essay for study abroad scholarship

10 tips on how to write a winning scholarship essay

Studying abroad can be a costly affair for international students, but scholarships can offer some respite . Scholarship applications typically require students to write a scholarship essay to show the admissions committee why they deserve funding.

While competitive, the essay gives you a platform to demonstrate your strengths, goals and accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom.

It requires plenty of thought to produce a winning scholarship essay, but with the cost of tuition rising each year – one academic year’s tuition fees at a US university can range from US$40,000 to US$52,000 while fees at a UK university could start from £9,250 up to £30,000, depending on the course major — the results may be well worth your effort. 

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy, here are 10 tips on writing a scholarship essay:

The scholarship essay gives students a platform to demonstrate their strengths, goals and accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom. Source: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP

Scholarship essay tip 1: Highlight what makes you unique

There is no perfect scholarship essay or writing formula, but the vast majority of winning essays give the scholarship committee a good idea of what drives you, your passions and what you want to do with your education. 

In short, write about who you are to the scholarship judges. Make them believe in you and your story.

Scholarship essay tip 2: Read the statement and identify key themes

Your scholarship essay prompt can be either a sentence or a question. From there, identify the theme and what you should expand on. This could be about leadership, your impact or even the community. 

You could write about certain experiences and accomplishments, how and why you chose to be involved in these activities, the challenges you faced and how you overcame these, as well as lessons learnt from the experience.

The more you understand these themes, the more examples you can include to showcase your skills and abilities and how you used them.

For example, 2013 QS Leadership Scholarship winner Hayley Capp ‘s essay statement was: “Where I have demonstrated responsible leadership, or innovation, and how it made a difference either in my community or in my work.”

Capp founded a branch of Enactus – “where people either work with social enterprises or to create a social enterprise, using business and entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions to social problems and make a difference to communities” – at her university during her undergraduate studies.

In her scholarship essay, Capp used her experience of collaborating with Enactus members in Uganda to design strategies for addressing high youth unemployment levels.

Scholarship essay tip 3: Be passionate

Some essay prompts will give you free rein to write about any topic, which will give you the advantage of writing about something that you enjoy or that means a lot to you.

For example, your prompt may ask you to describe your proudest accomplishments. You can discuss your volunteer experiences , or perhaps about looking after your sick family member despite having a busy schedule. An understanding of your family circumstances can give the admissions committee a holistic view of you as sports, extracurricular activities or even community service can be a privilege that requires resources an applicant may or may not have access to. 

Because Joy Zhou ’s supplemental scholarship essay asked her to describe an experience with an extracurricular activity of her choosing, she wrote about how she managed to found a Science Olympiad club in her high school despite numerous challenges, including objections from the athletic director.

“Try to go with something that you have been doing for a long time and think if there is something quirky or different about your experience in it, or there is some aspect of that experience that you can use to sum up the entirety of your experience doing the extracurricular activity or if there is a passion burning, you can write about that too,” Zhou advises.

Vanderbilt University awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Zhou.

Scholarship essay tip 4: Learn what moves the judges

Why are the judges or universities giving this scholarship? You have to dig deep to understand their motivations behind the scholarship, and what their mission is, be it to increase equity or the university’s competitive advantage.

Take a look at previous scholarship winners and read their essays or excerpts, and you will have a better idea of what appeals most to the scholarship committee.

Having a better understanding of what the scholarship committee is looking for will give you a better shot than writing an essay by shooting in the dark.

Scholarship essay tip 5: Create a strong hook

The beginning of your essay should have a strong hook. A powerful opening sentence will help you draw a reader in and convince him or her to read the rest of your essay.

Ritesh Verma wanted to be a millionaire so he studied stock patterns and professional trades and even made some money over two years. He felt he was ready to go even further so he asked his parents to fund an Ameritrade account but “the stock market took it within a week”.

He began his essay with,  “It was ironic that my life shattered into a million pieces,  or so I thought. What’s this dream? Well, I had a vision myself as a millionaire, realising that millionaire stock trader lifestyle that’s our ties across the internet.”

His essay helped him win a scholarship worth over  US$100,000 to study at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Scholarship essay tip 6: Be aware of the word limit

Many scholarships will have a word limit, so stick to it — it’s there for a reason. If you exceed the word count, your scholarship essay, however great and well-written, may be disqualified.

You can keep track of your word count when using  Microsoft Word or Google Docs. There are also apps to help you keep track of your words, including letter counter .

Scholarship essay tip 7: Plan, plan, plan

Your main goal is to make your scholarship essay stand out from the competition. One surefire tip is to plan what goes into your essay.

Create a structure (introduction, body and conclusion) that works for you — a winning scholarship essay may vary in structure, so you need to decide what would work for you that suits your content and writing style.

Scholarship essay tip 8: Persuasive writing

This might be of interest to you if you have not heard of the persuasive “writing triangle” before: ethos, pathos and logos. A great scholarship essay uses this triangle for maximum persuasive effect because these three techniques are excellent for pulling in the reader’s attention.

Ethos uses credibility or reliability to establish your knowledge on the subject matter. Your life experiences – which most scholarship essays ask about (luckily!) – are a form of ethos, so use this to your advantage.

Pathos makes use of emotional appeals like creativity and imagination. For example, you may be asked to talk about an imaginary future and how you will make this a better one with your invention or strengths.

Finally, logos refers to using logic to make your points more factual. Your scholarship essay can include key statistics about a related social issue that you want to discuss.

Scholarship essay tip 9: Be realistic and specific 

Why do you deserve a scholarship? This can be a challenging question to answer, particularly for a need-based scholarship, as you may struggle to decide how honest you want to be about your financial or family circumstances that have led you to apply for a scholarship in the first place.

It’s important to note that you should never lie in your essay. If you know what you want to get out from your scholarship is funding for your studies, state it in your essay. Explain how the scholarship can help you to achieve your goals.

Scholarship essay tip 10: Revise

Above all, make an effort to revise your scholarship essay. Take breaks whenever possible and look at your essay with fresh eyes. This way, you will find more ways of revising your essay to ensure the final copy reads and flows well.

Find someone you can trust – your teacher, friend or advisor – to read your draft. Sometimes, they will find mistakes you have missed and can give you feedback on how to improve it.

All in all, we understand writing a scholarship essay is not easy, but with these tips, we hope that you will have an easier time doing this. All the best!

Popular stories

5 fashion jobs that pay well – up to us$190,000 per year.

Elliott Hill’s journey from Nike sales intern to company CEO

Is an esports degree really worth it? The answer is yes, probably.

