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how to study abroad: financing YOUR TRIP

KEYS TO FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION ABROAD

STUDY ABROAD COSTS

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

Study Abroad is an investment in one's own future. As social, political, and economic worlds continue to become more globally interdependent, students who have experience with this interconnectedness have an advantage over those who do not. Less than 5% of all US undergraduate students study abroad. Here is one fun creative way to save for study abroad.

 

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STUDY ABROAD COSTS [back to top]
The cost of studying abroad varies greatly depending on an individual program's type, length, and location. Many programs are financially comparable to studying on campus for a semester, therefore program selection is crucial especially if you are on a tight budget. When looking at programs, the Center for Global Education recommends you request a cost breakdown to help you understand how much you can expend to pay for your global experience.

The program fee for all programs administered by the Center for Global Education covers:

Some, but not all program fees include housing, one or two meals a day, and/or international airfare. In addition to the items listed above students should also budget for passport and visa expenses, books, independent travel, and entertainment and personal expenses.

Will it be impossible for you to finance your study abroad experience? Of course not. Just remember that in most cases financial aid, federal loans, scholarships, and grants can all be applied to your study abroad program costs. Early planning is imperative to success.

 

FINANCIAL AID [back to top]
Federal financial aid is always awarded through a student's home university. If you are a George Mason student intending to participate in a study abroad program not affiliated with Mason, you must still go to the Mason Financial Aid Office. If you attend another university and you are participating in a Mason study abroad program, you need to visit the Financial Aid Office at your home school.

Take a copy of the estimated cost-of-attendance or the cost break down of your study abroad program to your financial aid counselor. You and your counselor hey will review your financial aid package together with this additional information. After your meeting you will have an idea of what will be covered by aid and how much you will have to contribute.

More information about financial aid and loans may be found at the following websites:

SCHOLARSHIPS [back to top]

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES SCHOLARSHIPS
Open to George Mason University students only, the Center for Global Education (CGE) awards thousands of dollars to qualified students who participate in CGE Winter and Summer Break Programs each year. Scholarship amounts range from  $250 - $1000 depending on merit and financial need. Students who are awarded a Global Scholarship are asked to assist CGE in the promotion of study abroad upon their return.

To apply submit:

  1. One academic letter of reference.
  2. A 500 word essay detailing how you hope to benefit from this study abroad experience.

Your application must be submitted to the Center for Global Education in Johnson Center Room 235 with your complete program application materials including your on-line application, application fee and supplementary application materials.

Deadline: Scholarship applications are due with your complete program application by the deadline for the program to which you are applying.

A downloadable and printable PDF version of this information is available here.

Global Perspectives Scholarships are NOT available for Semester/Yearlong programs, Direct Exchange programs or Non-Mason programs. You must be a George Mason University Student to be selected for a scholarship. Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled. Again, any Mason student is eligible for this scholarship.


MONROE "CHIP" WHITTON SCHOLARSHIPS
To be considered for this scholarship students must participate in a Summer Program
in the UK or Ireland. 2 SCHOLARSHIPS AT $1000 APIECE WILL BE AWARDED. Students applying for the London Internship Program are not eligible for this scholarship.

To apply submit:

  1. One academic letter of reference.
  2. A 500 word essay detailing how you hope to benefit from this study abroad experience.

Your application must be submitted to the Center for Global Education in Johnson Center Room 235 with your complete program application materials including your on-line application, application fee and supplementary application materials.

Deadline: Scholarship applications are due with your complete program application by the deadline for the program to which you are applying.

Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled

 

THE MARRIOTT SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS
The Center for Global Education is awaiting news on additional scholarship funding for the Marriott Foundation Scholarship. Students applying for this scholarship must demonstrate financial need through a filed FAFSA form (online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov), and apply for one of the Center for Global Education Internship programs. Please contact Sarah Mournighan for additional information.


Center for Global Education Scholarship dispursement:
In order to receive a scholarship administered by the Center for Global Education, scholarship recipients must be officially accepted into the program and pay the non-refundable deposit for the program by the deadline indicated in their acceptance letter. Late payment of the deposit disqualifies students from consideration for the scholarship. Scholarship awards are distributed after all program fees have been paid in full by the student. Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled



OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
We also always encourage students to take responsibility for their own education by independently researching for scholarships online and consulting with their financial aid officer to see if aid applies to their particular study abroad program. Many institutions providing study abroad programs have scholarships available to students attending their programs. Please do the work that is involved with applying for a scholarship because it will pay off:


George Mason University | Center for Global Education | 235 Johnson Center, MSN 2B8 | George Mason University | 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 | voice: 703-993-2154 | fax: 703-993-2153 | cge@gmu.edu