Being successful in studying abroad requires careful planning and attention to details. Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime if you are properly prepared and understand what is happening every step of the way. Traveling alone or even in a group halfway around the world can seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve put together a list of resources covering everything from funding options to tips on culture shock.
Also, studying abroad requires money. But don’t let that get you down! There are numerous funding options available and you can even use financial aid to cover some or all of the expenses in some cases (not always).
Take some time and check out all of these resources. They’ll help you make a more complete plan as you prepare to study abroad.
Here are just a few study abroad scholarships Study Abroad Programs would like to highlight. More can be found under "Funding and Scholarships."
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Eligible criteria includes but is not limited to:
- being a citizen or national of the United States
- an undergraduate student of accredited institution
- receiving or will receive a Federal Pell Grant at the time of the award
The October 2023 deadline application has closed. The March 2024 deadline application will open in mid-January 2024 for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. "This cycle encompasses Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Academic Year 2024-2025, and Spring 2025 programs or internships. The application deadline is Thursday, March 7, 2024, 11:59pm Pacific Time" — via Gilman Scholarship website.
Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship
“The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs." -via the FEA website
Eligibility Requirements:
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident or DACA recipient
- Currently enrolled in undergraduate program at college/university level
- Study Abroad Program must be eligible for credit at student's home institution
Preferred Demographic Factors:
- those considered minority background
- first-generation college student status
- community college experience
Completing the FEA general application will allow applicants to be considered for numerous FEA General Scholarships, Named & Dedicated Scholarships, and Access Partner Scholarships. FEA staff determines which scholarship(s) you are eligible for. The Spring application opens in July and closes in September. The Summer, Fall, and Academic Year application opens in November and closes in February of the following year.
According to August 2023 FEA Applicant Webinar, applications are scored off of:
- Financial Need (FEA financial aid form in application) - 25%
- Demographic Factors (based on self-reported information in application) - 33%
- Academic plan (based on student's essays and unofficial transcript) - 42%
The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program
This opportunity provides financial assistance for United States undergraduate students pursuing international study/study abroad in Japan. (Fall 2023-Spring 2024 application is closed.)
Eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- currently in good academic standing at accredited institution as undergraduate or graduate student
- will be enrolled in exchange program or credit-bearing study
- demonstrates financial need for international study
Preferences will be given to students with the following criteria (not required):
- applicants raised by a single parent / is an orphan
- first in family to attend/graduate from college (first-generation)
- applicants without prior international study experience or experience living abroad
Funding and Scholarships
You can use your financial aid in some cases to fund your study abroad trip. Scholarships are also available in some cases. In other cases, you’ll pay out of pocket. Be sure to take a look at all of your options as you make a financial plan to study abroad.
Academics
While it seems like all fun and games, you’ll still need to go to class. But how will your study abroad courses transfer or apply to your major? This can be complicated, so we’ve provided some resources to help you sort through the academic side of things.
Preparing to Travel
All of the paperwork is done and you’re finally ready to travel. We’ve compiled some tips and resources to be aware of as you get ready to make your way out into the world.
Health and Safety
From insurance to travel alerts, adjusting to a different culture, health tips and more — there are many things to be aware of as you travel. Bookmarking this page for your use while you travel would be a good idea.
Access and Diversity
CSUB is committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to study abroad is able to do so. We’ve compiled information regarding DACA students, students with disabilities, and campus resources available to assist you.