strongly desire to study in regions other than Western Europe and Australia, considered traditional study-abroad destinations.
- Boren Awards: Boren Scholarships, funded by the National Security Education Program, offer US students the opportunity to study less commonly taught languages in global regions that are of interest to the US.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are offered based on a student’s financial status. These scholarships pay for tuition, books, and accommodation for students who otherwise could not afford to study in another country.
Examples:
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): The FEA awards scholarships to US citizens or Green card holders who show evidence of need based on their financial situation. It aims to expand the opportunities for students of underrepresented groups, first-generation and community college students to study abroad.
- Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Diversity Abroad provides various scholarships and grants to students with financial difficulties, especially students from diverse backgrounds or underrepresented fields.
3. Program-Specific Scholarships
Most programs and universities that promote study abroad have some scholarships reserved for their participants. These may be merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships or both.
Examples:
- IES Abroad Scholarships: IES Abroad provides the following scholarships to students studying under its programs: merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and diversity scholarships.
- CIEE Scholarships: Scholarships and grants are available to assist students participating in Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) study abroad programs to fund their international experiences.
4. Government-Funded Scholarships
Some scholarships are provided by various governments to attract international students to their countries. These scholarships commonly form part of cultural exchange programs and are meant to foster international relations.
Examples:
- Fulbright Program: The US Information Agency administers Summer Fulbright grants for individually designed study/research projects or English Teaching Assistant Programs abroad.
- DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for international students who wish to study in Germany, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate.
5. Subject-Specific Scholarships
Specific scholarships are offered based on the courses that the student plans to undertake. These scholarships help students gain international experience in their chosen subject.
Examples:
- Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): This program provides scholarships to US students to learn critical languages in foreign contexts. Moreover, it seeks to expand the pool of Americans learning and becoming proficient in critical languages.
- Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship: This scholarship is given every two years to recognizable students who desire to travel and have an excellent academic record, regardless of the field of study.
Strategies for Winning Study Abroad Scholarships
1. Begin Your Search Early
It is always essential to start the process early because the scholarship application process may take considerable time. It is crucial to consider the deadlines for applying to the particular scholarships.
2. Craft a Compelling Application
Each scholarship has unique criteria and priorities. Ensure the application contains fields demonstrating how you meet the scholarship-specific goals and achievements. Pay special attention to the questions or directions given in the application form.
3. Seek Recommendation Letters
Well-written recommendation letters can significantly enhance your chances of securing a scholarship. Ensure that you select recommenders who have a good impression of you and are able to vouch for your academic performance.
4. Proofread and Review
Ensure that your application is error-free and accurately reflects your ability. Get feedback from someone who has experience writing graduate school applications and is close to you, such as a mentor, professor, or advisor.
5. Apply for More Than One Scholarship
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. To increase your chances of being granted a scholarship, you should try to apply for as many as possible. Every cent counts, and even small scholarships may make a significant difference.
Conclusion
Overseas education is one of the most incredible experiences that can ever present itself in man’s life. As much as the cost may pose a challenge, there are numerous scholarships that will enable you to accomplish your dream. Various options are available through merit scholarships, needs-based scholarships, special program scholarships, government grants and scholarships, and subject scholarships. To make your funding viable, there are crucial strategies that you can apply, including early preparation, application of an appropriate model, and passion.
Therefore, do not be afraid to venture out and discover the world beyond your collegiate gates. Studying abroad will be exciting and challenging, but it will also provide experiences and knowledge that will benefit you later in life. Just remember that the world is your classroom now, so go out and explore it!
FAQs:
- Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving funding.
- Do I need to know a foreign language to apply?
Not always. Some scholarships require language proficiency, especially if the program is in a non-English-speaking country, but many do not.
- What expenses do these scholarships cover?
Scholarships can cover various expenses, including tuition, accommodation, travel, and sometimes even living expenses.
- When should I start applying for scholarships?
Start researching and applying at least six to twelve months before your intended study abroad program begins.
- What documents are typically required?
Standard requirements include transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need.