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 Boren scholarships.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. 

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. Chapmans 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 can also search for available scholarships on http://www.converse.edu/FinAid/external_scholarships.asp.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.