Photo courtesy Melissa Lira, who participated in an affiliate program in Costa Rica.
“How can I afford the expenses associated with a study or internship abroad program?” It’s a smart question, and one most students have.
Beyond tuition and direct program costs, students must also anticipate the cost of flights, meals, personal expenses, passport and visa fees, doctor’s visits, and more in order to participate.
While students often hear vague statements that “money is everywhere and they just need to find it,” too few are actually pointed in a concrete direction to help them apply for such aid. The dissuading misconception of learning abroad as an exclusive experience for the upper classes continues to permeate. Let’s combat that myth, because learning abroad is for everyone.
With over $250,000 in scholarships awarded each year to students participating in a Learning Abroad program or Hinckley Global Internship, the Office for Global Engagement (OGE) Scholarships make dreams of learning abroad come to financial fruition.
OGE Scholarships can help cover many of the financial commitments associated with learning abroad, with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.
What distinguishes OGE Scholarships from other sources of financial aid for learning abroad is their breadth of coverage. Whether humanities or STEM, undergraduate or graduate, domestic or international, students of all backgrounds are eligible and encouraged to apply. OGE Scholarships also apply to a variety of program types, ranging from short one-week faculty-led programs to academic-year long exchange programs.
OGE scholarships offer flexibility and can be used to cover both billable and non-billable program costs. Any funding awarded that exceeds program costs will be disbursed to the recipient. As refundable scholarships, these scholarships can be used to cover both billable and non-billable program costs.
Additionally, students may be more competitive than they might think. Unlike other scholarships, the eligible applicant pool is only open to the number of U students who plan to study abroad.
With application deadlines for Cycle I and Cycle II on March 1st and October 1st, respectively, students may apply for OGE Scholarships as early as a year in advance to help students secure financial funding before committing to their program.
Don’t delay your learning abroad plans over fear of costs. Learn more about OGE Scholarships and apply today!