Budgeting for Study Abroad

Study Abroad

Don’t let the cost of study abroad be frightening; it is more affordable than many people think! Funding a study abroad program is an equation that balances financial planning, scholarships, and financial aid.

Financial planning refers to developing a budget for your study abroad. Examining costs is a process of comparing Western lifestyle, including university and living costs, to the budget of your study-abroad program. Consider the following factors that affect the budget of your study-abroad program:

Program-cost factors:

Number of credits
Type of program (ex. Faculty-led, exchange, or partner program)
Program length and time
Room and board
International transportation and local travel
Number of excursions included

It is the students' responsibility to meet with a financial aid advisor in WMU's Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office to determine if they have sufficient personal funds or will be awarded sufficient financial aid to support their participation in the study abroad program selected. While financial aid applies to the study abroad experience, additional funds might be needed to cover costs that exceed tuition and program fees.

There are many scholarships available through WMU colleges and departments, as well as scholarships awarded through community organizations, service clubs and national competitions, such as the Boren, Freeman-Asia, and Gilman programs. In the past, students studying abroad through WMU received more than $400,000 in scholarships. For WMU students who plan to intensively study foreign language abroad for a semester or academic year, the President’s Grant for Study Abroad offers awards of up to $5,000 per semester.

National study abroad scholarships range from accessible to very competitive and WMU students compete successfully for these awards. The key is to start the process as early as possible and to work closely with WMU's campus representative and advisor for national study abroad scholarship programs.

Important things to consider:

Begin working on your application essay as soon as possible. Drafting your application essay just a few days before the deadline will not allow you and your advisor time to develop a strong coherent strategy and polished text; applications to national scholarship programs are rarely successful under these conditions.

Substantial funding opportunities are available to students who:

Plan their project early.
Prepare through academic coursework, such as taking a foreign language class.
Take the time to craft a strong application.