Ever find yourself daydreaming (perhaps as you trudge through snow to class) about what it might be like to unpack your suitcase on a Greek island where you take painting classes and participate in creative writing workshops for the summer?

Or to spend a semester discovering new gelato flavors during the break between Strategic Fashion Marketing and Landscape and Architectural Photography classes in Florence?

 

If money barriers are keeping you from chasing that international adventure, read on!

 

We know study abroad is an investment, but we also know – from personal experience and from working with students – that research, advanced preparation and a bit of effort can have you at Gelateria La Sorbettiera taking a first lick of your Bronte pistachio in real life.  

 

STEP 1: Read our blog post about financial aid to find out:

-       what your options are (and where to ask)

-       what you need to do to secure the funds

-       how to make sure the money is applied to your study abroad program

 

But if there’s no financial aid available to you, don’t panic and don’t give up! This is where scholarships come in.

 

STEP 2: Apply for scholarships. There are a LOT of options and–even better–they don’t have to be re-paid. The choice can be overwhelming, but let’s dive in with eight that will give you a great starting point.

 

ASA SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Did you know ASA is one of the most affordable study abroad program providers? That said, we also offer two scholarships that you can apply for in addition to any others:

 

Scholarship: ASA General Scholarship

Who is it for? Students accepted on an ASA program

Amount: From $250 to $1,250 depending on your program

Deadline: The next application deadline is April 1, 2022

Application: Application, demonstration of financial need, essay and groups/activities you participate in

 

Scholarship: ASA Diversity Scholarship

Who is it for? Students accepted on an ASA program

Amount: $1,000 or $2,000 depending on your program

Deadline: The next application deadline is April 1, 2022

Application: Application, demonstration of financial need, essay and groups/activities you participate in

 

NOTE: You must be accepted to one of ASA’s study abroad programs in order to be eligible to apply for either ASA scholarship. These scholarships may be used only toward ASA programs.

 

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

 

In addition to our own scholarships, there are many, many others to explore. Thousands of dollars actually go unclaimed (!!) every year because no one applies for some of them. It is well worth doing some research into some more obscure options. Here’s a quick glimpse at eight possibilities to get you started:

 

Scholarship: Benjamin E. Gilman Scholarship

Who is it for? Students of limited financial need, first generation and Pell Grant students

Amount: From $100 to $5000 (with the opportunity to receive a Critical Need Language Award of up to $8000)

Deadline: The next application deadline is March 1, 2022.

Application: Application, statement of purpose and community impact essays and transcripts

 

Scholarship: Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship

Who is it for? Passionate students who want to explore the world.

Amount: $1,000 plus a travel backpack, awarded biannually

Deadline: The next application deadline is April 15, 2022.

Application: Short application and 500-word essay

 

Scholarship: Scott’s Cheap Flights Scholarship

Who is it for? Anyone who wants to study abroad

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Usually in October, keep an eye on the website

Application: Short application and a 500-1000 word essay

 

Scholarship: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

Who is it for? Undergraduates attending an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter (don’t have to be a member), have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher

Amount: One hundred twenty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year

Deadline: The next application deadline is March 15, 2022.

Application: Application, transcript, two letters of recommendation

 

Scholarship: Gilman-McCain Scholarship

Who is it for? Child dependents of an active-duty service member; must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: The next application deadline is March 1, 2022.

Application: Application, military ID documentation, financial aid proof

 

Scholarship: Fund for Education Abroad (Many Scholarships, One application)

Who is it for? A U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled and receiving credit as an undergraduate at a U.S. college or university

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: The next application deadline is January 12, 2022. If it’s too late for this year by the time you read this post, keep this one bookmarked for next year! This is a big one.

Application: Application, transcript, recommendation letter, financial aid form

 

A few tips to keep in mind:

 

TIP 1: Check the specific time of day on the deadlines keeping in mind that they are all in different time zones!

 

TIP 2: Be sure to read the websites carefully, taking into account any updated information regarding use of your scholarship in relation to Covid-19 restrictions.

 

TIP 3: Most study abroad scholarships do require you to have an acceptance letter to a study abroad program before you are eligible to apply.

 

There’s a more extensive list of scholarships as well as links to scholarship directories on our website. There’s also more information on finances for ASA study abroad program generally here. If you’re paying a large portion of the program fees out-of-pocket, we may be able to offer you a payment plan. Do feel free to use the chat box on our website any time with questions.