As you consider the opportunity to study abroad, funding your experience can be a significant concern. The expenses associated with international education, including tuition, room and board, and travel, may seem out of reach. However, there are resources available to help make your study abroad dreams a reality. The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships and grants for undergraduates with financial need who want to participate in high-quality study abroad programs. Their mission is to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by providing funding to those with limited financial means. If you have a desire to gain international experience but lack the means to pay for such a program, The Fund for Education Abroad can help turn your aspirations into reality through generous scholarships and grants to deserving students. With their support, you can embark on an educational adventure that will shape the course of your academic career and life.
About the Fund for Education Abroad: Providing Scholarships for Studying Overseas
About the Fund for Education Abroad: Providing Scholarships for Studying Overseas
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) offers competitive scholarships and grants for American students planning to study overseas. FEA aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad by providing funding to those with high financial need.
FEA awards scholarships of up to $10,000 for semester or year-long study abroad programs in a wide range of countries. Students from all majors and from all kinds of colleges and universities are eligible to apply. FEA evaluates applicants based on their financial need, study abroad program costs, and how their experience abroad may impact their future academic and career goals.
To apply for an FEA scholarship, students must first apply and be accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad program approved by their home institution. Then, they can submit an application through the FEA online portal, including a personal essay discussing their study abroad plans and financial need, a budget outlining program costs, and a letter of recommendation from a professor or study abroad advisor.
FEA scholarships can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, room and board, books, travel, and living costs. By providing funding for high-need, high-achieving students, FEA aims to make study abroad accessible to a wider range of students and empower them to gain valuable international experience. Overall, the goal of FEA is to support the next generation of globally competent leaders and citizens.
Scholarships Offered by the Fund for Education Abroad
To receive funding from the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA), you must meet several eligibility requirements and apply for one of the scholarships they offer.
Diversity Scholarship
The Diversity Scholarship aims to support underrepresented students studying abroad. This includes but is not limited to ethnic minority students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, students from low-income families, and LGBTQ students. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
General Study Abroad Scholarship
The General Study Abroad Scholarship is open to all students regardless of identity or background. It provides awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to help fund study abroad programs in any world region.
Destination-Specific Scholarships
FEA offers scholarships for study in specific world regions and countries like the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study in Asia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and others. Awards range from $3,000 to $8,000.
To apply for any FEA scholarship, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an accredited college or university. You must also meet program-specific requirements like demonstrating financial need or belonging to an underrepresented group. Applications open in October and close in January for study abroad trips in the upcoming academic year.
In summary, FEA aims to diversify study abroad by providing generous scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds. Their goal is to make international experiences accessible to all. By offering a variety of scholarships for study in different world regions, students from all walks of life have the opportunity to embark on a journey that can be truly life-changing.
How to Apply for a Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship
To apply for a Fund for Education Abroad scholarship, you must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Fund for Education Abroad scholarship, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Propose a credit-bearing study abroad program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Application
The application period typically opens in October and closes in January for the following academic year. To apply, take the following steps:
- Review the scholarship offerings on the Fund for Education Abroad website to determine which opportunities match your proposed program. Each has specific eligibility criteria regarding location, length of study, and area of study.
- Complete the online application, including two short essays articulating your study abroad goals and financial need. The essays are a chance to convey your passion for the program and destination.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous study abroad program. Ask them to emphasize specific examples of your relevant skills and motivation.
- Provide official transcripts documenting your minimum 3.0 GPA. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
- Submit a comprehensive budget outlining all estimated costs of your study abroad program. Be sure to factor in additional expenses beyond just tuition, such as airfare, housing, food, and transportation.
- (Optional) Some scholarships consider need in the award decision. You may wish to submit financial aid documentation demonstrating need, such as the Student Aid Report (SAR) from filing the FAFSA form.
If awarded a scholarship, you must commit to the program by the deadline and agree to fulfill post-program requirements, such as sharing about your experience on social media or with your home institution. With proper planning and a compelling application, you have a good chance of receiving funding to make your study abroad dreams a reality.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Fund for Education Abroad offers generous scholarships and financial aid for students looking to study in another country. Their mission is to diversify access to international education and they have awarded over $5 million in funding to date. While the application process requires work, the potential rewards of receiving funding to study abroad are well worth the effort. Studying in another country is a transformative experience that exposes you to new ways of thinking and living. It allows you to develop independence, adaptability, and an appreciation for cultural diversity. The Fund for Education Abroad is helping to make this opportunity accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds. If studying abroad is your dream, don’t hesitate to apply for these competitive but life-changing scholarships. Expand your horizons and become a global citizen through international education.
