Let's talk funding
Explore ways to pay for study abroad
Do you usually get financial aid for school?
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR ADVISOR
Can I use my financial aid for study abroad?
If yes, will all of it apply?
Schedule a meeting with the study abroad office and/or financial aid office at your school to let them know your plan to go abroad.
Be sure to bring the questions for your advisor to your meeting so you'll know what to ask. If you usually receive financial aid, you will likely be able to use those funds for study abroad, too.
No problem!
We offer a variety of payment options. Work on a budget for your term abroad to see how the costs stack up to your home university.
Use p. 3 as a guide.
Are there any special forms that need to be completed by either me or my study abroad provider?
60% of students use their financial aid to help fund their program. YES NO
Check out the scholarships and grants in this booklet and on the website for ways to help fund your program.
Is there any additional funding for study abroad from my university?
Financial aid funds from your university usually arrive after the start date of your program.
Did you know?
Cost comparison worksheet
Use this cost comparison sheet to work on your budget and to see how a term abroad will compare to a term at your home university.
TERM ABROAD
Program Price
Additional Cost of Housing and/or Housing Deposit
Housing is included in all programs, but some programs offer alternative housing for an additional fee. Housing deposit is refundable.
Meals (if applicable)
Many programs include meals. In options where meals are not included, reference the Budgeting & Expenses page of the website for approximate budget amounts.
Airfare*
Passport & Student Visa (if applicable)*
Books*
Personal Expenses*
Things to consider: personal travel costs, entertainment, transportation, etc.
Total Program Cost
Total Financial Aid (if applicable)
Estimated Out-Of-Pocket Payment
*For help estimating these items, go to the funding section of our website
QUESTIONS?
Call us anytime at (512) 480-8522 to speak with one of our helpful advisors!
TERM AT YOUR HOME INSTITUTION
Tuition
Fees
Things to consider: university fees, athletics, health services, etc.
Additional Cost of Housing
Meals
Parking Permit
Gas and/or Bus Pass
Books
Personal Expenses*
Things to consider: personal travel costs, entertainment, transportation, etc.
Total Home University Cost
Total Financial Aid (if applicable)
Estimated Out-Of-Pocket Payment
What's included
Wondering what’s included in a program with us? It's MUCH more than just tuition…
COMPREHENSIVE ADVISING & SUPPORT
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Don’t forget to budget for these items! For country-specific expenses, check out the Budgeting & Expenses section on our website. COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY SUPPORT
EXCURSIONS
*Meals are included in some programs, depending on housing and location.
While these apply to most programs, inclusions may differ. See the What's Included section on the website for your specific program.
Not receiving financial aid? No problem!
PAYMENT PLANS
We offer payment plan options for participants and their families who need more time to make payment arrangements. Please reach out to us to learn more about payment plan options, which generally align with the following timeline:
529 & COLLEGE SAVINGS FUNDS
We accept any funds that are applicable to study abroad programs. Check with your 529/college savings provider to ask about using these funds towards your program.
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
There are numerous scholarships and grants available through us and our host university partners, whether you have financial need or not. Check out the details on page 6 of this guide.
HOME UNIVERSITY GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Many U.S. universities have scholarships and grants available. Be sure to check with your study abroad office and/or financial aid office at your home university to see if they have additional funding available for programs abroad.
FEA ACCESS PARTNER SCHOLARSHIPS
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships of up to $5000 and ongoing support to students from underrepresented backgrounds in study abroad. As an FEA Access Partner, FEA scholarship applicants participating on a WorldStrides program may be eligible for additional financial support.
Visit bit.ly/ws-fea to apply.
FUNDRAISING
Get creative. There are many ways to raise money before your program. Start as early as possible and see page 7 for fundraising ideas. 1 2 3 4
on program payment due date
Check out our scholarships and grants
WorldStrides offers more than $1.5 million per year to help make study abroad a reality.
SCHOLARSHIP
TYPE TERMS AWARDED
Semester Partnership Scholarship Semester
WorldStrides Impact Scholarship Semester & Summer
Summer Pathways Scholarship Summer
Community Engagement Scholarship Summer Service-Learning
Host University Scholarship Varies by location
GO (Global Opportunity) Full-Ride Scholarship Semester
FREEMAN-ASIA SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 supplemental scholarship is awarded to FreemanASIA recipients who are participating in a WorldStrides semester program in Asia. The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship is designed to support U.S. undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study overseas in Asia. Submission of your Freeman-ASIA Scholarship award letter is required to receive this award.
AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIP AWARDS
$200 to $5,000
We provide special funding to over 500 of our university partners!
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
Don’t forget! Mark your calendar and submit your application by the following dates:
We award a 5% supplemental scholarship to GI-Bill recipients. This award will apply to all recipients, regardless of whether the GI-Bill funding will transfer to their term abroad.
REPEAT STUDENT & ALUMNI GRANTS
$350 to $600
For returning students who have traveled with us before.
FAMILY GRANTS
$350 to $500
Did your parent or sibling travel in a program with us? If so, you qualify for this grant—and you owe your family a thank you!
Check out the WorldStrides scholarship website for additional eligibility details and application instructions.
Fundraising guide to study abroad
Fundraising is a great way to raise money for your education abroad program. We encourage students to get creative and put the “fun” in fundraising!
TUTORING
Students are always in need of tutoring! The hours are flexible and you can set your own rates. If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering your services.
START A SHOP
Have a skill or interest you can market and sell? Think Etsy, Facebook marketplace, or a local farmer’s market. Use your skills to help fund your program abroad.
BIRTHDAYS & HOLIDAYS
Ask for contributions to your study abroad fund instead of presents this year.
CROWDFUNDING
Various websites such as gofundme.com are great platforms where your social media connections can easily contribute to your fund.
GET ACTIVE
Commit to running a marathon, biking a certain distance, or participating in some sort of race or event. Ask friends and family to make a pledge.
FREELANCING
Love to write? Freelancing is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to stretch their skills and earn extra cash. Many companies need gifted writers, and freelance websites can be a great place to make those connections.
NETWORK
Reach out to your school, youth group, manager at a part-time job, local companies, or your parents’ friends— anyone who might be willing to contribute to your cause. You never know what people will say unless you ask!
HOMETOWN RESOURCES
When asking businesses for funds, focus locally. Start with the Chamber of Commerce, who might be able to provide contact information for nearby businesses. Consider reaching out to your local Rotary or other clubs who might be willing to sponsor you.
FREQUENT FLYER MILES
Ask friends, family, or your neighbors to donate their frequent flyer miles to you. If you have enough people pledge their miles, you can purchase your plane ticket for little to no cost.
Web: worldstrides.com/study-abroad
Email: higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org