Education Abroad
Interested in going abroad as part of your CU Boulder education?
You may want to start by meeting with your IAFS academic advisor to explore how studying or interning abroad can fit into your degree plan. You can learn about the different program types available to CU Boulder students on Education Abroad’s Explore Programs page. Then head to Education Abroad’s Get Started page to complete three key steps:
- Abroad 101
- Explore Programs
- Connect with an Advisor
Be sure to also check out details on scholarships, approved courses, deadlines, and other resources on the Education Abroad website.
Did you know that Study Abroad is only one of many ways fulfill the IAFS Off-Campus Experience (OCE) requirement? Other ways to fulfill the requirement include taking IAFS 4930, a CU in DC course, or several other experiential learning opportunities with an international focus. Learn more on the OCE page.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are many scholarships available for CU Boulder students studying or interning abroad - including options based on location, academic focus, and student background. Visit Education Abroad’s Financial page for the most up-to-date info on scholarships and funding opportunities available to CU Boulder students.
IAFS Global Grants Scholarship: IAFS majors and minors with a minimum 2.75 GPA are eligible to apply for Global Grants - awards of up to $3,000 per term for study abroad experiences. Grants are awarded based on both merit and financial need. Check out the Global Grants page for details!
IAFS Global Seminar Scholarship: IAFS majors and minors participating in a Global Seminar led by an IAFS faculty member are eligible for the International Affairs Global Seminar Scholarship. Typical awards are around $500. To be considered, simply apply for the Buffs Abroad scholarship and indicate your IAFS major or minor status.
- finaid.org: Helping students and families navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, grants, loans, and more.
- Study Abroad Funding: Essential online resources for students including scholarship search engines, budgeting tools, and student forums.
- Studyabroad.com Financial Aid Page: Sources and tips on obtaining financial aid to go abroad.
Next Steps After Studying Abroad
Studying abroad doesn’t end when you come home. Whether you're processing your experience, looking for ways to share your story, or figuring out how to connect your time abroad to your academic and professional goals, there are great resources to help you reflect and move forward.
Find guidance on health and wellness, academics, program evaluations, and how to stay involved on Education Abroad's Returning Students page. You’ll also find resources to help you make the most of your experience back on campus.
Not sure how to explain what you gained from your time abroad? The MySkills - Education Abroad page walks you through the skills you developed and offers tips on how to talk about them in resumes, interviews, and grad school applications.
- Consider enrolling in IAFS 4930 (Internship) or 4900 (Independent Study) to build on what you learned abroad.
- Reach out to your professors or advisor if your international experience sparked new academic interests.
- Add your program and international skills to your resume and LinkedIn.
- Want to share about your experience? Send us an email at iafs@colorado.edu!