The online resource every student, scholar, or information-seeking person needs

10 PhD scholarships in the UK for international students 2022

The no. 1 advice to win a scholarship to the UK: 'Believe in yourself'

The violinist who won two scholarships to study in Switzerland and Japan

Login or sign up

Get Started

• College Search
• College Search Map
• Graduate Programs
• Featured Colleges
• Scholarship Search
• Lists & Rankings
• User Resources

Articles & Advice

• All Categories
• Ask the Experts
• Campus Visits
• Catholic Colleges and Universities
• Christian Colleges and Universities
• College Admission
• College Athletics
• College Diversity
• Counselors and Consultants
• Education and Teaching
• Financial Aid
• Graduate School
• Health and Medicine
• International Students
• Internships and Careers
• Majors and Academics
• Performing and Visual Arts
• Public Colleges and Universities
• Science and Engineering
• Student Life
• Transfer Students
• Why CollegeXpress
• CollegeXpress Store
• Corporate Website
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• CA and EU Privacy Policy

Articles & Advice > Financial Aid > Blog

How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a big and expensive part of many students' education, and scholarships can help with that. Here's how to ace those study abroad scholarship essays.

by Ashley Halsey Professional Educator and Writer

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Nov 23, 2019

Studying abroad is a dream opportunity that can have so many benefits, some of which you may not even realize as you head into your application or daydream about having the chance to go. The most obvious benefit is that you get to experience a different culture, different people, or a different way of life. This is fascinating on its own and could be considered reason enough to start your application. Add to that the opportunity to freshen your perspective with a change of scenery, make new friends, potentially pay lower tuition and living fees, learn a different language, and broaden your understanding of the world, and you’ve got something all students should at least think about doing while at university.

Of course, study abroad isn’t as easy as signing a form and away you go. Most of the time, you’ll need to have some financial support from an institution before you can go galloping off. To earn this, you’ll almost always have to write an essay and compete with your peers for the opportunity. So, here are some tips for making sure that it’s you getting on that plane and not anyone else.

Read the prompt carefully

The most classic error students make with any essay is not answering the question. This goes for travel abroad writing as much as anything else. “You can write the most incredible essay full of perfect demonstrations of your intelligence and passion, but if it doesn’t answer the question, it won’t get considered at all,” says Jake Cole, an educator at Writinity . You’ll also write a more informed essay if you really understand the parameters of your question. You might easily be vague in how you respond if you don’t really know what you’re responding to. A good technique is to reread the question several times, highlighting operative words when they occur to you as a way to keep things under control.

Related: How to Read a College Application Essay Prompt

Surprise your reader

It’s easy to write formulaic essays —an intro, a few body paragraphs, a conclusion, and you’re done. A study abroad essay is unorthodox by nature, so you definitely don’t want to limit yourself in form or substance. The other thing you’re up against is how much competition there is for each spot in the program. The people who make decisions will read hundreds of essays, and you want to make sure yours stands out so come decision time, they haven’t forgotten yours exists. Take an approach to your essay that’s different from what you suspect others are going for. Use your alternative approach as a connection to how strongly you feel about the application. It’s easy to dash off a standard essay, but it’s difficult to slowly piece together something more unusual and specific. It shows care and attention, two traits they’ll want to see to prove you actually deserve the scholarship. 

Run your essay past the right people

It’s easy to get too insular as you work on an essay. They tend to take a good amount of time, and most people prefer to work in isolation. This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. “Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to, and your professors are going to be your biggest resources as you try to put something of consequence together,” explains Kaya Gopal, tutor at DraftBeyond and ResearchPapersUK . Always get second, third, and fourth opinions on your content to make sure you’re in the best position to avoid getting lost in your own work, which can definitely happen if you aren’t careful.

Related:   Secrets to Writing an Amazing Scholarship Essay  

This is always important! Making mistakes in a standard essay is bad, but you’re fighting so hard in a study abroad scholarship essay that if you aren’t vigilant about the small things, those judging your work will be eager to cut you out to save themselves the trouble. Proofreading is a complex process. It’s harder than just passing an eye over your work. There are different layers to it: Does your essay’s logic stand? Have you done everything you said you’d do? Is it structured correctly? Is all the spelling correct? The grammar ? The syntax? Each of these details is as important as the rest. Again, getting these things correct helps demonstrate to readers how committed you are to your application and how much work you’re willing to put in to be accepted. Conversely, if you fail to proofread, it comes across like you don’t care about your application.

Do your research

Before you write your essay, you need to research the country, city, and institution you’ll attend if you get the scholarship and, in a different sense, you need to research yourself. Researching yourself means knowing why it is that you actually want the scholarship and how it will be instrumental in making a difference in your life. This means taking some time for reflection.

Related: List: The Experts’ Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is such an incredible opportunity, so you have to do everything in your power to ensure the application you put in to secure funding is as strong as possible. Hopefully these tips will help as you think about writing your essay.

Find scholarships to fund your study abroad goals with our Scholarship Search tool.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Tags: paying for college scholarship essays scholarship search scholarships study abroad winning scholarships

← Previous Post

Next Post →

Join our community of over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information. Swipe left if you're not interested.

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

Marymount Manhattan College

New York, NY

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Boston University

Hendrix College

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

High Point University

High Point, NC

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC

University of Detroit Mercy

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC

Kettering University

Central Methodist University

Fayette, MO

The University of Oklahoma

Washington College

Chestertown, MD

Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, PA

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Hillsdale College

Hillsdale, MI

University of Dallas

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, IL

That's it for now!

Keydi Banegas

Scholarship for Students of Color Winner, Class of 2022

CollegeXpress is a great application that helped me search for many different scholarships, and it narrows the scholarships depending on how you set your profile. Not only that, but it helps you choose different colleges to apply to by finding matches through the description of your profile. It was the best experience for me.

Elizabeth Stafford

High School Class of 2021

As a UK student moving to California due to my dad's job in the military, when I first signed up for CollegeXpress a few months ago, the college process ahead seemed daunting and incredibly stressful. That all changed after I started to explore what this website had to offer. Not only was I helped by the vast array of resources available to me, but through being a CollegeXpress member, there have been so many more benefits. There have been emails with college tips—all of which I found incredibly helpful—as well as invitations to events and notifications of scholarships that'll make college possible for me. Overall, I'm very grateful to CollegeXpress for all of these things and more. Not only have they helped me grow my understanding of the college process, but they've also helped me to grow as a person, giving me new skills that I can take with me through life.

Carlie Cadet

High School Class of 2019

CollegeXpress has helped me learn about an abundance of scholarships available to me and my situation. I was able to do research for colleges in my best interest with your website. I've had multiple colleges email me and offer me multiple scholarships and things of that nature because of this website! Thank you so much for uploading scholarships I didn’t even know existed, even if my life took a huge turn and I wasn’t able to go to college straight out of high school. CollegeXpress helped me a lot in high school to be even more motivated to get into my dream college (which I did, by the way). I'm looking forward to using the materials CollegeXpress has kindly provided me for free to look for scholarships to help pay for college.

Hailey Riddile

CollegeXpress has helped me find scholarships to apply for and look into more colleges. While there are many websites similar to CollegeXpress, every website is different, and I've found a lot of good insight on this website. Receiving emails from CollegeXpress about scholarships is extremely useful, and getting insight about colleges near, far, and anywhere in between helps me narrow down my choices to what I want, which is also super helpful. The articles are always really good reads, and I can't stress enough how helpful this website has been to me. Anything related to college is beneficial to me as a senior, and I have learned lots of useful things to help me on my college journey this year.

CollegeXpress helped me find Allegheny College with the super-user-friendly search tool for both schools and scholarships. Using CollegeXpress, I was able to search for programs I was interested in studying and find colleges that offered those programs. Also, once you search for the college, CollegeXpress can get you connected!

