Is your student interested in studying abroad? While classes, living and traveling abroad may sound expensive, it doesn’t have to be. It’s possible for your student to have an adventure abroad and save money. Here are a few ways to help make it happen.
Browse affordable programs
Education Abroad has a large portfolio of programs. There are nearly 400 programs in about 70 different countries. And not all programs are in big, international cities like London, Paris or Sydney. Studying abroad in smaller cities can help the cost of living on some programs to be lower than Boulder. With many options available, there’s sure to be a program to fit every student’s financial needs.
Encourage your student to browse through the list of affordable programs and exchange programs. These can offer a more inexpensive and independent semester abroad. Additionally, the program search has the option to include your student’s budget and search for programs that fit. The costs for the overall budget (estimates for everything) are on a scale of one to four dollar signs. Learn more about what each dollar sign means.
Consider financial aid
That’s right - financial aid applies to Education Abroad semester or full year programs! Any loans, grants or scholarships that your student receives from the federal government, the state of Colorado or CU will apply to their Education Abroad fee, the same as it would for their tuition here. If your student is a Pell Recipient, some programs even match Pell Grants.
Financial aid can be a huge help in reducing the costs of programs abroad. Explore the Education Abroad financial aid page to learn more.
Apply for scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities for study abroad students. The Education Abroad office offers the need-based Buffs Abroad Scholarship. All students going abroad on a CU program are encouraged to apply. There are also general eligibility scholarships, as well as scholarships for:
- Certain majors
- Certain regions of study
- Underrepresented students and more.
Encourage your student to explore scholarships they may be eligible for.
Connect with Education Abroad
If your student has questions, encourage them to visit the Education Abroad office. There are drop-in hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in C4C S355, no appointments necessary. Your student can also reach an advisor through email or live chat.
