The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students . FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all.
Ready to explore the world? Let’s dive into the details. Whether you or your student is gearing up for a study abroad adventure—fantástico, bravo, wunderbar! At Maryville College, we celebrate the wanderlust that drives you to learn beyond borders. Now, let’s talk dollars and cents to make it happen.
Feeling a bit of sticker shock? Don’t worry, the cost of studying abroad might seem high at first glance, but it’s an extension of your college experience and can be planned for just like your other semesters. The same financial aid and scholarships you use now often apply to earning credits overseas too. So, before you hit pause on expanding your global knowledge, make sure you explore these valuable financial options!
Financial Aid and scholarships are available for study abroad. Please note that program costs vary, depending on the features of the program, geographic location, length, exchange rates, and the level of on-site support. We encourage all students to review the costs of various programs before submitting an application. It is important that you make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office and bring this budget sheet. They can help you identify the sources of funding available for the program you have selected. You may also discuss any requirements related to credit/course requirements related to the aid package that you have (program of study regulations). Scholarships are available for all approved MC study or intern abroad programs.
- Review Information on this page – get an initial understanding of the resources available to you!
- Understand Program Costs
- Calculate your proposed costs for your study abroad. Education Abroad Program Fees may include Tuition Fees, Accommodation, meals and there are additional items like Housing Deposits, Program Deposits, Application fees, etc. You should also consider other expenses besides your Program Fees like Flights, Food and Entertainment, Visa Applications and Textbooks.
- The Center for Global Engagement can help prepare a budget sheet for your proposed program. Travel Study programs have a budget sheet linked under “Resources” in our Via-TRM portal.
- Understand your current aid package
- Federal and state governments, foundations, private and public organizations are the primary sources of financial aid. You should understand how you are currently paying for your MC studies. This will help you know what programs are the best deal based on your current aid package. Note the following types of financial aid that may be included as part of your current package:
Federal Aid
Federal aid can consist of loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study.
- Loans: The U.S. Department of Education’s student loan program is called the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. The Direct Loan Program has three primary loans available and the U.S. Department of Education is the lender:
- Direct Subsidized Loan: Available to students who demonstrate financial need. The Federal government pays interest on the loans as long as the student is enrolled half-time. Repayment and interest begins after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half time.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Available to students regardless of need but interest is charged to the students while in school. A student may choose to make the interest-only payments on the unsubsidized loan or allow the interest to be added to the loan principal and then pay both principal and interest after leaving school.
- Direct PLUS Loan: Available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students. Interest accrues while students are in school. For graduate students, repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half time. For undergraduates, parents must begin repayment once the loan is fully disbursed.
- Grants and scholarships
- Federal Pell Grant is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Part-time enrollment reduces eligibility.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Grant (SEOG) is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Must be enrolled at least half-time.
State Aid
This aid is funded by the state in which the institution is located and varies by State. State aid can be need-based or it can be merit-based. Like federal aid, State aid may include grants or loans but may also include tuition waivers or other types of aid.
Institutional Aid
This aid is funded by Maryville College. These scholarships can be based either on need or on merit. Institutional aid can come from a variety of sources, which includes alumni, faculty, endowments, tuition exchange etc. Examples of institutional aid are: Presidential, Dean’s, Maryville College, Legacy, Bonner scholarships (among others)
Private and Public Organizations
Other than governmental and institutional aid, private organizations, foundations, corporations, and civic groups are additional sources of aid, particularly scholarships, that students may receive to fund their university experience.
Other important considerations
There is a possibility that funding for future semesters might be affected resulting from financial aid given for a semester’s study abroad program as your eligibility for certain types of aid might have expired. The financial aid office will be monitoring your progress toward your degree as to whether you have exceeded your eligibility requirements. The best advice is to check with a Financial Aid advisor about your funding.
Students should enroll in full-time credits in order to receive their full amount of awarded aid. However, some aid will be reduced depending on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled. The credit level required for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan eligibility for all semesters is half-time. For undergraduates, half-time for semester study is normally 6-9 credits. (This is important for summer programs)
- Meet with Financial Aid Office.
- Have you applied for FAFSA? In order to use Federal or State Aid you will have to have a current FAFSA on file.
- Bring a budget sheet (if there isn’t one on your program brochure, ask the CGE for one) & ask about sources of financial aid
- If you
- Ask questions:
- What are variables related to your specific financial aid package that you should consider in choosing a study abroad program?
