The cost of your study abroad program will depend on many factors, including your destination country, the type and length of your program, and what is included in the program cost. Be sure to consider costs beyond the program fee, which may include passport, visa, airfare, immunizations, local transportation, meals, books, insurance, and incidentals.
Variables to Consider
Destination
Talk with your study abroad adviser about the locations you are considering.
Exchange Rate
Remember that currency exchange rates fluctuate consistantly. Visit an online currency converter to stay abreast of the latest rates.
Program Duration/Timing
While short-term programs may be less expensive, you may find that there are more resources available to you for semester- or year-long study. Some costs do not change according to the length of time you are abroad.
Cost Estimate Worksheets
Talk with your study abroad adviser to see if your school has budget and cost sheets that you can use to estimate your specific costs. A sample budget worksheet may help you sort through the various costs you may encounter.
NAFSA: Association for International Educators. "Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate Student's Resource." http://www.nafsa.org/students.sec/financial_aid_for_study/.
Financial aid for undergraduate study abroad consists mainly of federal grants and federal and private loans. However, scholarship money is also available from organizations and sponsoring companies. For those pursuing an Independent study abroad program, the institution with which you study abroad may also have funding available for students.
Federal Aid
The Higher Education Act of 1965 was amended in 1980 and again in 1992 to include study abroad program fees as eligible costs for federal aid covreage. For a student to be considered for any federal aid, he/she must complete the Free Application for Federal Study Aid (FAFSA). Other application paperwork may be required.
Federal Grants
Several Federal need-based grants are available. Try the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant (SEOG).
Federal Loans
Available Federal loans are the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan, or the Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans).
Federal Scholarships
Two notable Federal scholarships are the Boren and Gilman scholarships, which are detailed in the "General Scholarships" box.
State Aid
States constitute an important source of financial aid. Programs vary from state to state, and may be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two. In most cases, state aid that is applicable at your institution will be available for approved study abroad from your institution. Consult with your campus financial aid office regarding the specifics of financial aid in your state.
Institutional Aid/Study Abroad Scholarships
While there is only one study abroad scholarship offered through Campbell University, there may be scholarships offered through the institution Campbell partners with for your Independent study abroad program.
Third-party Scholarships
Some program providers offer partical scholarships to students who attend their programs.
NAFSA: Association for International Educators. "Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate Student's Resource." http://www.nafsa.org/students.sec/financial_aid_for_study/.
Most programs provide opportunities for financial aid. Please see the "Independent Programs" tab for Partnering Organizations.