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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 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.
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