- Can my current financial aid package be applied to study abroad programs? (see financial aid section below for some quick answers based on program type)
- What are the deadlines for applying for financial aid for study abroad programs?
- Can I use external scholarships or funding sources alongside my financial aid?
- Are there additional loans or funding options for covering extra travel or living expenses abroad?
- Commuters: talk about how your financial aid package is affected by adding room & board (depending on program type)
- Veterans: talk with Financial Aid, the Veterans Office and the Registrar about eligibility to use VA funding. See Veteran Information
- Apply for Maryville College Study Abroad Scholarships
- One of the most common comments we hear is “I’m not eligible for scholarships because I’m not high need.” While many of our scholarships are need-based, they aren’t all based on how FAFSA defines need, but your personal experience. You tell us about your need. All students are eligible to apply.
- Apply for External Scholarships
- Some of our partners offer discounts by using a discount code, or flight vouchers, or scholarships based on lots of different factors. Consider applying for programs that offer additional financing.
- Many national scholarships can add new funding that you don’t have access to if you stay here.
Types of Aid Available
Can I use my financial aid for study abroad?
“Short answer: yes. Longer answer: keep researching. Financial aid eligibility can vary based on your specific situation and the program you choose, so it’s crucial to confirm that your program qualifies—and get that in writing.
You might be thinking, ‘But my friend did/didn’t get financial aid for their study abroad program,’ and that’s shaping your perspective. Remember, their experience is not your experience. We encourage you to keep asking questions! It’s your responsibility to ensure you’re setting yourself up for not just an incredible study abroad adventure, but one that makes sense financially for you.”
State and federal financial aid from your home institution can often be applied to the costs associated with studying or interning abroad.
This includes Stafford Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Direct Loans, Pell Grants and more. Read below to learn how you may be able to apply your financial aid to your study or intern abroad program.
You may receive financial aid for a programs abroad program if you meet these criteria:
- The program is a MC-Approved Program
- Search for programs using the our Program Search
- The credits earned while you are abroad are eligible to be transferred back to Maryville College and will count toward your degree program
- You are registered through Center for Global Engagement for your program abroad!
The Center for Global Engagement offers programs for all budgets. Your existing financial aid and most of your scholarship money can apply to approved programs abroad options. Plus, you can apply for additional programs abroad scholarships! (see below)
Semester Exchange Programs (ISEP Exchange & Kansai Gaidai): Students ARE eligible to use Maryville College Merit aid (e.g. Presidential, MC Scots, McGill, etc). Students ARE eligible to use Federal/State grants & loans.
Semester Direct Programs (ISEP-Direct, Maynooth, Harlaxton & Roehampton):
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- Students ARE NOT eligible to use Maryville College merit scholarships (e.g. McGill, Presidential, Deans, MC Scots, etc) for this program. Program fees are instead of MC tuition, fees, room and board.
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- Federal and State aid including grants and loans MAY BE USED for semester study abroad programs. Meet EARLY with the financial aid office – ideally BEFORE you apply for a program so you understand the resources available to you.
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- These costs can all be included in your cost of education to potentially make you eligible for additional funding. Financial Aid Office Contact financialaid@maryvillecollege.edu
Summer Study & Internship Abroad Programs: Financial aid may be available for programs that are offered for 6 or more credits or are combined with MC summer study to equal a minimum of 6 credits.
Travel Study Programs: Financial Aid may be used for Travel Study Programs. Meet EARLY with the financial aid office – ideally BEFORE you apply for a program so you understand the resources available to you. Generally loans are available to help cover the costs of the program. These costs can all be included in your cost of education to potentially make you eligible for additional funding.
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- May-term Programs: may be combined with other summer study to make you eligible to use FAFSA aid.
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- Spring-Break Programs: Cost of programs can be built into your spring costs, making you eligible for additional Aid. Speak with Financial Aid to understand your specific circumstances.
Conditions
- You cannot receive your financial aid in advance to pay for your program fees
- Federal regulations prohibit an institution from disbursing financial aid until the beginning of the semester
- Please check with the Financial Aid Office for each semester’s disbursement date
- Check with your Education Abroad Advisor to see about postponing program fee payments that will be covered by financial aid until the funds are available (some programs allow this!)