Personalize your experience on CollegeXpress.

With this information, we'll display content relevant to your interests. By subscribing, you agree to receive CollegeXpress emails and to make your information available to colleges, scholarship programs, and other companies that have relevant/related offers.

Already have an account?

Log in to be directly connected to

Not a CollegeXpress user?

Don't want to register.

Provide your information below to connect with

How to Write an Award Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

If your desire to study abroad is very strong you shouldn't let anything hold you back.

There are so many amazing courses and destination you can choose, and if you prepare yourself well in-advance you can make an amazing scholarship application within the deadline and get accepted.

But you need to understand from the beginning that having a desire to study abroad isn't enough for success in the application. It's important to put together an application and also an essay that includes the best of your achievements, goals, plans, and motivation. 

Check out our top tips for putting together a successful study abroad application.

Best ways to win a scholarship 

During your years of education, you have already written many academic papers. But a scholarship essay is another level of mastery and it only sounds simple to perform.

Even talented and successful students experience issues in scholarship writing. It's fine, you need to accept this fact. Someone asks experts to write my essay, other applicants do it on their own. The best you can do is to pay to do my essay for 100% assurance of the result or work on your skills for better results. 

So choose the best approach you prefer. Think about relying on experts in writing or concern on independent scholarship essay writing. You aim to prepare an assignment, make it stunning, and provide the admission committee with the most spectacular paper. Please, learn how to write the best scholarship essay in the following recommendations.

Spend time writing your application

Even if a scholarship essay should be brief and short, it doesn't mean you should spend as little time as possible writing in within an hour.

Only a professional essay writer online requires several hours for this task. But a student without huge experience and qualifications may need days and even weeks. Moreover, sometimes further essay editing takes much more time than writing. 

All these facts mean that you need to plan your job as well as plan a trip to any country. Find out the application deadline and make sure to finish your essay beforehand. It would be a pity to miss the deadline because of the lack of self-organization. 

Make your scholarship essay personal

Your essay for a scholarship abroad is dedicated to the most important person at the moment – you. The admission committee will read countless essays from other applicants. So help its members to remember you and choose you. 

The best way to stay in their memory is to make a good first impression. You only have several minutes to impress readers via your essay. That's why describe yourself briefly but significantly. For instance, if you have been a volunteer at the exact organization – mention it. And mention all other facts that can make an admission committee think that you are the right person.

Starting from the establishment year to the number of students – any information will be helpful. This is a great tip to write an essay because it highlights your intentions to study at the exact educational establishment abroad but not elsewhere. 

While writing a scholarship essay, you need to place several facts about the college in the text. Make it organically and explain why you think this fact is important and how it is connected to you. 

Keep answering questions

Usually, there are classic essay prompts to answer in a scholarship essay. These statements help a student to start, continue, and end a paper. Using good prompts, you will avoid a dangerous situation 'writing about everything and anything'. Try to use unique and creative prompts. It will help you to make your scholarship essay noticeable and memorable. 

Don't try to make a one-size-fits-all essay

Usually, students apply for several abroad scholarships at the same time. This is a wise approach to increase chances for success. But don't try to make the one paper that can suit every educational establishment requirement. You must write a unique scholarship essay for every application.

Well, you or your online essay writers may use certain sentences and paragraphs in all papers. For instance, about your previous educational achievements. But make sure the final text is designed to the exact college. 

Remember about useful digital tools

Thanks to modern technologies, we have useful tools to improve our job. Students often use grammar checkers, synonymous generators, transcription services, and other digital instruments to improve the quality of writing content. Usually, these services help authors not only to avoid mistakes and misprints in the texts but also to save time on writing.  

Now you know how to write great essay for any scholarship so you can use your chance to study abroad. It's challenging – yes, but it is also a real opportunity for you. Use these tips to make a scholarship paper and soon you'll be an international student of the educational establishment of your dream!

• Leave a reply

Provide feedback, share your experience and submit your comment.

Related Articles

Benefits of hiring an essay writer.

If you are looking for an essay writer, you've come to the right place. There are several advantages to hiring an essay ...

How to Choose a Professional Essay Service Online

Are you looking for an essay writer online to do your papers for you? If so, you're in the right place.

7 Ways to Succeed in Essay Writing as a College Student

You may be getting A’s in your classes and excelling in your extracurricular activities, but if you can’t write an e...

How to Write an Introduction to an Essay

Among the many written works that students do, not the last place is occupied by essays. It is a small paper on a cer...

How to Write a Good Essay in English

An essay is one of the first types of writing that we learn as youngsters at school and knowing how to write well is ...

How to Write College Essays For Money

Do you dream about becoming a professional writer? Did you know you can earn money writing college essays?

• Important Dates
• Getting Started
• Choosing a Program
• Global Courses
• National Student Exchange
• International Exchange Programs
• Affiliate Providers
• January Session
• Eligibility
• Academic Credit
• Choosing Courses & Registration
• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• Funding Your Trip
• Scholarships
• Scholarship Tips
• Financial Aid
• Travel Documents
• Staying in Touch
• Cultural Adjustment
• Emergencies
• Representing UNO Abroad
• Pre-Departure Orientation
• Insurance Abroad
• Staying Healthy
• Staying Safe
• Identity Abroad
• Returning Home
• Alumni Association
• Reverse Culture Shock
• International Student Buddy Program
• Leading a Program
• Program Leadership
• Incoming Exchange Home
• How to Apply

Scholarship Essay Tips

Related content, related resources.

If you want to be competitive to receive scholarships for study abroad, you’re going to need to put in some quality time and effort. By following these tips, you’ll be able to write essays and applications that stand out and have a better chance of receiving additional funding.

Want to hear directly from a Maverick on how they have funded their international experiences (that's right-experiences plural)! Head to this post that UNO Alum Amber Johnson put together just to help others find their way to funding.

The video below was created by The Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships at UNO. Watch it now for their advice on writing a solid scholarship application essay!

Don’t procrastinate.

It’s easy to put off applications until the last minute, but, just like your professors always say, it’s very easy to tell which applicants wrote their essay at the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to outline, draft, write, edit, have others read, re-edit, and submit your application.

Pay attention to the little things.

Proper grammar and spelling might seem like a very small factor in a successful application, but it actually makes a huge difference. Even if you write an extremely compelling essay, you won’t be taken seriously as a candidate if your spelling and/or grammar is lacking. Plan extra time in your personal writing timeline to visit the UNO Writing Center to receive constructive feedback on your application.

Follow guidelines.

Unfortunately students often forget to include all the required information and their applications are immediately put on the bottom of the stack. If there are prompts, be sure to answer all of the questions. If there are formatting specifications, take the time to make sure your application follows them. Following directions is the simplest way to improve your chances of earning a scholarship.

Tell your story.

Scholarship committees typically have to read through dozens (or even hundreds) of applications at one time. Make yours stand out by going beyond surface-level responses and infusing your writing with your unique personality and circumstances. Instead of writing, “I want to be immersed in culture” (a phrase found in many study abroad scholarship essays), explain why and how you plan to do so:

• How will this program help you achieve your future goals?
• How will this scholarship help make the program a reality for you?

