Studying abroad in college is a dream many have, but too often it feels financially out of reach. Some students have the idea of studying abroad, but do not end up doing so because they do not know where to go. The reality is that many students never study abroad simply because they don’t know where to start.
Students of color and first-generation college students, in particular, often feel disconnected from study-abroad opportunities when their academic programs do not actively promote them. Some college students often do not even know they can study abroad.
The good news is that most universities already have resources to help students study abroad for FREE. In this post, we will discuss the college campus resources that will help you navigate the study abroad program and financial tools regardless of your academic major.
I will share seven hidden campus resources that helped me study abroad in China and France without going into debt. Before diving into these campus resources, here is my study abroad journey.
My Study Abroad Journey
One of the questions I often get about studying abroad in college is how I knew where to go before I did. Studying abroad has been a goal of mine since I was 14. I discovered it was part of college life and knew I wanted to make it part of my college experience. When I was researching schools, I wanted to know whether or not they offered study abroad programs. To my luck, every school I researched had a robust study abroad program and a dedicated department. That is why my desire to study abroad made me more proactive in ensuring I could study abroad while in College. However, along the way, several things happened that left a big impression on me.
My Networking Story With Different Campus Resources
When introducing myself and my goals to whoever would listen, I would mention how I was looking to study abroad. This experience led me to hone my networking skills without realizing it at 18. A professor I met during a summer program introduced me to the director of the fellowship office on campus, who explained her office’s role and how it helps me realize my dreams. Therefore, by the time I started my first year, I was well educated on how to proceed on my journey to study abroad.
First Funding Failure
During my first winter break in college, I wanted to go on a faculty-led program in Cabo Verde, but it fell through due to funding issues. Because of that, I wanted to make sure that on my next trip, I have all the financial resources, because I hated the feeling of rejection. Luckily for me, I was a triple major with two of my majors, French and Chinese, guaranteeing a study abroad opportunity. Since I was a native French speaker and would not benefit from novice-level French classes, my advisors and I agreed that I would study abroad in France to complete the French major requirement. That is why I decided to participate in a faculty-led program in Shanghai, China, during the winter break in 2017.
Going to China For Free
Due to the Chinese program I was in, we had substantial scholarship opportunities that made my trip to Shanghai feasible. The process was smooth. My Mandarin professor handled our visa application. She took our passports to the Chinese Consulate in New York City to get our visas. The only thing I paid out of pocket was my flight to Shanghai, which I purchased on StudentUniverse, and I had $500 on me for the trip. While I was in China, I was already applying to SciencesPo Rennes, a partner institution of the University of Rhode Island. I was also working with the international office and the national fellowship office on my scholarship applications.
Securing State & Federal Scholarships to Study Abroad in France
While in China, I secured the Beatrice Demers Language Fellowship from the Rhode Island Foundation. Later, I received the State Department-funded Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, securing the financial resources I needed to spend an academic year in France. While in France, I applied for and received admission to the Public Policy & International Relations Law Fellowship at UC Berkeley. During my summer fellowship in Berkeley, the fellowship director and I began the process of applying for the U.S. Fulbright Program.
I tell this long story to show how rapid the processes were. Each academic year, I worked towards another goal. After all, college is only 4 years for most of us, and deadlines happen every 3 months when you want to get scholarships for various programs in the United States and abroad. I also tell this story to demonstrate that I was not the only actor in my pursuit to study abroad.
Different people and different offices were tremendous resources in helping me meet my goal. In the words of Maya Angelou, “no one makes it out alone.” That is why it is important to know the resources available on campus to support your goals, especially if you want to study abroad. Here are seven campus offices every student looking to study abroad should know.
The Best Campus Resources for Study Abroad Funding
- Department Chair’s Office
The first office I would advise any student starting college to visit is the department chair’s office. Your department chair serves as the first line of networking opportunity in your academic journey. They are different from the college dean. University department chairs lead specific academic departments. For example, if you are a biology major, you will have a department chair rather than someone in the pharmacy field.
Department chairs act as a bridge between students and the larger academic structure. Meeting with them early on can set a positive tone for your college experience. One of the primary reasons to connect with your department chair is to gain insights about the curriculum and available resources. If you are interested in studying abroad, your department chair will help you navigate that process.
My journey to study abroad began with my department chair. I met with my department chair in the early weeks of my Freshman year. Unbeknownst to me, he reached out to the director of the fellowship office, which gave me a leg up on my study abroad journey. Meeting my department chair also helped me foster a sense of belonging within my academic community. He introduced me to various communities and aspects of my college journey.
Beyond studying abroad, it motivated me to engage more deeply with my studies and encouraged me to participate in departmental initiatives and financial resources. Remember, the earlier you engage with your department chair, the better positioned you will be to navigate the complexities of college and maximize the opportunities that come your way.