Maryville Study Abroad Scholarships make it easy for you to have an international experience, either for a semester or as part of a faculty-led experiential program. For more information, go to the Center for Global Engagement in International House
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- Preference for Maryville College scholarships goes to students who have not previously received a study abroad scholarship.
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- Students complete one application form for consideration for any of our study or international internship programs.
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- For Need-Based Awards – consideration is given to the need level outlined by the financial aid office, and an essay the student writes to explain his/her financial situation.
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- The applicant is applying to or has been accepted into a pre-approved study abroad program.
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- Applicants must complete a scholarship agreement – which will include requirements such as pre-departure and re-entry programming, along with an online blog/social media posts and follow-up project. Read more about Scholarship Expectations
CURRENT AWARDS AVAILABLE
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Ragsdale International Award
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A Ragsdale Scholarship is a need-based award Funding preference for Ragsdale Scholarships shall be given to extended study (semester or year-long) over short-term study. The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4.
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$2,000 maximum
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Mary Lib Jackson ’46 International Travel Scholarship
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Funding priority is based on need and students who have not previously traveled abroad.
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$2,000 maximum
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Dr. & Mrs Ken Tuck International Scholarship
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Tuck awards are based on merit (3.25 GPA) and citizenship The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4. Approximately 4 awards are given each academic year. The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. The applicant must have completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at Maryville College at the time of application. The applicant should be an ambitious and productive member of the Maryville College student body and have demonstrated good citizenship in a way that has enhanced the Maryville College community. The applicant agrees to participate in the Ken Tuck International Scholarship Program, which will include requirements such as pre-departure and re-entry programming, along with an online journal and follow-up project.
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$3,000 maximum
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Cain TRAAVEL Award
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Cain/Traavel applications are for programs to Asia or Africa The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4. This is a need-based award Same rules as Ragsdale
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$3,000 maximum
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Carter Award
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This is a need-based award. Funding preference for shall be given to extended study (semester or year-long) over short-term study. The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4.
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$2,000 maximum
(Maximum 50% of the cost of program) |
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Hazel Lou Ford Fund
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This is a need-based award. This award is available for Social Science majors The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4.
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$500 maximum award (2 awards per academic year)
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Stevens International Travel Program Award
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The Stevens Award is given to a student of junior or senior standing This award is available only for students participating on a Maryville College Travel Study Program This is a need-based award. The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4.
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$3000 Maximum
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Boldon International Travel Award
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This award is given at the discretion of the Center for Global Engagement Priority goes to students pursuing a Global+ Certificate, or are engaged globally on the Maryville College campus. Priority will be given to students who are studying in non-traditional study abroad destinations. The applicant must study abroad in a country not currently under a U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory levels 3 or 4.
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$1000 Maximum
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Faculty-led Program Scholarship (Travel Study Students – This is the only scholarship application you need to be considered for any scholarships available)
Travel Study Scholarship
Generally from $250 up to $2000
*limited number of awards. Approximately 65% of students who apply historically have received funding.
This application is only for faculty-led Travel Study Programs. Travel Study Students please use this link. One application is submitted for all possible MC awards. Awards are not stackable. May-term and Spring Break Travel Study Students will be considered for all scholarship funds available (see below for eligibility). These are need based awards and need is determined based on BOTH FAFSA information AND long-answer paragraphs within the application explaining need.
Application Deadline: October 1 (May-term programs)
Read more about Scholarship Expectations
Semester/Summer Scholarships
**All 2025 Admitted SEMESTER Students Abroad will receive a scholarship to cover economy airfare (up to $1500) and are eligible to apply for additional aid below up to award maximums**
What do you need to know about partner scholarships?
In order to be eligible for any on of these scholarships, you have to be studying/interning on one of their programs. Maryville College has partnered with these organizations, sometimes specifically for these scholarships!
Note: Maryville College requires you to complete a MC Study abroad application to be admitted to one of our partner programs! Talk to the Center for Global Engagement for details.
ISEP Scholarships
Information on scholarships for specific ISEP programs can be found on their website. Maryville College offers semester & summer programs through ISEP
ISEP French & German Language Annette Kade Scholarship: $500-1000
You are eligible for this scholarship if you are a student at one of our U.S. member institutions and are planning to study in French or German at a member institution in Austria, France, French Antilles, Germany, Reunion Island or Switzerland.
