As with studies in the US, questions regarding financial aid often arise for overseas programs. In general, grants and loans can travel with you to programs approved by SRU for study abroad. Under certain circumstances, they can be increased if you can document that your overseas program expenses are higher than they are for your studies on campus. Applicability of scholarships and waivers vary, so be sure to ask for details if you are a recipient of this type of aid. Please check with the Financial Aid Office early in your exploration and planning for further information. 

To encourage and support the international experiences for SRU students, travel stipends are also offered for semester and year-long programs. Travel to Asia and Australia earn a $700.00 travel grant. For our other programs, a $400.00 grant is awarded. In addition, most of our short-term and summer programs also include assistance but this is typically built in to the published program cost. Further details are available from the International Services Office. 

For answers to a few broad questions regarding financial aid and study abroad, here are two public access resources. Financial Aid for Study Abroad FAQ and Financial Aid for Study Abroad: An Undergraduate Student's Resource. The SRU Financial Aid Office also offers information, cost& estimates, and a check-list for our students. Go to http://www.sru.edu/pages/1914.asp for further information.

There are a few options for study abroad scholarships from outside the university.  

This link will take you to a searchable database of financial aid for study abroad programs. IIE PASSPORT Study Abroad Funding.

The following programs may also be of interest:

• Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship Program

  Rotary International offers a variety of scholarships, with the local district providing one specifically for students within its region, which includes SRU. The award offers up to $26,000. for tuition, fees, round trip transportation, room, meals, and some educational supplies. Recipients are expected to serve as goodwill ambassadors to the people in their host country and to share their experiences with Rotarians and others upon their return home. Within this Rotary District, the application deadline is May 1 for programs commencing the following year; therefore, long-term planning is essential!

• The Gilman International Scholarship Program

  777 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being $4,000. Undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities are eligible to apply. Students who apply for and receive the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad are now eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000.25Critical Need Language Supplements will be offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients during the 2006-2007academicyear.

• The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship Program

  Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia) is designed to support American undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning on studying overseas in East or Southeast Asia. Freeman-ASIA Award recipients are expected to share their experiences with their home campuses to encourage study abroad in Asia byothers,and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples and cultures within their home communities. Freeman-ASIA Award provides need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses such as airfare, additional living costs, books, etc. Summer awards are $3,000.,semester/quarter awards are $5,000., and academic year awards are $7,000.

• The National Security Program (NSEP)

  The National Security Education Program (NSEP) provides a unique funding opportunity for US students to study world regions critical to US interests. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. There is also a service requirement for work with a US government agency after the completion of the study abroad program. These awards are based upon merit and program costs as well as other financial aid that may be available. The maximum award is $8,000.for a summer program, $10,000. for a semester, or $20,000.for a full academic year.