How can students of color overcome financial barriers to studying abroad?
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering opportunities to explore a new culture, build confidence, expand your global perspective, and develop skills that can benefit your future career.
But for many students, cost is one of the biggest concerns.
Between program fees, airfare, housing, passports, visas, meals, and everyday expenses, studying abroad can feel financially out of reach. For students of color and students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, financial barriers can be especially significant.
The good news? There are resources and strategies that can make studying abroad more affordable.
Here are several ways to start building a realistic financial plan for your experience abroad.
1. Start With Your Study Abroad and Financial Aid Offices
Before assuming you can't afford to study abroad, talk to your university's study abroad and financial aid offices.
Depending on your school and program, some of the financial aid you already receive may be able to help fund an eligible study abroad program. Your university may also offer scholarships, grants, payment plans, or other funding specifically for students going abroad.
Ask questions such as:
Can my current financial aid be applied to this program?
Does my university offer study abroad scholarships?
Are there scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds?
Are there additional grants available through my department or college?
What expenses should I budget for beyond the advertised program cost?
2. Apply for Scholarships Designed to Expand Access
There are scholarships specifically designed to make international education more accessible.
One of the largest is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which supports eligible U.S. undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grants. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 toward a study abroad or international internship experience, with additional supplemental awards available in certain circumstances.
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is another valuable resource. FEA provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students and gives preference to applicants from groups historically underrepresented in study abroad.
Students should also look beyond national scholarships. Universities, study abroad providers, community organizations, foundations, cultural organizations, and local businesses may offer additional funding opportunities.
At Joy Worldwide Inc., our mission is to expand access to study abroad opportunities for underrepresented undergraduate students. Students interested in receiving support for their study abroad journey can learn more about our opportunities and apply here.
3. Don't Rely on Just One Source of Funding
One scholarship doesn't have to pay for your entire experience.
Instead, think about stacking funding from multiple sources.
Your study abroad budget could include a combination of:
Existing financial aid
Federal or university grants
Study abroad scholarships
Departmental funding
External scholarships
Program-provider scholarships
Personal savings
Fundraising or community support
A few smaller awards can add up quickly. For example, receiving several $500 or $1,000 awards could make a significant difference in your remaining program costs.
Applying broadly also means you aren't depending on the outcome of a single competitive scholarship.
4. Compare the Total Cost of Different Programs
Not every study abroad experience costs the same amount.
Before choosing a program, compare the total estimated cost, not just the program fee.
Consider:
Tuition and program fees
Housing
Airfare
Passport and visa costs
Local transportation
Meals
Health insurance
Books or course materials
Personal expenses
Location matters too. The cost of living can vary significantly between destinations, and choosing a more affordable city or country could reduce your overall expenses.
You can also compare semester, summer, winter, and short-term programs. A shorter program isn't automatically the least expensive option, so calculate the full cost before deciding.
The goal isn't simply to find the cheapest program. It's to find an experience that fits your academic goals and your financial situation.
5. Apply for Funding Early
Don't wait until you've been accepted into a study abroad program to start researching funding.
Scholarship deadlines can fall months before your departure date, and some applications require essays, recommendations, financial information, or documentation from your university.
Start researching as early as possible and create a simple spreadsheet or calendar that tracks:
Scholarship name
Eligibility requirements
Award amount
Application deadline
Required documents
Application status
Starting early gives you more opportunities to apply and more time to prepare strong applications.
6. Budget for the Costs People Don't Always Talk About
The program price isn't the only expense associated with studying abroad.
Students may also need to pay for things such as:
A passport
Visa or residence permit fees
Transportation to and from the airport
Baggage fees
International phone service
Local transportation
Toiletries and household items
Emergency expenses
Currency conversion or banking fees
Creating a realistic budget before departure can help prevent unexpected costs from becoming financial stress later.
Build a small emergency fund into your plan whenever possible, even if it's modest.
7. Ask About Support Beyond Scholarships
Financial support doesn't always come in the form of a check.
Some programs and organizations may provide resources that reduce expenses or make the process easier, including passport assistance, visa guidance, pre-departure resources, mentorship, language-learning resources, or other forms of student support.
When researching programs, look at the entire support package, not only the scholarship amount.
Having guidance throughout the process can be especially valuable if you're the first person in your family or community to study abroad.
8. Remember That Studying Abroad Isn't Only for Students Who Can Pay Out of Pocket
It's easy to look at study abroad and assume everyone participating can simply afford the experience.
That's not necessarily the case.
Many students make studying abroad possible through a combination of financial aid, scholarships, grants, careful budgeting, and support from their universities or outside organizations.
Don't eliminate yourself from the opportunity before exploring what's available.
Start with your financial aid office. Research multiple scholarships. Compare programs carefully. Apply early. Ask questions.
You may have more options than you realize.
Take the First Step Toward Studying Abroad
Financial barriers are real, but they don't have to automatically put studying abroad out of reach.
With the right resources, early planning, and a willingness to explore multiple funding options, students can build a financial plan that makes an international experience more achievable.
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we're committed to helping underrepresented undergraduate students access the resources, support, and opportunities they need to pursue study abroad.