Some U.S. students opt for international study opportunities due to the potential cost-effectiveness and prestige of college education abroad compared to certain less competitive U.S. private non-profit colleges, even factoring in travel expenses.
There are two ways U.S. students can pursue a college education outside the U.S.:
- Study Abroad Program at a U.S. College or University. One is to participate in a study abroad program, where the student spends an academic term or an entire academic year at a foreign college or university. If this program is accepted for credit by the student’s U.S. home institution, it is eligible for U.S. federal student aid through the home institution.
- Degree from an International College or University. The other is to pursue an entire program of study through a foreign college or university. Several hundred such institutions have been approved for U.S. federal student aid, such as the Federal Stafford Loan. Foreign institutions are not eligible for U.S. federal grant programs, such as the Federal Pell Grant.
More information about study abroad can be obtained from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. A database of scholarships for study abroad is also available from the Institute of International Education (IIE) through IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding. The German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, provides a scholarship database for international students wishing to study in Germany.
Scholarships From Our Partners
Sources of scholarships for U.S. students to study abroad include:
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) – Fulbright Fellowships for U.S. Citizens
- Education Abroad Network
- George Mitchell Scholarships
- Marshall Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarship
- The Rotary Foundation
Private student loans may also be available for U.S. citizens to study abroad.
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