Funding Your Study Abroad

Fulbright provides grants the cover travel expenses to and from more than 150 countries. In addition, they cover living costs and limited health benefits. Recipients can design their own programs, which may include a combination of research, field or university course work, teaching and/or community service.

Available to high-performing American students who attend any universities in the United Kingdom. Up to 40 students are selected annually to receive the scholarship, which covers university fees, living expenses, books, travel and, in some cases, a contribution toward the support of a dependent spouse.

Established with a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships are awarded to graduate students from countries outside of the UK to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge. Awards cover all tuition costs, living allowances, travel and annual retreats.

Additionally, various public and private scholarships are available, each with its own requirements for eligibility. These awards may be based on merit, achievement or demographics, such as gender, race, religion, family, medical history or other student-specific factors. Also, depending on where you want to study, there may be destination-specific scholarships available. Check with government-sponsored travel websites for the country in which you are interested in studying for information about scholarship opportunities. In addition, your particular program, school, or a professional association dedicated to your field of study may offer scholarships.

Stafford Loans offer financial help to eligible students enrolled in accredited American higher education institutions. According to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, these loans are guaranteed to be repaid by the government should the student default.

PLUS loans are made by the U.S. Department of Education to the parents of dependent undergraduate students or, as of 2005, to students. Recipients can borrow up to the student's total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. Repayment may be deferred until after the student graduates.

Those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). There are two programs under the bill. The Active Duty program (MGIB-AD) requires active-duty members to enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months; they are then entitled to receive monthly education benefits once completing a minimum service obligation and receiving a fully honorable discharge. Reservists (MGIB-SR) must commit to a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve and be actively drilling.

Take a look at what expenses you will incur when selecting your study abroad program. Tuition varies depending on what type of program you choose. Often the tuition is the same for an exchange program or for domestic students who live on campus. Study abroad programs through third parties usually cost a fixed amount upwards of $10,000 or more, depending on what they include.

Summer programs may appeal to students looking for less of a financial commitment. Even just several weeks to three months abroad is an easier and less costly commitment for students who don't want to miss a semester at their home universities.

Think about what language and culture you want to immerse yourself in. This could make a difference in your program costs. Look into which option that fits into your plan will offer the most in terms of financial aid. And, of course, pay attention to your academic goals. How far do you want your education to go?

Today's students can apply for hundreds of scholarships and grants to study abroad. Depending on the programs they choose, the scholarship awards, grants and financial aid available may be sufficient to cover all the major expenses. International study is encouraged in today's business world and many financial opportunities to make this option accessible open up every day. In addition, students who qualify for assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible for additional funding.

Consider your preferred style of living. Would you prefer to live alone, with a host family or with a group of your peers? Students need an environment that's conducive to their studies. Find out what housing options are available in your chosen program.

A dormitory environment encourages students to meet new people as they participate in group activities with other residents. This helps immerse students in the culture and helps them learn the language more quickly. Plus, travel expenses are minimized when students can walk to classes, the cafeteria, and social events.

Students might find comfort in living in a family environment. The structured environment of living in a traditional family home might provide you with the discipline you need in order to pursue your education without getting too caught up in socializing. In such an environment, you will have chores and rules to follow. Also, host families are a great resource for help and advice.

Of all housing options, getting an apartment is the most expensive, but it also offers the most independence. Students are responsible for rent, utilities, food, cleaning, and so on. Finding a roommate is often a great way to save money on expenses while still getting the privacy you desire. It is also advisable to carry renters insurance as a way to protect and insure your belongings from theft, fire, and vandalism.

Students traveling overseas will need, at minimum, a passport. A visa might be required; this allows visitors to enter and leave a country's borders within a specified range of dates. For information on obtaining or renewing passports, visit the U.S. Department of State's Travel.state.gov. Costs of visas vary, but passports run about $145.

Health insurance covers some required vaccinations. Check with your health department to see what is needed whether your health insurance policy covers it. Usually, developing countries will require vaccinations for typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, cholera and yellow fever.

Some study abroad programs include air and land transportation as part of their costs, but not always. Scholarships often include travel expenses to the destination and back when the program is over. Check into purchasing student or group discount fares if airfare is not included. Always make flight arrangements well in advance to save money.

Some health insurance plans cover illnesses or injuries incurred when traveling outside the U.S., but many do not. To cover office visits, prescriptions or urgent medical care, purchasing travel insurance can be a great financial move. Check whether travel insurance is available for you.

Make a list of expenses, both one-time and recurring, on paper. Decide what you can and cannot live without. Expenses that fluctuate can be reduced by not dining out as often or cutting back on entertainment. Is the privacy of an apartment worth cutting back on entertainment expenses? List all your potential recurring expenses, including:

• Mobile phone plan
• Internet
• Health insurance
• Transportation costs (trains, buses, taxis, etc.)
• Food
• Entertainment

Figure out how much money you will have monthly for expenses. Give yourself an allowance after all the hard expenses (e.g. rent, utilities, insurance dues, etc.) are paid. Stay on track by only taking money out of savings that is needed for the month. Anything left over at the end of the month is a bonus. Additionally, if you have credit cards, car insurance and auto loans, look at some cost-saving measures such as budgeting your credit card spending with a secured or student credit card, refinance your current auto loan, and discuss student and good driver discounts with your current car insurance company. Make sure you also talk to your insurance provider and look into your state requirements for what to do about your car insurance policy while you’re abroad.