In order to study abroad on an exchange program without the financial support of my parents, I applied to every possible scholarship I could. Here’s a short list of the scholarships I applied for and some of my tips!
Gilman Scholarship Now I’m sure many of you either have a friend who has been awarded this big one or have been referred to it by an advisor. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is totally worth it. There are TONS of resources on campus, and it is literally all on you whether you want to take advantage of them. Some of those resources are the Writing Center where you can get help on your essays. Within the International Office, some of your peer advisors have also been awarded this scholarship and can give you their own insight to how they structured their essays to get it. The International Office also holds Gilman workshops that you can attend to get a better idea of what they look for in applicants.
International Education Fee Scholarship This scholarship is probably the first one you will hear of through our office. There is no financial aid requirement nor GPA requirement. You will need 1-2 recommendations from a UT staff member and your two essays that explain your interest in your specific program and how it relates to your goals, as well as detailing your financial need. Again, the writing center will become your best friend!
Fund for Education Abroad Requires a financial form to be signed by the Office of Financial Aid as well as short answers detailing your study abroad program and interest.
Program Specific Scholarships Usually essay-based and slightly more competitive, depending on the program, since there is a limited amount of funds available for a program to allocate to students. Depending on the program, they may require recommendations from a UT staff member.
First Abroad Scholarship This one is only for freshman but also a great scholarship to apply to if you’re not quite sure when or where you want to study abroad- it is money set aside for whenever you’re ready to use it!
COLA- Liberal Arts Council Scholarship Essay-based scholarship that will also require an interview at some point in the semester detailing why you want to study abroad and a few fun questions as well!
Texas Exes- Betty George Cotten Memorial Scholarship Will require you to submit a personal statement detailing why you should receive a Texas Exes Scholarship. From there, you can apply for this one which is more centered on your specific study abroad program and how it relates to your goals.
There are a TON more you can apply for, but these are the ones I personally applied to. I know these are quite generous scholarships! To find more funding opportunities, visit the Get Funding page.
This post was contributed by Alondra Ortiz, a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. Alondra studied abroad in Canberra, Australia, at Australian National University.
Don’t get left behind. Read more about how Alondra talked to her parents about study abroad>>
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