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Guide to Seeking Money for Study Abroad
In order to complete your financial aid research, follow the guide below. These steps can help you get started on your way to finding additional money for study abroad!
1. HOW AND WHEN TO RESEARCH
Time is usually a student’s largest constraint when searching for scholarships and grants. We suggest that you start as early as possible; however, the sections below tell you what to do given the time you have left prior to departing for your study abroad program.
If you have….
· 18 months before departure: Use all sections.
· 9 months until fall departure: Complete the procedures in Section 1 and investigate all sections that follow.
· 3 – 6 months before fall departure: You have missed most deadlines for the large national and international scholarships. Therefore, you may want to spend your available time investigating Sections II – IV.
· Less than 3 months until fall departure: Consult Section II.
· 9 months or less until spring departure: You have missed most deadlines for the large national and international scholarships. Therefore, you may want to spend your available time investigating Sections II – IV.
**If you are a FRESHMAN , congratulations! By researching your options early, you are in the best possible position for finding financial aid for studying abroad. You will discover that many scholarships require you to apply a year or more prior to your departure date. It is never too early to start searching.
Section I. The Financial Aid Office
Financial Aid is located in Student Administrative Services in Dorsey 104. This office is responsible for administering all federal, state and campus-based aid. Financial Aid is based on a calculation which relates your financial need (and your family’s ability to contribute) to the cost of your education. Some Financial Aid can be used for study abroad. If you go on a Goucher program, all Goucher scholarships/aid and federal aid can be applied to the program. Sometimes awards need to be adjusted. You need to meet with a Financial Aid officer to find out about this. If you go on a non-Goucher program, you CANNOT use any Goucher-based aid or scholarships. Federal aid MAY apply. Meet with a financial aid officer to find out about this.
Section II. Sources at Home Resources in your hometown may prove to be a valuable component of your search, especially if you or your parents have been active in the community. The following is a list of possible sources of money for you.
1. Service Clubs: Inquire at your hometown Lions, Kiwanis, Women’s and other service clubs.
2. Town Hall: Go to your hometown town hall and ask if there are any local scholarships.
3. Chamber of Commerce: Visit the Chamber of Commerce to see if there are any opportunities.
4. Your High School: Go to the guidance department of the high school you graduated from and inquire.
5. Religious Organizations: If you belong to a church, synagogue or other religious organization, ask the person in charge of finances if there are any scholarships, grants or loans available.
6. Family Employers: Ask your parents and other members of your family to check at work and see if their company offers aid to sons, daughters, or relatives of workers.
7. Your Employer: If you hold a job, ask your boss if there are any scholarships available to workers in the company.
Section III. Sources Around Campus
· You can apply for a Goucher College International Studies Scholarship when you apply for your program. Scholarship application directions are located on all Goucher and non-Goucher program applications.
· Ask around the department of your major or minor to see if anything is available.
· Tell anyone on campus who will listen about your financial aid search and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open for any information, which could help.
· If you receive any kind of veteran’s benefit, check to see if you can use it for studying abroad.
Section IV. International Programs and Organizations
1. The United States Federal Government offers a scholarship to encourage students to study in non-western countries. It is called the National Security Education Program (NSEP) and is a merit-based scholarship. Awards can be up to $8,000. The deadline is usually the first week in December. Visit www.iie.org/programs/nsep/nsephome.htm for more information.
2. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Cultural Affairs. The Institute of International Education (IIE) administers the scholarship through its Houston, Texas office. The Gilman scholarship reduces barriers to studying abroad by providing assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Go to their website to find out more: http://www.iie.org/gilman. Recipients can receive up to $5,000.
3. The Maryland International Education Association also offers Study Abroad Scholarships for those who qualify for a semester, academic year, summer or mini-mester. Recipients receive $500-$1000. Applications are located in the Office of International Studies, Dorsey 205.
4. The Rotary Club offers a scholarship specifically for those who wish to study abroad. You can find information at the following web site: www.rotary.org/programs/amb_scho/index.htm
5. Also try the International Finance Corporation. They provide loans for students who can not get financial aid. The address and phone number is below. International Education Finance Corporation 424 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 (617) 696-7840
6. The Office of International Studies in Dorsey 205 has a section on scholarships with several books that you can sort through to see if you qualify for any of them.
Section V. The Library
The Julia Roberts Library is an excellent place to continue your hunt. Look in the reference section for books on financial aid and scholarships. Several books are specifically related to international opportunities. Other scholarship/financial aid books found in the same location are as follows:
1. Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad. Call # 378.3 S297F
2. Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad. Call # 378.3 S297fi Look through these books’ indexes for…
- your major - your minor - the country where you plan to study - the state where you live now - your ethnic origin - handicaps/disabilities - your job - your hobbies or interests - sports you play - university clubs/groups of which you are a member - religious orientation - things that pertain to your parents (e.g. children of veterans)
Be sure to look under ALL headings. Write down important addresses, phone numbers and names. Save all of your notes so that you can use them later.
Some other books to look for in public libraries or bookstores are:
1. Dan Cassidy’s Worldwide College Scholarship Directory. Daniel J. Cassidy. National Scholarship Research Service. Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press, 1995.
2. Financial Resources for International Study: A Guide for US Students and Professionals. Marie O’Sullivan, ed. New York, NY: Institute for International Education, 1996.
Section VI. World Wide Web
Use the following websites to look for financial aid and scholarships:
http://www.nafsa.org/secussa (basic facts for students)
http://studyabroad.msu.edu (Click on Basics, then on “You can’t afford not to go”)
http://www.Colorodo.EDU/OIE/ecomomics.html
http://www.ps.uiuc.edu/UICSTUDY/UICMAIN.html
http://www.niu.edu/niuabroad/scho-fin.htm
http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf93147
Use these sites to search for scholarships:
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/ssrchtop.html
http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/
http://www.college_scholarships.com
http://www.collegelink.com/clnk/scholarship/
http://www.srnexpress.com
http://www.freschinfo.com/index.phtml
2. REQUESTING APPLICATIONS
Now that you have all of your addresses of foundations, organizations, and companies that have opportunities that you appear to qualify for, it is time to request applications! Be sure to write appropriate letters of inquiry requesting information and applications.
REMEMBER: DON’T BE SHY! TELL ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL AID SEARCH AND ASK THEM TO KEEP THEIR EARS AND EYES OPEN FOR ANY INFO THAT COULD HELP!
*Adapted from Carol J. Lebold, Foundations of International Education: Study Abroad Advising. NAFSA: AIF Annual Conference, Washington DC, May 1998. Adapted from a handout created by Bob Jones, 1997.