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To study abroad is one of the best decisions a
student can make to enhance her education and
to acquire marketable skills for an increasingly
global economy.
Study abroad is expensive, and
financing it requires advance planning,
persistence and resourcefulness. Here are
examples of financial aid and information about
their sources.
Direct Aid from Study Abroad Programs
Groups that offer study abroad programs often
award financial aid. You must inquire about aid
when you apply for admission to the program.
Almost every application form ask if you wish
to apply for financial aid. Be sure that you fill
out a FAFSA form.
US Federal Government Scholarships
The federal government offers two scholarships
for undergraduates: Gilman scholarships and the
NSEP (National Security Exchange Program)
scholarship. Gilman scholarships are designed
for students who are normally underrepresented
in study abroad. Successful applicants can be
science majors or minority students who
normally would not choose the study abroad
option during their undergraduate years.
Applications are taken online, and funds are
awarded twice a year. Applicants must also
qualify for PELL grants. The NSEP Scholarship
program funds study in emerging nations.
South Carolina Scholarships SCCIS, the South Carolina Consortium for
International Study offers small scholarships
from $300-$500 to participate in study abroad
or study/travel programs. Applications are
usually reviewed during the month of March.
This year the group gave only grants if they were
matched by the student’s home institution.
The South Carolina Consortium of Independent
Colleges awards research grants that can be used
for study abroad. The amount varies according
to the research project. Recipients are required
to present the results of their research upon
completion of their project. Please contact the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs
and Dean of the College about the application
process.
Converse College Scholarships
The Chapman Endowment funds scholarships
specifically for study abroad. The endowment
provides scholarships, which are awarded
annually based on need and merit. The gift is
named in memory of Mr. Chapman’s wife, Anne
Morrison Chapman, an alumna and past trustee
of Converse College.
Mrs. Chapman graduated from Converse College
in 1957 with a degree in French. As an
undergraduate, she was elected to every student
honor society at Converse. After graduating, she
won Fulbright and Rotary International
Fellowships for study at the University of
Grenoble. Mrs. Chapman was past President of
the Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter of the
Converse Alumnae Association, a member of the
Alumnae Association Board of Directors and was
elected to the Converse College Board of Trustees
in 1977. She was active in her church and in
community enterprises such as art museums,
historical associations, and musical
organizations. She also planned and conducted
European tours for youth so that they might
broaden their cultural horizons and gain
understanding of other nations and cultures. The
Anne Morrison Chapman endowment also funds
the Anne Morrison Chapman Distinguished
Professor of Modern Languages and the Anne
Morrison Chapman Visiting Lecturer.
If you are unable to secure a scholarship for
study abroad, consider a loan.
The dream of
study abroad can be realized by a modest
adjustment in your financial aid package. See
Peggy Collins, Director of Financial Aid. You
may also receive support from your family and
your hometown. Some churches and civic
groups grant scholarships. The key is planning
in advance. Saving a portion of your earnings
from summer jobs or the cash gifts you receive
for Christmas and your birthday might help pay
some of your expenses.
At Converse we believe that study abroad enhances a student’s education. I know how
important it is because I studied abroad as an undergraduate. I have great memories of that
experience and want all students to have that opportunity. We are starting a new policy in
which students may apply to use a portion of the scholarships they have been awarded by
Converse to help toward paying some of their tuition and expenses when they study abroad
for a semester or a year. In the past, only a few students were eligible to use their scholarships
toward their study abroad expenses.
Now, all students will have an equal opportunity to request that their scholarship funds apply
toward their experience abroad. Students must apply through the financial aid office during
the spring of the academic year prior to their experience. The due date will be April 1. All
rising juniors and seniors who are traditional undergraduates in good academic standing and
who are receiving funding in the form of a Converse Scholarship may apply for this benefit.
Number and amount of grants that may be used will vary depending upon the number of
applicants and the size of the scholarship pool. Please feel welcome to contact the Office of
Financial Aid for further details.
For more information about the scholarships,
contact Jeri King, Anne Morrison Chapman
Distinguished Professor of Modern Languages,
at (864) 596-9110. |