ISEP Community Scholarship: $500
ISEP students from any member institution with demonstrated financial need qualify to apply for the ISEP Community Scholarship. Please review the ISEP website for details.
ISEP Founders Fellowship: $2500
You are qualified to apply for this fellowship if you are attending an ISEP member university and meet the eligibility criteria for the fellowship which includes demonstrated financial need and express through a creative project and personal statement your passion for language learning while studying abroad.
ISEP Accessibility Scholarship
The ISEP Accessibility Scholarship is designed to assist students placed in an ISEP program who do not have sufficient funds to cover the upfront costs of studying abroad. You are eligible for this scholarship if you are from an ISEP Member or Affiliate Institution and have demonstrated financial need.
Friends of the University of Auckland US/NZ Exchange Awards
You are eligible for this scholarship if you are a student participating in the ISEP Exchange program or the ISEP Direct program at the University of Auckland, are a United States citizen or permanent resident, and have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
CEA CAPA Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Maryville College partners with CEA CAPA for summre programs.
As a CEA CAPA affiliated school, Maryville College students may automatically receive a $100 discount for summer programs. CEA scholarships are open to all CEA program participants (MC students are approved for summer and summer internship programs) who meet the eligibility requirements; their objective is to aid students in subsidizing the cost of their study abroad program.
More Info and Application
Flight Credit: CEA CAPA usually has a promotional flight credit deal. You must claim this by entering your flight credit code before you submit your application Current Offers.
CIS Abroad Scholarships
As an affiliate of CIS Abroad, Maryville College students may automatically receive a $100 grant for a summer or short-term program. Additional CIS scholarships for their study abroad programs are listed on their site.
Examples: CIS Abroad Go Green Scholarship, Global Content Creator Scholarship, Student Athlete Scholarship, Academic Merit Scholarship, Palm Business Scholarship. See website for additional categories.
Current Promos (in addition to scholarships): https://cisabroad.com/promos
ISA & TEAN Scholarships
As an ISA affiliated school, Maryville College students get an automatic $250 discount on summer program fees. Maryville College partners with ISA/TEAN on summer programs only.
Students accepted to an ISEP program have access to their scholarship application in the Student Portal. Summer scholarship applications are due by February 28th.
Sample Scholarships: GO full ride scholarship, Summer Pathways Scholarship, Community Engagement Scholarship, Give Veterans Award, Global Ambassador Grant
Barcelona SAE Scholarships
Maryville College partners with BarcelonaSAE for summer programs. As a Barcelona SAE affiliated school, Maryville College students get an automatic $250 discount on program fees. Scholarships are also available. Check out their website for the variety of awards.
Take a look at all the options!
Details and Application
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS
- Gilman International Scholarship
- IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants
- NSEP Boren Scholarships for Study Abroad
- DA Overseas Ambassador Program Scholarships
- Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
- Asia-Pacific Foundation
- The American Women’s Club in Stockholm, Sweden, Scholarship
- Critical Languages Scholarship
- DAAD Scholarships for Germany
- ItaliaRail Scholarship for Italy
- Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
- Go Overseas Scholarship
- Tortuga Scholarship
- National Security Language Initiative for Youth
- Ashley Soule Conroy Foundation Scholarship
Gilman International Scholarship
The Institute of International Education has opened the application cycle for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Founded by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 for eligible undergraduate students to pursue study abroad. The online application can be accessed at the Gilman Web site.
More Info and Application
Application Deadlines:
- Fall or Summer – Usually in March
- Spring – mid-September
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Requirements:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.
- Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
- Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries
Award:
$1,000 – $5,000
Overseas Ambassador Scholarship
The Overseas Ambassador Scholarship -this organization, in cooperation with the AIFS Foundation, will offer $500 scholarships for fall and spring semesters as well as summer term. Five scholarships are available for each semester and two scholarships are available for summer. Students going abroad for the full fall, spring or summer terms are eligible to apply. Economically disadvantaged students, first-generation, students with disabilities and ethnic and racially diverse students are strongly encouraged to apply. Select “request information” above, or visit https://www.beglobalii.com/articles for application details and additional information.
NSEP Boren Scholarships for Study Abroad
Fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Boren Scholars and Fellows study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills.