If the scholarship is need-based, speak to your financial situation. If the scholarship is academically focused, spend time elaborating on your dedication and success as a student. Scholarships will be granted to the students with the most compelling (and well-written) stories.

Be concise.

Because of the high volume of applications that scholarship committees read through, you need to capture their attention immediately. There’s no need for a lengthy introduction in your essay. Provide necessary context and then get to your point. If you can deliver your story in a clear and succinct way, you’re going to shine as an applicant.

63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics

Looking for study abroad topics to write about? Studying in another country is one of the most beneficial experiences for students.

• 🏆 Best Essay Examples
• 📌 Research Titles
• 🗺 Topics to Write about

❓ Questions About Studying Abroad

In your studying abroad essay, you might want to write about advantages and disadvantages of being an international student. Another option is to describe the process of making application for a scholarship. One more idea is to share your personal experience. Whether you’re planning to write an argumentative, descriptive, or persuasive essay, our article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected top studying abroad essay samples and research titles ‍‍‍‍for scholarship papers.

🏆 Best Studying Abroad Essay Examples

• Why Studying Abroad Results in Better Education For most people, especially in developing nations, the only way to gain an education that will satisfy the demands of the international job market is by studying abroad.
• Should Students Study Abroad? Studying abroad offers students an opportunity to travel to new countries and have new experiences that expand their perceptions of the world.
• Specifics of Studying Abroad The purpose of this paper is to discuss the most common benefits and drawbacks, as well as overall outcomes that are related to studying abroad and to recommend the ways to handle the drawbacks.
• Challenges of Studying Abroad A closer look at the information provided by the majority of the companies specializing in student transfer and the related services will reveal that a range of essential data, especially the information concerning the financial […]
• Declining Direct Public Support for Higher Education in USA Partisanship interest in the debate for renewal of the Higher Education Act and a Senate inquiry to validate the governance of the non-profit economic sectors of the United States has demonstrated the complexity of public […]
• The Social Role of Higher Education in UK In addition to this, higher education provides a set of values that changes the students to face the existing and the future problems facing the society and the various sectors of work that they operate […]
• International Education in Australia China is a good market for Australian education and in the year 2010 a sum of 284700 students from China left the country to further their studies most of them on their own expenses.
• The Criteria and Benefits That Allow Students to Work Abroad The most direct experience that a person gets while studying abroad is the understanding of the business world and economics. There is no doubt that the environments and culture of a country are the major […]
• Education in Australia as a Tool of Promoting Equality of Opportunity The main objective of vocational education and training is to promote the people, the society, and the economy and to upgrade the labor market.
• A Benefits of Education Abroad One of the qualitative aspects of the educational reality in today’s world is the fact that, as time goes on, the number of students who decide in favor of studying abroad increases rather exponentially.

📌 Research Titles about Studying Abroad

• Do Study Abroad Programs Enhance the Employability of Graduates
• The Effect Of Study Abroad On Studying Abroad
• Culture and Study Abroad and Some Drawbacks
• How Does Study Abroad Affect A Student ‘s View Of Professional
• Analysis Of Some Of The Benefits Of Study Abroad
• Do People Who Study Abroad Become More Successful
• Increasing Number Of Worldwide People Go Study Abroad
• The Lowering Ages of Students Who Study Abroad
• Colleges Should Make It Mandatory: For Students To Study Abroad For Specific Major’s
• Should Students Spend Lots Of Money For Study Abroad

🗺 Study Abroad Topics to Write about

• The Cultural Shock That Students Face When They Study Abroad
• Advantages and Dis Advantages of Further Study Abroad
• Interlanguage Pragmatic Competence in the Study Abroad
• The Study Abroad Trip On Australia
• History Of Study Abroad And Exchange Programs
• An Analysis of Many Students Wishing to Study Abroad
• Most Study Abroad Program Should Be Rename Party Abroad They Are Waste of Time
• Why College Students Should Study Abroad
• Analysis Of Michelle Obama ‘s Reasons For Study Abroad
• Study Abroad Is Beneficial For All College Students
• The Journey of Traveling and The Study Abroad
• Analysis: Why Student Chose to Study Abroad
• The Benefits of Choosing to Study Abroad
• How Is Studying Abroad Helps Improve Language Skills?
• Which Country Are More Successful for Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad a Good Idea?
• Does Studying Abroad Induce a Brain Drain?
• Why Is Studying Abroad Beneficial?
• How Is the Studying Abroad Effects Learning About Different Cultures?
• What Are the Cons of Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad a Waste of Time?
• Does Studying Abroad Enhance Employability?
• What Are the Positive and Negative Influences of Studying Abroad?
• How Capital Accumulation Through Studying Abroad and Return Migration?
• Which Country Is Best for Studying Abroad?
• What Is Culture Shock When Studying Abroad?
• What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad on Global Awareness?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
• Which Country Is Cheapest for Studying Abroad?
• Is Studying Abroad Expensive?
• What Are Important Reasons for Studying Abroad?
• Is It Difficult to Studying Abroad?
• What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
• Which Country Is Hard for Studying Abroad In?
• What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad?
• What Are the Effects of Studying Abroad on College Students?
• What Are Main Hardships While Studying Abroad?
• Is It Better to Studying Abroad or Locally?
• Does Studying Abroad Help Academic Achievement?
• Does Studying Abroad Cause International Labor Mobility?
• What Are the Differences Between Studying Locally and Studying Abroad?
• Do Students Who Studying Abroad Achieve Tremendous Success?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad?
• Motivation Research Ideas
• Brain-Based Learning Essay Titles
• Academic Dishonesty Research Ideas
• Machine Learning Ideas
• Listening Skills Essay Ideas
• Problem Solving Essay Ideas
• School Uniforms Topics
• Stress Titles
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 26). 63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/

"63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics." IvyPanda , 26 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics'. 26 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Register as Job Seeker

Register as an entity, start your 1 month free trial, sign up for a free profile to begin promoting your jobs and programs., don't miss out on the best jobs.

Subscribe to HelpGoAbroad and weekly we will sent you an email with latest job posts. Provide your email address below

• Ultimate Guide to Writing a Study Abroad Scholarship Essay 

in Studying Abroad January 24, 2020 at 12:20:35 PM | Valentin - Nicușor Barbu | 3 minutes, 59 seconds to read | 0 comment

It's no secret that young people can study abroad for free today. For example, if they speak the state language of the country in which they intend to study and have chosen a state university, or they have successfully passed the competitive selection and received a scholarship. Grants and scholarships to study abroad partially or fully cover the cost of education and allow students to save money.

Enter your text here ...

In most cases, when applying for a scholarship and participation in the contest, the student needs to write an essay. But often students have a lot of questions regarding writing this type of paper: how to write, what to write about, etc. Students try to write an essay as best as possible because they dream of receiving a scholarship. Some decide to turn to scholarship experts and get essay writing help online , while others try to complete the assignment without any professional assistance.

In this article, we will tell you how to write a good essay for an international scholarship.

