Funding Opportunities
The cost of housing, meals, and daily living abroad is comparable and, in some cases, less expensive than residential study at Penn State. In fact, for all summer programs and some semester programs, out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates for participation in study abroad. As you prepare for your study abroad experience, we encourage you to read these tips to keep the experience affordable.
There are many opportunities to find funding for study abroad, but it requires advance planning and some work on the part of the student.
Getting Started/How Do I Fund Study Abroad?
No two programs are the same, and our program costs reflect these differences. Our programs vary widely in cost, so it is likely that we have a program for every budget. Sometimes studying abroad is no more expensive than studying on-campus and other times the cost can be higher.
We encourage all students to:
- First determine your budget
- Fill out the Study Abroad Budget Worksheet, comparing the cost of attendance at University Park to studying abroad. https://global.psu.edu/node/403
- Schedule an appointment with a financial adviser at Penn State’s Sokolov-Miller Financial and Life Skills Center https://financialliteracy.psu.edu/
- Research programs and identify those that meet your budget, as well as your personal and academic goals.
- Be sure to check which items are included in the program fee. Sometimes amenities, such as housing, are included.
- Consider other potential costs, such as airfare and cost of living, which may not be reflected in the program fee.
- Complete a FAFSA application and meet with the Office of Student Financial Aid
- A comprehensive list of available funding options is provided on our website. Review those options early to apply.
How can I write a competitive essay?
The best essays will give specific answers to the questions provided. Tell your story in a way that will answer the question “what sets me apart?” Be able to demonstrate how study abroad fits into a greater plan for your academic career, your co-curricular and leadership engagement on campus, and your professional career.
Utilize friends, Global Engineering Fellows, peer advisers, and on-campus resources to assist you in drafting and reviewing your essays. The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office can help you to identify opportunities and to go through the process of applying, including writing a competitive essay.