By establishing rapport early, you may find it easier to access these opportunities, which can be instrumental in building your resume and making industry connections. For those interested in studying abroad, email your department chair during your first semester and ask if your major offers study abroad partnerships or faculty-led programs.
- International office
The next office you should familiarize yourself with is your university’s international office, a crucial resource for any student interested in global opportunities. This office serves as a hub for support, providing information on study abroad programs, internships, and exchange opportunities that can enhance your academic experience and broaden your cultural horizons.
Visiting the international office is essential for understanding the various scholarships and funding options available for international studies, which alleviates financial burdens. The staff at the international office can guide you through the study abroad application process, ensuring you meet all deadlines and requirements.
Also, the international office often hosts events and workshops to foster cultural exchange and integration, allowing you to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Not only does this office help local students study abroad, but it also welcomes international students, allowing you to gain firsthand knowledge of the country you are considering going to. Interacting with this office can be invaluable for building a global network and enhancing your resume before and after studying abroad.
Furthermore, the international office’s duty does not end when you board the plane. If you’re facing challenges transitioning to a new country or culture, the international office can provide support and resources to help you navigate these experiences. That is why getting to know your international office is a significant step towards enriching your education and expanding your worldview.
I discovered many new destinations from looking at the international office website when I was at URI. One of the countries I wanted to visit, Cabo Verde, was never on my radar until I saw it on the website and learned about the program and who to contact to sign up. Students who can’t travel during the academic year or the fall or spring semester should check their international office’s website to see which programs they can attend over summer or winter break.
- National Fellowship Office
My favorite office during my undergraduate years was the National Fellowship Office, a hub of support and guidance for students seeking prestigious scholarship opportunities. This office plays a crucial role in fostering academic excellence and expanding educational horizons. The staff is dedicated to helping students navigate the often complex application processes for various national and international fellowships, such as the Rhodes, Fulbright, and Truman scholarships.
Throughout my time at URI, I found the resources invaluable. The office hosted workshops on writing effective personal statements, preparing for interviews, and understanding the nuances of fellowship selection criteria. They also provided one-on-one advising sessions that tailored support to each student’s unique background and aspirations.
At my university, we only had one advisor in the office, and she was amazing. She looked over all of my application essays. She is the force behind every scholarship award I won that enabled me to study abroad for free. Because I had known her since early Freshman days, she understood my background and helped me shape my personal statement and letter of motivation so that I stayed true to my story and met the criteria for the scholarships I was applying for.
Beyond the logistics of applications, the National Fellowship Office cultivates a community among aspiring scholars. Being part of this office allowed me to connect with students who were also interested in studying abroad and other fields similar to mine. Due to the range of prestigious scholarships this office works with, its networking events and informational sessions connect students with fellowship alums, offering insights and inspiration.
This office should be on your list of most-visited places when you are in college and want to study abroad. It has a wealth of knowledge on academic opportunities and how to attain them without breaking the bank. Staff in this office are strongly committed to empowering students, which not only boosts academic confidence but also opens doors to transformative international and national experiences.
- The University President’s office
One office that often feels largely concealed from the student body is the President’s Office. Nestled within the heart of the university’s administrative building, the President’s office serves as the hub for key decision-making and strategic planning. The President, often seen as the face of the institution, is responsible for navigating both the challenges and opportunities that arise within the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. But it is also a place where you can get funding for your study-abroad goals or for a conference outside your state.
When I was trying to secure funding for the Cabo Verde winter program, I found that the University President’s Office can be a funding source. Because I missed deadlines, I never got around to applying for funding. However, in 2020, when I was preparing to travel to Dallas for the National Association of African-American Studies Conference, I received funding from the President’s office at my alma mater. It helped me pay for transportation and for my hotel stay in Dallas.
It is important to note that many universities ’ presidents’ offices offer this type of funding, but on a competitive basis. Therefore, as a student, you must demonstrate the value of your project to the University’s broader ecosystem for study abroad. Through the President’s Circle Scholarship for Study Abroad program in Buffalo, for example, the scholarship is offered to students interested in developing international skills to meet the global challenges that will impact their local communities.
These scholarships from University Presidents’ Offices allow presidents to foster supportive communities and ensure that the university as a whole demonstrates how it fulfills its mission of education, research, and public service. For students seeking to understand their university’s vision and direction and to secure study-abroad funding, don’t be afraid to engage with the President’s Office. The university’s president loves networking with students like you who dream big, because your success is also theirs and the university’s.
Whether through public forums or outreach initiatives, engaging with your university president’s office can provide valuable insights into the policies that shape your academic experience and future opportunities. Plus, they are a great network resource post-graduation.