8 Scholarship Essay Writing Tips for Students

Tips to help students write stellar essays are listed below:

• First of all, you need to understand what the main idea of the essay should be, or what global question it should answer. In order to understand this, you need to study all the information on the grant. Perhaps it indicates what the essay should be about. You can also contact the representatives of the educational institution in order to find out what topic should be represented in the paper;
• Then, you can start collecting the necessary information for writing an essay. This information should include the main problems or difficulties of the issue that will be discussed in the paper. It is also important to use personal experience and personal qualities that will help you solve these problems and difficulties. It is advisable that you show your future contribution to the development of a particular sphere. Try to write as concretely as possible, avoiding common phrases and high-profile statements;
• To make your essay more interesting, try to focus on some competitive ideas. If you already have these ideas, describe them, and if not, try to highlight and describe a few. It is important to move from simple to complex. You should write down all the ideas that come to mind and do not omit anything. Then you can choose something suitable. Do not forget to pay attention to such eternal difficulties as cultural traditions, professional features, etc.;
• When writing an essay, you can use the question-answer technique. Ask a question that will reveal the topic of the paper and answer it with the help of your main idea (you searched for it in the previous step). Do not forget to describe the main advantages of your idea and its influence on the problem in general;
• Now you can work in draft. Define the structure of your paper, describe the problem, ask a question, represent the idea, as well as your experience and personal qualities. In general, write on your own how you feel, do not abuse the headers and clichés. Remember that your essay will be read by a jury member who wants to see a living story. This person will decide: to give you a scholarship or not;
• It is important to re-read the essay after writing it in a draft. If, in your opinion, the essay is well written, proceed to the final version. Pay attention to the introduction and conclusion. These small structural components of an essay plan a very important role: the introduction usually attracts the reader and conclusion briefly describes the results. Do not forget to create a list of literature in accordance with the requirements of the university;
• Timeout is the final step in writing an essay. Leave your paper for a while and go about your personal affairs: take a walk, read an interesting book, watch a movie, etc. After a while, re-read your essay, highlight those points that need to be adjusted and correct them. Be sure to check for errors. It is better to do this several times, and even better — ask your parents or friends to check your paper;
• And most importantly — send the application, essay and other necessary documents as early as possible, but no later than the day before the end of the reception. Very often a situation arises where the preparation and collection of necessary documents, as well as work on an essay, take a lot of time and energy, so the young man is simply lost in time. Therefore, make sure that the work you have done is not in vain.

We hope that these simple tips will help you write a winning essay , represent yourself in the best way and get a scholarship to study abroad !

Sign in to publish a comment

Be the first to comment on this post.

Go to Charlotte.edu

Prospective Students

• About UNC Charlotte
• Campus Life
• Graduate Admissions

Faculty and Staff

• Human Resources
• Auxiliary Services
• Inside UNC Charlotte
• Academic Affairs

Current Students

• Financial Aid
• Student Health

Alumni and Friends

• Alumni Association
• Advancement
• Make a Gift

Scholarship Essay Guide & Resources

Quick tips: click the drop-downs for help.

• In the Office of Education Abroad, we firmly believe that all students can benefit from a study abroad experience. However, how will you stand out in the eyes of the scholarship committees?
• This is okay , but it lacks specifics – this student could be studying abroad anywhere and receive the same benefits, based on what they’ve shared here. We also don’t know anything about their particular program, and they should share details about their classes and location with the scholarship panelists. Don’t assume the panelists know anything about your host culture!
• Don’t we know so much more about the student and their program with this answer?
• “I am friendly and outgoing, so I know I’ll make lots of friends with local students while living abroad in South Korea.”
• “In my free time, I enjoy playing club volleyball here at UNC Charlotte, and I’m lucky to be a small part of an incredible team that includes players from all over the world. To be honest, I was at first a bit intimidated by my teammates, who all seemed to speak multiple languages and who had more volleyball experience than I did. However, I didn’t want to let my fears hold me back, so I baked cupcakes for everyone to celebrate the day of our first game. It was a great way to break the ice, and we decided to start a tradition where each player would bring in a unique treat before each game. I hope to approach local students in South Korea with the same level of empathy and friendliness as I seek to build connections across cultures.”
• While also ensuring that you’re addressing any particular prompts or questions, you’ll want to “paint a picture” of your life. Scholarship essays don’t have to be boring – you can include dialogue, quotes that inspire you, and personal anecdotes to illustrate what motivates you.
• “I really want to study graphic design because I’ve always found it so fascinating, which is why I decided to be an artist.”
• “Pablo Picasso once said that ‘Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.’ My grandmother must have certainly agreed with this, since she placed a paintbrush in my hand before I even learned to walk. Every time I felt an emotion that was powerful – whether it was anger, joy, or grief – she encouraged me to turn my feelings into art. This lifelong passion for creating art is what has inspired me to pursue a Graphic Design major here at UNC Charlotte, and it’s what is motivating me to visit Peru and learn from their indigenous communities’ unique wood carvings and sculptures.”
• If the essay prompt asks you to answer a series of specific questions, don’t address them individually; your answers should be integrated into the broader narrative.

Below are some common clichés or narrative traps we suggest avoiding in your study abroad scholarship essays:

• Be more specific about how studying abroad will change your life!
• Studying abroad can’t do that alone – YOU have to take the action to be a better person! Give yourself the proper credit, and describe exactly what about studying abroad will help you.
• Most students who are applying for scholarships are unfortunately in the same situation of having a high financial need. Making such statements probably won’t help you stand out, so it can be better to focus on what you would accomplish if you received the funds.
• We never want you to feel like you have to write a “trauma essay,” but if you’ve overcome hardship and feel comfortable writing about it, this can absolutely be a part of the story that you tell. However, it should be part of a bigger picture, and it shouldn’t comprise the majority of your essay, if you can avoid it.

You can click the buttons at the top of this page to view the Writing Resource Center’s “tips and tricks,” or to make a FREE appointment with a member of their team. They can help you brainstorm, restructure a draft, or even proofread and assist with grammar/syntax.

You can also schedule an in-person, virtual, or asynchronous advising appointment with Education Abroad to discuss your scholarship essays. Please email [email protected] if you’re interested, but be advised that EA can’t help with proofreading.

For scholarships that may require a resumé or interview component, the University Career Center offers free resumé assistance and mock interviews. Regardless of any scholarships, you should definitely take advantage of these services before you graduate!

Don’t wait until the last minute to seek a recommendation! Your professors are busy, and you want to give them enough time to write a thorough, glowing letter. You should ideally ask for the letter at least four weeks before the scholarship application is due. Also, you should send your professor an email (or speak to them in person) before sending any automated recommendation requests through a given portal; this is a common courtesy, and it lets them know what to expect.

Gilman Scholarship Resources

If you’re not already familiar with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship , you should be! Informally known as the “Gilman,” it’s a scholarship offered by the U.S. State Department for undergraduate students who are also Pell Grant recipients . Winning students can receive between $3,000 – $5,000 toward almost any study abroad program, with additional awards offered for STEM research or the study of certain languages while abroad.

One cool thing about the Gilman is that it requires no letter of recommendation, and there’s no GPA minimum. However, the application does require three essays. This tends to scare students, but we want to emphasize that these essays are SHORT – the longest is only 7,000 CHARACTERS, not words. As a result, essay submissions for the Gilman need to be top-notch.

