Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a foreign country. Typically classes taken while studying abroad award credits transferable to higher education institutions in the home country; however, students may pursue these opportunities at any age and may not require college credit. Students studying abroad may live in a dormitory or apartment with other students or with a "host family", a group of people who live in that country and agree to provide student lodging.
Length of study can range from one week, usually during a domestic break, to an academic year.
Topics of study can vary. Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native speakers. Others may take classes in their academic major in a place that allows them to expand their hands-on experience (e.g. someone who’s studying marine biology studying abroad in Jamaica or a student of sustainable development living and studying in a remote village in Senegal). Still other students may study abroad in order to explore topics within the framework of a different educational system (e.g. a student of English who goes to the United States to study American literature).
Financial aid for American students studying abroad
Student loans in the U.S.
Topics of study can vary. Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native speakers. Others may take classes in their academic major in a place that allows them to expand their hands-on experience (e.g. someone who’s studying marine biology studying abroad in Jamaica or a student of sustainable development living and studying in a remote village in Senegal). Still other students may study abroad in order to explore topics within the framework of a different educational system (e.g. a student of English who goes to the United States to study American literature).
Financial aid for American students studying abroad
Student loans in the U.S.
Regulatory framework
Higher Education Act of 1965US Dept of EducationFAFSA Cost of attendance
Higher Education Act of 1965US Dept of EducationFAFSA Cost of attendance
Distribution channels
Federal Direct Student Loan ProgramFFELP
Federal Direct Student Loan ProgramFFELP
Loan products
Perkins · StaffordPLUS · Consolidation Loans
Private student loan
Amendments made in 1992 to the Higher Education Act of 1965, TITLE VI, SEC. 601-604[4] in the U.S. ruled that students can receive financial aid for study abroad if they are enrolled in a program that is approved by their home institution and would be eligible to receive government funding without regard to whether the study abroad program is required as a part of the student's degree. Federal law also states that financial aid can cover all "reasonable" costs for a study abroad program, including:
Round-trip transportation for the approved program
Tuition and fees for the program
Living costs incurred during the program
Passport and visa fees
Health insurance
To get government aid, students must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Funds are awarded by the United States Department of Education. As long as the issuing institution pre-approves the credit to be earned abroad, federal aid can be used toward study abroad programs.
Eligibility criteria for U.S. government aid
Be enrolled in an eligible (Title IV) institution as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate (This is your home institution, not the overseas school/institution.)
Be a citizen of the United States with a valid Social Security number
Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate
If you are a male, you must be registered for Selective Service
Have a result of Eligible or Partially Eligible on question 35 (drug-related conviction) of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Forms of government aid
Stafford Loan (FFEL)
PLUS Loan
Perkins Loan
Pell Grant
Other financing options
Private student loans
Private student loans are not guaranteed by a government agency, but generally offer higher loan limits, grace period with no payments due until after graduation, and base availability on credit history vs. financial need. Private loans are a good option:
If federal financial aid doesn't cover all study abroad tuition, living arrangements, and/or transportation costs
If a student is not eligible for federal financial aid
If a student is not currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by a number of organizations and foundations. Scholarships, like government grants, can be highly competitive, because students aren't required to repay the money awarded. Because of this uncertainty, it is not the most reliable method for paying for study abroad. Research into available scholarships and private grants should be initiated well in advance of a student's planned travel date, and/or private or government aid should also be sought.
Perkins · StaffordPLUS · Consolidation Loans
Private student loan
Amendments made in 1992 to the Higher Education Act of 1965, TITLE VI, SEC. 601-604[4] in the U.S. ruled that students can receive financial aid for study abroad if they are enrolled in a program that is approved by their home institution and would be eligible to receive government funding without regard to whether the study abroad program is required as a part of the student's degree. Federal law also states that financial aid can cover all "reasonable" costs for a study abroad program, including:
Round-trip transportation for the approved program
Tuition and fees for the program
Living costs incurred during the program
Passport and visa fees
Health insurance
To get government aid, students must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Funds are awarded by the United States Department of Education. As long as the issuing institution pre-approves the credit to be earned abroad, federal aid can be used toward study abroad programs.
Eligibility criteria for U.S. government aid
Be enrolled in an eligible (Title IV) institution as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate (This is your home institution, not the overseas school/institution.)
Be a citizen of the United States with a valid Social Security number
Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate
If you are a male, you must be registered for Selective Service
Have a result of Eligible or Partially Eligible on question 35 (drug-related conviction) of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Forms of government aid
Stafford Loan (FFEL)
PLUS Loan
Perkins Loan
Pell Grant
Other financing options
Private student loans
Private student loans are not guaranteed by a government agency, but generally offer higher loan limits, grace period with no payments due until after graduation, and base availability on credit history vs. financial need. Private loans are a good option:
If federal financial aid doesn't cover all study abroad tuition, living arrangements, and/or transportation costs
If a student is not eligible for federal financial aid
If a student is not currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by a number of organizations and foundations. Scholarships, like government grants, can be highly competitive, because students aren't required to repay the money awarded. Because of this uncertainty, it is not the most reliable method for paying for study abroad. Research into available scholarships and private grants should be initiated well in advance of a student's planned travel date, and/or private or government aid should also be sought.