- Diversity & Inclusion office
Before diving into this point, I need to note that I am using the name “The Diversity & Inclusion Office” because that is what it was called when I was attending university. Recently, some universities have changed the name of this office. Some schools call it the Office of Access & Engagement, as they do in Birmingham, Alabama. So please find out what it is called at your university. The good news is that although some have changed their names, most still perform the same duties, including providing funding for study-abroad programs.
The Diversity and Inclusion office, or whatever it is called in your home institution, plays a crucial role in promoting understanding and respect among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. By providing programs, workshops, and events focused on cultural awareness and social justice, the office fosters a community where everyone feels valued and heard.
Students should be aware of this office as it offers a safe space for dialogue and engagement on important issues. It also provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities. You will find more targeted scholarship opportunities based on various cultural backgrounds and more. There are scholarship opportunities for women in STEM, for example, available at this office. It also has many internal scholarship opportunities for research, conferences, and study abroad.
During my time at URI, this office was my go-to for extra funding opportunities. They helped fund my trip to China and my conference in Dallas. They offered me a scholarship for the Cabo Verde program, but I had to decline it because I did not end up traveling. Moreover, the office often collaborates with various campus organizations, enhancing the overall university experience by encouraging inclusivity in all aspects of campus life.
Being connected to the Diversity & Inclusion Office empowers students to advocate for their rights and those of their peers, contributing to a more harmonious academic atmosphere. There, you can find study abroad tips from students of various backgrounds, giving you a robust look at how different people experience studying abroad. Overall, the office is a great resource that will help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.
- Enrollment Office
The Enrollment Office is another office that many students do not take full advantage of. The enrollment office serves as a vital resource for students embarking on their academic journeys. With its primary focus on streamlining the enrollment process, it provides invaluable assistance to prospective and current students alike.
One of the key functions of the office is to guide students through the complexities of application procedures, ensuring that they have all the necessary information and support to make informed decisions about their educational paths.
Beyond mere enrollment, the office also plays a crucial role in helping students understand their options, especially when considering studying abroad. The enrollment office is the primary resource for all things funding. It helps students navigate internal scholarships and federal funding opportunities such as financial aid. When going on a direct exchange, they distribute your funds and issue any refunds you may be owed.
Email the enrollment office if you know you will be studying abroad, as they can help you with the financial process. Ask about an internal funding opportunity based on majors or academic interests if you do not have a major. Ask to meet with a staff member in person to understand your financial options as well.
The dedicated staff I met while in college provided personalized guidance tailored to my needs. Having a thorough knowledge of my financial options and receiving an internal scholarship helped me make smarter financial decisions. It is the main reason I studied abroad debt-free.
- The Language Department Office
Lastly, one office to be familiar with is the Language Department Office. The Language Department Office plays a crucial role in supporting students who wish to study abroad. Its primary focus is on fostering linguistic skills and cultural understanding, which are essential for successful international experiences. The department offers a variety of language programs, workshops, and resources that cater to diverse student needs, enhancing students’ ability to communicate effectively across cultural contexts.
One significant advantage of the Language Department is its experienced faculty, many of whom have studied abroad. They provide invaluable insights, guidance, and mentorship to students, helping them navigate the process of selecting suitable programs and understanding the nuances of different languages and cultures. When it comes to studying abroad, professors host faculty-led programs. My trip to Shanghai was led by my Mandarin language professor, who is within the Language Department.
Moreover, when it comes to language-related scholarships, the department has a lot of knowledge to help you write about how a specific language you are learning will help in your study abroad goals. The year I received the Demers Language Fellowship, other students who received the same scholarship worked with professors and advisors from the Language Department.
Also, language departments offer international scholarships. If you are a French student planning to study in France, you may apply for an internal scholarship from the Language Department. That is why the Language Department Office is an excellent resource for students eager to broaden their horizons and excel in our interconnected world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying abroad is an attainable goal for every student, regardless of their major or background. By leveraging campus resources and actively seeking guidance from various offices, you can secure funding and opportunities that make this dream a reality.
My own journey exemplifies the importance of networking and utilizing available resources, as well as the collaborative nature of pursuing such experiences. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this path alone; you have a wealth of support within your campus community. Start exploring these resources today to embark on your own incredible study abroad adventure!
Studying abroad may seem complicated at first, but the right conversations on campus can open doors you never knew existed. The earlier you start exploring these resources, the closer you get to seeing the world.
As always, thank you for reading! Let us know what campus resources you are excited to explore or have already explored in the comments below.
Please like, share, and subscribe to our newsletter for more study abroad tips.
Until next time,
Xoxo,
Cy!
