Scholarships- Without the scholarships I received, I would not have made it to Spain. So, my advice is to check the deadlines every day, and scour your college website, and outside sources for scholarships and deadlines. I was lucky to receive various scholarships. I received The Walton Study Abroad Scholarship for $2,800 by applying directly on the Walton College site. I also received the Office of Study Abroad Scholarship for $800. And finally, I received the Gilman Scholarship for $3,000. If you receive financial aid, then you HAVE TO apply for the Gilman scholarship. Also, any academic scholarships or aid (like FAFSA) count towards your study abroad.
Hard Work- For me, asking for financial help from my mother was out of the question. Because of this, work was what paid for a big portion of my study abroad. If you are even thinking of studying abroad, I recommend getting an early start and working hard to save as soon as possible. This will allow you to enjoy your trip to fullest, and travel around as much as you want. Especially while in Europe. It is very cheap to travel around Europe, especially when planned way in advance.
Loans- Although I did not personally take out student loans, I know many people who did. Taking out a student loan can help you a long way. However, I would recommend looking into a credit card. I took out a Sapphire Chase Credit Card just in case of emergencies. I have a $5,000 limit, with no interest for a year, no international transaction fees, and cash back points on every purchase. It is definitely worth having in case you need extra help during your trip.
Budgeting– Create a budget early on. Figure out how much your housing and utilities will be and set that aside. After that look into transportation fees in your city. I had a 20 euro metro card I had to pay for monthly. Next, give yourself a budget for your food. Be very generous with this especially if you like to eat out. Consider that groceries are usually more expensive in cities. Finally figure out where you want to travel to and approximate the costs there and back. Book early for the best rates and include taxi fees and metro fees within the city. Places like London have a very expensive metro fee. Most importantly, stick to your budget. If you over spend early on, it can lead to problems later.
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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
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About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.
About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.
