Have you ever thought about studying abroad?

A chance to immerse yourself in culture and gain unparalleled experience that directly benefits your career?

An opportunity to broaden your horizons, lengthen your resume, and make valuable networking connections?

“Its too expensive…”

This response is one I hear more than anything else. Many individuals are immediately consumed with a conviction that studying abroad is simply unaffordable.

While it’s true that it is a hefty expense, most people overlook simple elements that would allow them to make this experience possible. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to financing your education abroad.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Your current scholarships at Missouri State University will carry over if you study during the Fall or Spring. This is very helpful to be aware of, as many students have significant scholarships to attend Missouri State. Once these scholarships are applied to the cost, a significant decrease in expense is inevitable.

LOANS

There are many additional loans you can apply for when studying abroad. Don’t feel limited to the ones you have taken out for current courses. Investigate, do some research, and be aware of different options. Come and speak with a financial advisor or study abroad counselor to see what options are available to you!

STUDY ABROAD AID

There are so many scholarships available to study abroad. Many departments will offer applications for scholarships specifically for your program of study, so check with your advisor! Fastweb is a good website to check for easy-to-apply-for scholarships, as well as several other websites. In addition, make sure to check the program of study specifically for any aid they might offer.

 

BENEFITS OUTWEIGH COSTS

In the end, it comes down to how much you want to study abroad. There are so many ways to enable this opportunity. It all depends on your initiative and willingness to sacrifice money now and work toward a goal. A chance like this will not come around again, and you have to decide if it’s the right thing for you!

 

Come visit a Peer Counselor at Real LIFE and discuss how you can begin budgeting, saving, and looking into potential options for your study abroad experience! Being proactive is the first step in achieving your goals!