Requirements:
- U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline
- A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
- At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline
- Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
Award:
$8,000 – $25,000
Application Deadline: February (one deadline/year)
Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project is accepting applications from American students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan..
Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic year programs).
Application Deadline: April
Details and Application
Asia-Pacific Foundation
This foundation helps students to obtain international experience in the Asia Pacific region by awarding scholarships, particularly to students who are from underrepresented populations in international education. Examples of underrepresented populations may include but is not limited to: students from low income families; ethnic backgrounds; academic majors; Rocky Mountain geographic region; and first-generation college students.
More Info and Application
The American Women’s Club in Stockholm, Sweden, Scholarship
The scholarship, which is based on academic excellence, is awarded in the form of a travel grant for $1,500. The grant was initiated to cover the cost of a round-trip airplane ticket between the US and Sweden. In order to qualify for the AWC Scholarship, the applicant must be currently living in the USA, 18 years or older, an American female citizen and accepted for a period of study or research at a Swedish educational institute.
Application Deadlines: March and September
More Info and Application
Critical Languages Scholarship
Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers(CAORC), the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program will offer intensive summer language institutes overseas in 13 critical need foreign languages for summer 2011. The CLS Program was launched in 2006 to offer intensive overseas study in the critical need foreign languages of Arabic, Bangla/Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu.
Application Deadline: November 15th (to CLS directly)
More Info and Application
DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. Highly qualified undergraduate students are invited to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research and/or internships in Germany. The goal of this program is to support study abroad in Germany and at German universities. Preference will be given to students whose projects or programs are based at and organized by a German university. Scholarships are available either as part of an organized study abroad program or as part of an individual, student-designed study abroad semester or year.
More Info and Application
ItaliaRail Scholarship
ItaliaRail is committed to helping students study abroad in Italy—and immerse themselves in the country’s rich and dynamic culture. The ItaliaRail Scholarship is open to those who have enrolled in their college or university’s Study Abroad program in Italy.
More Info and Application
Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
This program provides funding to participants as they prepare academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. They recruit talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. The goal is to attract outstanding students from all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State.
Go Overseas Scholarship
GO! Overseas is proud to support international education through scholarships available to students participating in study abroad programs. Scholarships are awarded each academic year. The scholarship is awarded based on the creativity and analytical thinking displayed through writing samples and/or video submissions. Scholarships are awarded up to a maximum of $1,000.
Student Travel Fund (Trainline.com)
Check out Student Travel Fund for travel abroad in Europe
Trainline is Europe’s leading train and bus/coach ticket platform. The European Student Travel fund is now accepting applications from US students enrolled on a study abroad program in Europe during the 2019/2020 academic year. They shared with us:
“We want to help students get the most out of their time in Europe, so we’ve teamed up with Eurail to give them the chance to win free rail travel around Europe during their stay and €1500 spending money. There are three European travel funds available in total:
- 1st place – €1500 and a 7-day First Class Global Eurail Pass
- 2nd place – 7-day Second Class Global Eurail Pass
- 3rd place – 3-day Second Class Global Eurail Pass
Eligibility requirements
- Must be a current student at Maryville College.
- Must already be enrolled onto a study abroad program in Europe, organized through your Study Abroad program.
- Must be able to provide proof of enrollment at both current and study abroad institutions if chosen as a winner.
To enter, you will just need to answer a few questions on what your study abroad program means to you, where you would go and why if you were awarded the rail pass and spending money.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world. At Tortuga, our mission is to help travelers avoid the cost and hassle of checked luggage with carry-on-sized travel backpacks, including students studying abroad. When customers purchase luggage from us for their trips, they are “paying it forward” by funding scholarships for students like you.
Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or currently studying in the US on a student visa
- Be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at a four-year, degree-granting college or university in the U.S.
- Have applied to or been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for credit by your college or university
Award: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2023
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
The National Langue Security Initiative is a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department to encourage language learning in specific languages the U.S. has identified as high importance. The scholarship covers language immersion programs for the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian and Turkish through one of their programs.
Requirements:
- GPA higher than 2.5
- Must be learning one of the languages listed
The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation Scholarship
Ashley Soulé Conroy’s family wants to reward your desire to explore and experiment with different people and places and ways of living, just as the founder’s daughter has. That’s why they set up a scholarship for undergraduates in need: to change lives.
Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled as an undergraduate in a college or university
Award: $4,000