Did you know that many people get sponsored to study abroad? It’s true! You don’t have to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to study overseas, and you don’t have to work long hours in order to raise the money either.
Many students find ways to get sponsored to study abroad, and they can teach you how. Here are some important tips that you should know about getting sponsored to study abroad.
Step 1: Do you qualify for a sponsor?
Before you can even think about finding a sponsor, you need to know if you’re actually eligible for one. You’ll have much better luck with a top-notch sponsor if your grades are on point and they like what they see in your resume and references. After all, good companies want people who will represent them well. If you qualify, great.
Step 2: How do I choose a program?
This is a very important question! Consider what you want out of your study abroad experience, and think about where your strengths and weaknesses lie. For example, maybe you have always wanted to study medicine in another country. If so, look for a program that focuses on medical training because it’s more likely they are focused on finding students like you who know what they want.
However, if you’re not sure what career path to take or just want an overall cultural experience then you may want to choose a more general study abroad program.
The best way to learn about programs is by contacting each one directly; some schools may be able to refer you to alumni who can tell you about their experiences at the school.
Read Also: 8 Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarships You Need to Know About
Step 3: Where do I look for sponsors?
If you’re reading this, you probably have a good idea of where you want to study abroad. Whether it’s China, Australia, or South Africa, you can contact companies and people in that area who may be interested in sponsoring your trip.
Every city has companies that offer support for students from their area; check out your local chamber of commerce or tourism office and see what they have to offer. Each year my university holds a study abroad fair during which dozens of local businesses come together to meet with students hoping to study outside of Cleveland. One company will dole out free plane tickets if enough students apply, and another will help students find jobs when they get back home.
Step 4: Finding time to apply
If you have found a study abroad program you are interested in and would like funding, find out if they accept students who are not funded. If they do, great! If not, don’t be discouraged; there are plenty of other ways to get your travel money.
Just a few of them: one option is working part-time while in school. Although many full-time jobs may offer sick time or paid vacation time for their employees (some even offer an allowance for travel), part-time jobs may not allow that sort of leeway if you take too much time off (this could depend on your employer). Be sure to check with them before taking any extended amount of time off during working hours.
Read Also: Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Step 5: Collecting your documentation
When you begin your application, contact both your school’s international studies department and your university’s financial aid office for advice on completing your financial aid application. In order to receive a sponsor letter from Arizona State University, it is important that you know what documents are required of you before beginning your application.
They will require a Financial Aid Profile (FAP) in order to be reviewed and sponsored. When completing these forms, give yourself plenty of time as they can take up to eight weeks to process. If you have questions on any of these forms or would like help filling them out, don’t hesitate to contact us at 480-965-6800 or visit ASU Admissions International.
Step 6: Application tips
Studying abroad is a huge endeavor, but with the right research, preparation, and patience, it can be done. Did you have your grades improved lately? It isn’t just how great the opportunity sounds – if it requires a certain GPA, then you might want to reconsider.
A study abroad experience is often either one or two semesters in length, but that may be extended with internships or employment. Are you looking to apply for specific programs? If so, please review their website or requirements because each program has its own deadlines and requirements (e.g., graduation requirements).
Step 7 – Submitting your applications (1st round)
Don’t send in your applications for study abroad programs until you have a clear understanding of what costs (if any) your company will pay for. First and foremost, do not apply to any programs that you cannot afford (tuition, airfare, housing).
The problem with applying to some programs is that if you are awarded a grant or scholarship from another program that pays for more than half of your tuition and fees, then you will be obligated to take that other award – even if it is significantly lower quality than an offer from a better school.
When choosing among potential study abroad opportunities, it’s important to consider not only what you can afford but also which schools and cities are most attractive to you.
Read Also: 6 Steps to Applying for a Scholarship in the United States
Tips After Acceptance
If you’ve been accepted into a study abroad program and received a scholarship, be sure to be on your best behavior throughout your semester.
Organizations or individuals that have provided funding for you will most likely have something in place that requires you to provide them with regular updates or evidence of good behavior during your time away.
When you return home, being able to share your success story and show how well you’ve kept up your end of the bargain is just as important as showing gratitude while abroad. Your future as an international traveler may hinge on it!
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start applying for those scholarships. If your chosen study abroad program doesn’t offer any scholarships, don’t be afraid to ask if they know of any others that do.
It’s possible that no one has ever approached them about it before, and that could be your foot in their door. At worst, it will let them know what kinds of things students are looking for, and at best, you’ll walk away with a scholarship toward your tuition.
Take advantage of all the information out there, spend hours on review sites and blogs, talk to people who have gone abroad before, and read as many books as you can get your hands on.