In this global era, opportunities for students to spend time studying abroad may be more important than ever. Financial aid for study-abroad programs includes grants and scholarships for qualifying students, based on financial need, academic merit or a combination of the two. Some funds limit the geographic areas where you can study and qualify for financial aid.
Boren Scholarships
Students seeking to study in areas considered critical to United States interests and generally underrepresented in conventional study-aboard programs may apply for the Boren Scholarships, sponsored by the National Security Education Program. Studies in Western European countries, along with Canada, New Zealand and Australia, are ineligible for Boren Scholarships. Students pursuing studies in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and eastern Europe may qualify. Subjects for national security interests may include economics, environmental issues, and world hunger and disease.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Undergraduate students receiving federal Pell grants who wish to study abroad may apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. For the 2011 to 2012 academic year, eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 in scholarship money to finance international study. Those receiving the scholarship may also apply for the $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement if they are attending classes taught in Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Persian, Swahili, Indic or Turkish.
AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) offers scholarships for both summer and regular semester programs. Eligible students must attend a participating AIFS institution of higher learning. AIFS also offers an international scholarship of $1,000 for the 2011 to 2012 academic year to students demonstrating academic merit and submitting an essay entitled "How Study Abroad Will Impact My Academic and Personal Growth."
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
The Strengthening Intercultural Understanding Study Abroad Scholarships offer funds for students attending summer or traditional semesters abroad. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration. Available scholarships include the Middle East and Islamic Studies Scholarship, the Engineering Scholarship and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholarships. Students studying in India may apply for the Workum Fund, while the Sally Bragg Baker Scholarship goes to female students "desiring to create a more peaceful world through international exchange."
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