We strongly suggest clicking here to view the Gilman’s own suggestions for your essays, and we’ve also provided a sample outline for the Gilman essays below.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Find and Win Study Abroad Scholarships

General Education

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting activities you can do as a college student, especially if you’ve never been abroad before or are trying to learn a foreign language. But like college, study abroad programs can cost a pretty penny, which is why you should definitely apply for study abroad scholarships.

In this guide, we'll go over how much study abroad programs typically cost, what kinds of study abroad scholarships are available and what these scholarships usually cover, how to find study abroad scholarships, and finally how to make your scholarship application stand out.

What Are Study Abroad Programs?

Study abroad programs allow a student, usually a college student, to attend a foreign college or university, typically for a semester, summer, or full school year. The purpose of study abroad programs is to broaden students’ horizons and expose them to new experiences and challenges by letting them live in a foreign country and adapt to another culture (and possibly another language).

Study abroad students typically earn college credit through the foreign institution they study at, which can then be transferred back to their home institution (exactly how these grades transfer will vary depending on the university).

As an example, in my spring semester as a junior at USC, I participated in a study abroad program with Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. There, I got to take a full class load, and those grades were later transferred to USC, ultimately appearing on my undergraduate transcript.

Some study abroad programs offer internship and/or volunteer opportunities or require them as part of the program. In addition, some programs might require you to live with a host family, whereas others will simply provide you with a dorm or apartment.

There are many benefits to study abroad programs besides merely exposing you to new cultures.

For one, you can put the experience on your resume, which might give you a leg up in your job applications after you graduate college, especially if you're thinking of working in an international setting or for a more globally minded business.

Studying abroad can also give a big boost to your language skills if you’re in a country whose language you’re trying to learn, particularly if you’re living with a host family that doesn’t speak any English!

Finally, all the experiences and challenges you’ll more than likely face abroad will help you mature and grow as a person. Ideally, you’ll become confident in your everyday abilities and learn to trust and rely on yourself even more than you were able to before you went abroad.

How Much Do Study Abroad Programs Cost?

As we’ve explained, there’s a huge array of study abroad programs out there. And these don’t just vary in length and location but also in cost.

A semester-long study abroad program will normally cost just as much as, if not more than, a semester at your home university.

Why? In addition to paying for study abroad tuition and fees, you’ll generally need to pay for things such as meal plans, housing, airfare, books, field trips, and foreign ATM fees.

The cost of your study abroad program will vary depending primarily on the following factors:

• Location of the foreign college: Private universities based in well-off countries mean higher tuition and living expenses
• Length of the program: The longer the program, the higher the cost
• Whether you get any study abroad scholarships: Such scholarships could be internal (via your home institution) or external (via the US government or other organization) ⁠— we'll talk more about them in the next section

Because there are so many types of study abroad programs out there, it's difficult to come up with an average cost of a program. According to GoAbroad.com, the average cost of a single semester-long study abroad program is around $18,000.

This website also offers an extensive analysis of the average costs of a wide array of study abroad programs around the world .

But the reality is that there’s huge variation in how much you’ll pay to study abroad.

Ultimately, how much you must pay to study abroad will depend on a lot of factors. But one thing is for sure: if you manage to snag a study abroad scholarship, you’ll be able to reduce the amount you have to pay overall —and that's a great feeling!

What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

Study abroad programs can be pretty expensive ⁠— even more expensive than a semester at your home university.

The best way of countering these costs is to apply for (and hopefully win!) some study abroad scholarships. There are study abroad scholarships not just for undergraduates, but also for high school students (usually graduating seniors) and graduate students.

Here are the main categories of study abroad scholarships:

• Need-based scholarships: These are based purely on financial need. You’ll usually have to provide evidence of how much you have in your savings, how much your family makes, etc.
• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are based on your academic achievements, typically your college transcripts/GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and essay(s).
• Program/school-specific scholarships: These scholarships are given out by specific study abroad programs or the schools running the programs. The CIEE scholarships and the CEA scholarships are two examples of this scholarship type.
• Language/location-specific scholarships: These scholarships are for students studying a particular language and/or in a particular country. Examples include the Boren Scholarship and the Critical Language Scholarship .
• Major-specific scholarships: These scholarships are geared toward students studying a certain field, such as art or STEM. One example is the Generation Google Scholarship for those interested in computer science.
• Scholarships for underrepresented minorities: These scholarships target those who are part of a minority group, such as a racial/ethnic group, women, people with disabilities, etc. For example, the Robert B. Bailey Scholarship and the Global Experiences Scholarships .
• Specialized scholarships: These scholarships are for students who meet specialized criteria, such as those who belong to a certain group, those with a unique interest or hobby, or those who complete a special requirement. Two examples are the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarship and the Study Abroad Journal Scholarship .

As you can see, there’s a big variety of study abroad scholarships. This means that there's also wide variation in what costs scholarships can cover. For example, CEA offers travel vouchers for offsetting the costs of travel to and from your study abroad destination.

Most study abroad scholarships will give you a specific amount of money ⁠—often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars ⁠— that can be applied to things such as tuition and fees, housing or homestays, meal plans, travel, books and other school supplies, etc.

Other scholarships might specify how and where you can use the award.

In terms of eligibility, whether you qualify for a study abroad scholarship will, once again, depend on the scholarship you apply for and its eligibility requirements.

• A high GPA ⁠—often a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA is required, though some scholarships, such as those given out by CEA, require upwards of a 3.7 !
• An impressive resume/CV, ideally with relevant work, leadership, or volunteer experience
• Strong letters of recommendation
• A compelling and well-written essay

How to Find Study Abroad Scholarships: 4-Step Guide

You know what kinds of study abroad scholarships exist, but how do you actually find ones you can apply for? In this section, we give you a step-by-step guide to help you track down the best study abroad scholarships for you.

• Step 1: Apply for FAFSA

First things first, every year before the new college academic year starts, you should apply for FAFSA , or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. With FAFSA, you can become eligible for government-funded loans or grants, which you can usually apply toward tuition and fees ⁠, including those of your study abroad program.

FAFSA can also tell you whether you're eligible for a work-study job , which lets you earn some extra cash at your home university before you go abroad.

Step 2: See If Your Study Abroad Program Offers Scholarships

Once you’ve decided which study abroad program you want to participate in, start doing research to see whether that program or the organization that runs it offers any study abroad scholarships to students.

Some popular organizations you’ll likely see running study abroad programs are the following:

For example, say you’re a current student at the University of Pittsburgh who's thinking of studying in Paris for a semester. This study abroad program in Paris is run by CIEE , so you should go directly to the CIEE website to see what study abroad scholarships they offer.

Step 3: Check Your School’s Funding Resources

Most universities have a wealth of resources and links you can use to help you find study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships.

I first advise getting on your home university’s official website and going to the study abroad programs pages. You should be able to find a section somewhere about funding for study abroad programs. For example, on the University of Michigan study abroad page , there are links for "U-M Funding" and "External Funding Sources."

You can also check your university’s general funding page to see whether there are any regular scholarships you might be able to apply toward study abroad.

