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First, lets dispel the #1 myth about Study Abroad: "It costs too much" Studying abroad can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be: There are many programs that are similar or the same in cost as studying at WMU for a semester. Some of our programs are actually cheaper than studying on campus for the semester. Study Abroad staff can work with you to find a program that fits your academic objectives and your budget. All financial aid you receive for studying on campus can be applied to your study abroad program. The cost estimate published on the on-line program profile for WMU programs serves as the official financial aid budget. Take this page with you to meet with any financial aid counselor to talk about your possible aid package. Federal, state, private financial aid can be applied to your study abroad. Michigan Educational Trust (MET) and the Kalamazoo Promise can also be used. In this case, MET or the Promise will be applied only up to the amount needed for the same term on campus in Kalamazoo. In addition, there are many scholarships available, through WMU and national competitions. In 2007, students studying abroad through WMU received $391,000 in scholarships. For WMU students who are willing to invest some time in developing their foreign language skills before they go abroad, the President’s Grant for Study Abroad can meet most of your financial need, up to $11,000 for an academic year. This endowment is currently valued at $4.8 million. There are a host of other scholarships through WMU – see below. National study abroad scholarship programs are often very competitive but a number of WMU students have succeeded in recent years. The key is to start the process as early as possible and to schedule 2 to 3 work sessions with an advisor. Drafting your application essay(s) just a few days before the deadline will not allow you and your advisor time to develop a strong coherent strategy and a polished text. Applications to national scholarship programs are rarely successful in these conditions. Brett Berquist brett.berquist@wmich.edu serves as campus representative &/or your advisor for most of the national study abroad scholarship programs. Dr. Donald McCloud, dean of the Haenicke Institute, serves as advisor for the Fulbright program dg.mccloud@wmich.edu . In addition, he may assist in advising for other national scholarship campaigns if Mr. Berquist is unavailable. Finally, faculty members of the International Education Council of the Faculty Senate http://www.wmich.edu/facultysenate/council-iec.html may also be willing to assist you with your application. Substantial funding opportunities are available to students who plan their project early and prepare through academic coursework, e.g. in foreign languages, and take the time to craft a strong application. Scholarship List (pdf) |
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