Studying abroad is appealing to many students. It can be the experience of a lifetime, opening you up to many new opportunities. It can also break the bank. Many scholars skip out on the experience because they assume it’s too time-consuming or expensive to consider.
However, there are ways you can study abroad for free or on a budget. With a bit of research, you can find scholarships and other opportunities that help you create an affordable study-abroad experience that will impact the rest of your life.
Find Affordable Study Abroad Programs
When you first learn about studying abroad, it might be from articles touting experiences and programs that come with a hefty price tag. Yes, they sound amazing. But you can gain just as much by immersing yourself in an unfamiliar culture within your budget.
Find a program that is realistic with your budget. Don’t be afraid to look at locations about which you may know little. Many countries offer free programs through public universities. And with low housing rental rates, you can live abroad at a fraction of what you’re paying back home.
Apply For Scholarships
Chances are you’re already in the groove of finding scholarships to obtain your degree. Did you know networks are waiting to deliver scholarships for study abroad programs too? Whatever your interests and financial situation, funding is waiting to fill in your budget and get you one step closer to studying abroad.
One of the best places to start is right on your own campus. Most have extensive resources in applying for and signing on for a semester abroad. You can do a lot of your research online. These sites can be an excellent place to start:
- International Student and Study Abroad Scholarship Search
- European Funding Guide
- University Studies Abroad Consortium
Apply For Grants
While many people use the terms grants and scholarships interchangeably, subtle differences exist. Scholarships are usually merit-based, while grants are need-based. If you’ve applied for and received the Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant in the United States, you already have experience with the grant process. These same programs will also offer funding assistance for study abroad experiences.
In addition to these grants, you can also find many third-party organizations offering study-abroad funding to help make the experience more affordable. A quick online search will give you access to many databases to help you with your search.
Enroll With a Foreign School
Do you have specific interests or desires? Why not go directly to a university to get the education you’re looking for? While universities in the United States are expensive, other countries offer free or low-cost schooling, even for international students.
Identify a few countries you would consider for studying abroad. Next, visit the websites of local universities and see if the cost of tuition is manageable for you. Don’t forget to explore their financial services pages—they may offer advice to make it even more affordable. Bear in mind the cost of living expenses; some countries are more affordable than others.
Consider Part-time Work-study
While working internationally can sometimes be difficult and involve lengthy visa requirements, you can explore school-sponsored work-study programs that bypass this situation. Once you move closer to signing with a program, you can explore all options with a financial services representative.
Some countries will allow you to teach English as a foreign language. Different EU countries offer you the chance to work in a job relevant to your field of study. Be sure to learn more about labor laws before you explore this opportunity.
Are You Ready to Study Abroad?
Are you still wondering if you can study abroad for free? While “free” isn’t something you’ll find in your local guidebook, there are ways to make the experience as reasonable as possible. Yes, you’ll have to do a little research and legwork. You’ll have to apply for grants and scholarships. You’ll have to dig deep and discover where your interests lie.
But once you find the right program, you’ll be glad you took the time. For a few months, you’ll discover a world you never knew was possible. It’ll change you in ways you can’t even imagine.
So get out there and do your research. It’s time to explore.