Note that I recommend seeing whether you’re eligible for internal (university-based) scholarships before you start looking for external study abroad scholarships (see Step 4 for tips on doing this).

If you can’t find any scholarships on your school’s official website, make an appointment to see your study abroad advisor. They should be able to tell you what scholarships you're eligible for and which scholarships can be applied to which programs, countries/languages, and majors.

Your advisor might also have some suggestions for external funding resources you can use if funding isn’t available through the school or the program you want to do.

Step 4: Search for Study Abroad Scholarships Online

If you haven’t secured any funding through your home university or study abroad program, then it’s time to start looking outward at external study abroad scholarships.

The best way to find these, besides asking your school and study abroad advisor, is to search for them yourself online. Tons of study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships are available to high school, college, and graduate students.

You can use the following resources to browse study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships you might be eligible for:

• Abroad101 : One of the most detailed study abroad scholarships lists that organizes scholarships by program/organization
• Go Overseas : An annually updated list of the most popular study abroad scholarships
• Diversity Abroad : An extensive list of study abroad scholarships that mainly target first-generation, minority, and low-income students
• StudyAbroad.com : A long list of study abroad scholarships
• GoAbroad.com : A list of study abroad scholarships with updated information on eligibility, costs, deadlines, etc.

Note that when looking for scholarships, don’t feel the need to limit your searches to study abroad scholarships specifically — in actuality, many regular scholarships for college or graduate-level education can be applied toward study abroad programs, too.

As for regular scholarships that aren’t necessarily specific to study abroad (but might be able to be applied toward a study abroad program), here are some of the best search engines you can use:

• The College Board
• Scholarships.com

For more tips on how to find scholarships for college, check out our comprehensive guide .

6 Tips for a Great Study Abroad Scholarship Application

So far we've looked at how to find study abroad scholarships, but how can you ensure that you’re giving yourself your best shot at winning one? Below, we go over six crucial tips to keep in mind as you apply for study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships.

#1: Maintain a High GPA

One of the most important parts of your study abroad scholarship application will be your GPA (typically your undergraduate GPA, assuming you’re applying as a college student).

The majority of merit-based study abroad scholarships require a minimum 2.5 GPA ⁠— possibly a minimum 3.0 ⁠ — but your GPA should be a lot higher than this minimum if you really wish to stand apart from other applicants. A 3.5+ GPA will be your best bet, though the higher, the better!

More importantly, be sure that your major GPA (if you've already declared a major) is pretty high ⁠— ideally, 3.7+. This tip is crucial if you're applying for study abroad scholarships that are for students interested in particular majors or fields of study.

If your GPA isn’t super high but meets the minimum requirement, don’t feel discouraged. You can always make up for a lower GPA by strengthening other parts of your scholarship application.

#2: Write a Persuasive, Interesting Essay

Most merit-based study abroad scholarships require an essay or statement (possibly more than one) about your achievements, your goals, and your reasons for wanting to study abroad.

If you’re applying to a need-based scholarship, you might also have to submit an essay explaining your financial situation and how you plan to use the scholarship money to reach your goals.

The required essay length will vary depending on the scholarship, but you’ll usually have to write around one to two double-spaced pages.

Here’s an example of a basic study abroad scholarship essay prompt (this one's for the CIEE study abroad scholarships ):

In 300 words or less, explain to us how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans.

Other study abroad scholarship essay prompts might be more specific than this, especially if the scholarship is aimed at students who belong to a particular group or who are in a specific major.

One example of this is the current essay prompt for the API diversity scholarship :

Students are sometimes concerned about how they will be perceived in their host country and for some, it’s a matter of how their race, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. will impact their experience.

Describe an encounter that demonstrates the importance of diversity to you and what significance it has for your study abroad experience in your respective host country. (2 pages maximum)

These are just some of the forms your study abroad scholarship essay prompt might take. Make sure to read the directions for your scholarships closely.

In addition, keep in mind the following essential tips as you write your scholarship essay:

• Take your time: Don’t rush the essay-writing process, as the essay is often one of the most important parts of the scholarship application. Carve out plenty of time for brainstorming ideas, writing, and editing.
• Be authentic: Write in a way that's true to your voice and who you are. Use anecdotes and be honest about why you want to study abroad and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
• Be specific: Don’t just say you want this scholarship so you can study abroad and enjoy a different culture. Clearly explain why you want to go to this country, how the program will help you in your academic or professional goals, and what makes you the best candidate. Concrete examples and anecdotes are your friends!
• Edit your essay and have others help: Writing a scholarship essay and then immediately turning it in will likely doom you to rejection. Make sure you spend at least a few days editing and proofreading your essay, and have someone else, such as a parent or teacher, look it over, too.

#3: Get Glowing Letters of Recommendation

Some study abroad scholarships require you to submit one or more letters of recommendation, so you’ll need to make sure that your letters are top-quality and present you as a strong candidate for the scholarship.

In general, you'll want to ask a professor (or a teacher, if you're in high school) for a letter of recommendation. But which professors should you ask?

Here are the ideal types of professors to consider approaching about writing you a letter (note that you'll have an even stronger letter if a professor fits more than one of these criteria):

• A professor who knows you well and can speak to your specific strengths and goals
• A professor whose class(es) you've excelled in (even better if these classes are in your major!)
• A professor whom you’ve worked with outside of class on research or an extended project
• Your thesis or dissertation advisor (if you’re a grad student)

Although we have a separate guide on how to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation , here’s a recap of some of the most important tips to keep in mind:

• Give your professor a lot of time to write it ⁠ —at minimum a month, but six weeks or longer is ideal.
• Ask in-person ⁠. Scheduling a face-to-face meeting to talk about the letter of recommendation will make you appear more mature, confident, and prepared. It also gives you time to discuss the nitty-gritty of the scholarship.
• Give your professor lots of information ⁠. Writing a letter of recommendation is no easy feat, so be sure to provide your writer with info about the scholarship, the program, the deadlines, and yourself (e.g., your resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, essay draft, etc.).
• Check in often via email. Once your professor has agreed to write you a recommendation letter, make an effort to keep in touch and check in every so often on their progress on your letter. It’s also a smart idea to send a polite reminder for the letter submission deadline as it draws nearer.

#4: Find Ways to Showcase Your Talents and Skills

Many study abroad scholarships require you to submit a resume/CV ⁠— ideally one that illustrates your strengths, accomplishments, and talents.

You’re in charge of what goes on your resume, so think about the most impressive items you could put on yours (that are also relevant to the study abroad scholarships you’re applying for).

For example, if you’re an engineering major applying for an engineering scholarship, you should highlight specific engineering- or STEM-related extracurriculars, accomplishments, and skills you have, such as participation in your school’s engineering club or an award you received at a math competition.

Here are some ideas for what you could put on your resume:

• Volunteer experience
• Internship/work/research experience
• School clubs you’re in
• Awards/honors/scholarships you’ve won
• Organizations you’re an active member of
• Languages you know or are learning
• Other relevant proficiencies/skills

For specific examples of accomplishments you could put on your resume, check out our list of 70+ academic honors examples .

I also recommend looking at our sample resumes and CVs and our free resume and CV templates . Even though these articles are mainly for those applying to graduate school and not study abroad scholarships, most of the tips and examples in them should still apply to you!

