Traveling abroad is a life changing experience that facilitates personal growth and allows you to open your mind. When planning to go abroad, you need to think about some of the practicalities of arranging your program. For many students, the most important consideration is fitting the travel costs into their budget. Traveling abroad can be expensive. The cost of flights, visas, and food add up. The good news is that you may not have to cover all the costs yourself…
Below is a summary of some options that may be available to you. For more detailed information, please see “Financing Your International Internship”.
University Funding
The first place you should look at is your university. Many universities offer travel grants for students. This may depend on your course or year of study, but many universities have grants available to everyone. You should speak to your faculty or look online for more information.
3rd Party Scholarship Providers
There are also 3rd party financial aid providers depending on your location or circumstances. Here are some helpful links and information about some scholarships:
If you are a student in the EU, you may qualify for an Erasmus Grant.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a scholarship for US citizens of limited financial means.
International Education Financial Aid: Financial Aid College Scholarship Search | IEFA
Black Excel is a major scholarship provider for African American students.
NAFSA, the Association of International Educators has included a list of U.S. Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants List on their website.
Working
Many people fund their internships by raising the money themselves. Working outside of your studies or during holidays is a good way to add to your savings and potentially fund all of your travels. Employers will also appreciate this kind of work on your CV as it shows that you are willing to work hard and that you have used your spare time productively. This will also help you to build up more experience, which will help you find a better internship and make you even more employable in the future.
Decisions, decisions…
Traveling and working abroad can be expensive, but it is also an investment in your future. Not only will you make some unforgettable memories, but you will also increase your employability. If you would like to gain the experience of a lifetime by interning abroad apply now to our award winning programs. With programs available in all industry sectors you will fast track your future career and learn valuable job skills.
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Photo 1. based on money, by Luis Llerena CC0