#5: Take Your Time

One of the most important tips to remember as you work on your applications for study abroad scholarships is to not rush them.

These applications can take a long time to complete, especially if you need to write more than one essay, so give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, gather all the materials you'll need, and check your application before you submit it.

It’s best to give yourself at least a few months to work on applications and a minimum of six weeks (since you’ll most likely need to get a letter of recommendation).

If you’re applying for multiple study abroad scholarships, you'll definitely want to keep track of all your scholarship deadlines. Put on your calendar or in your planner every upcoming scholarship deadline along with the name of the scholarship so you don’t miss any crucial dates or accidentally confuse two different scholarship deadlines for each other.

#6: Ask Someone to Look Over Your Application

Our last tip is to get someone you trust, such as a parent, a friend, or a professor, to look over your study abroad scholarship applications before you submit them. This tip is especially important if you have an essay component because having someone else read it will ensure it has no obvious errors or inaccuracies.

Make sure the person who is checking your application knows exactly what kinds of materials were required for it, such as whether it needed official transcripts or an essay of a particular length.

Once you get the green light from the person, look over your study abroad scholarship app one last time, referring to the application instructions as needed, before you submit it.

Recap: How to Get Study Abroad Scholarships

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience for college students, and one that I myself highly recommend doing.

But as we know, study abroad programs can be pretty costly, especially if you don’t have any scholarships to help you out. This is why it’s vital that you apply for as many study abroad scholarships as possible.

Many kinds of study abroad scholarships are available, from those based purely on financial need to those that target students in specific minority groups or specific majors.

For most merit-based study abroad scholarships, you’ll need to have the following to be a strong candidate:

• A high GPA (3.5+ is ideal)
• A well-written essay
• An impressive resume/CV
• Step 2: See if your study abroad program offers any scholarships
• Step 3: Check your school’s funding resources
• Step 4: Search for study abroad scholarships online
• Maintain a high GPA
• Write a persuasive, interesting essay
• Get glowing letters of recommendation
• Find ways to showcase your talents and skills
• Take your time
• Ask someone to look over your application

After reading this, you should be well on your way to winning some study abroad scholarships!

What’s Next?

Most people study abroad in college but what about in high school? Read our expert guide to figure out if studying abroad in high school is right for you .

Part of having an impressive study abroad scholarship application is achieving great grades. Learn what an impressive high school GPA is and what the average college GPA is by major .

Looking for other college scholarships? Then check out these amazing full-ride scholarships you could win for college !

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• Scholarships
• Edu loans Education loans Study Abroad Education Loan
• More Courier transcripts Articles Events

https://www.wemakescholars.com/blog/how-to-write-a-scholarship-essay-for-study-abroad

How to Write a Scholarship Essay for Study Abroad

Study Abroad Scholarships | Updated 29 May, 2024

The opportunity to  study abroad can be exciting, invigorating, and can help you attain educational experience. Living abroad and discovering new things can change your perspective on life but many students wonder how they can afford to pay for the costs associated with study abroad courses. Traveling to other countries is not cheap, and living there can be expensive.  

Follow these few tips to enhance your scholarship essay for study abroad. Here, scholarships play a significant role as they can help you cut down on extra expenses. Of course, receiving a scholarship cannot be guaranteed just because you ask for one. So, you have to create a scholarship application essay that will help you stand out from your competitors. To get ahead of the competition, you need to excel through the quality of your writing. Remember, many scholarships have thousands of applicants all looking for the same money. You need to be the best of them. To help you stand out, we’ve assembled a few tips that can make your study abroad essay has a powerful impact.

Tips for Writing a Classy Scholarship Essay 

a. Write with passion and use the words from your heart:  First things first, make sure that the essay you will write is veracious and captures your real self. Only by being honest and sharing your inner self with your readers can convey your passion for studying abroad. If you try too hard to write an essay, assessors will know as   writing is an art and must come from within the heart. Falseness is always detectable, and it will make it more difficult for the scholarship committee to evaluate who you are. Be yourself and use your feelings and emotions to honestly explain why you deserve the scholarship.            

b. Write what you know, not what they want to hear:  When you write, focus on your own experiences and the unique perspective you bring through your writing. An authentic essay is worth more than all the Google research in the world. You should always write the truth about your own experiences, and that means that you need to avoid faking facts, embellishing stories, or relying on outside research to report on events you did not personally experience. The committee will not care whether you can research a topic or report on other people’s lives. They want to hear from and about you.            

c. Always read the essay question carefully before you begin:  Scholarship essay questions are often broad and intentionally allows a variety of responses. However, that does not mean you can write about anything with no rules whatsoever. Instead, you need to read your essay question carefully and review it to determine what you need to include in the essay to meet the requirements. An off-topic essay will end up in the discard pile. You would not want to lose out on the scholarship money because you did not write on the right subject. 

d. Do not settle for your first draft:  When you finish writing the first draft of your essay, congratulate yourself for completing the first step. But that does not mean you have finished writing. Never send your first draft. Consider it as an invitation to the circular file — the trash can. Other students will spend hours or even days editing and perfecting their essays, and you should, too. Take the time to carefully revise each sentence and paragraph to make sure everything is as perfect as it can be. Ask yourself at each stage whether the words are clear and whether the audience will understand what you mean. Spare yourself extra time to fully revise your essay. After all, the first draft is never the best. There is always room to improve. 

e. Take inspiration from great essays:  You cannot learn to write well without being a great reader. Review collections of great essays to find inspiration for your own. Doing so can provide you with the tools you need to develop for intense writing and have a better instinctive knowledge of the best way to start an essay. But there is one thing you need to be careful about i.e. when you read numerous essays, there may be a tendency to unconsciously mirror what you have read. Be sure that you are not plagiarizing any of the essays that you read. You would not want your essay to turn out to be so close to a well-known essay that the scholarship committee will recognize the text or the essay you are referring to. There have been multiple cases where a scholarship applicant has been caught borrowing too much from popular essays.

f. Seek professional help:  If you find yourself completely at a loss and need help to write your papers, turn on to a professional essay writing service like WriteMyPaperHub. These online writing companies use professionals to produce custom-written papers that can set you apart from the crowd. When you need a little help or are looking to hire someone to create great writing for you, feel free to contact a reputable service and say: I want to  pay someone to write my essay  like experts from WriteMyPaperHub do online.

Stop Trying — Get Things Done

When writing a scholarship essay, your major goal is to put the substance over the form. Yes, the form is important, as it plays a major role in any academic assignment. There are rules in the academic world, and it is a good idea not to forget about them if you want yourself in. However, formality should not go before the substance of what you have to say about yourself in a scholarship essay. You need to understand that 98% of candidates are applying for the same spot with a similar background, equivalent grades, and test scores. For a scholarship committee member, you all look very alike, and your major task is to look different in a good way. Follow the tips above, but do not forget about your own experience. At this point, you already have written some essays — more and less successfully. Choose the most successful articles and analyze what you did right. It is the best way to determine your strengths and use them to achieve another bigger goal.

Note:  WeMakeScholars  is an organization funded and supported by the Government of India that focuses on International Education finance. We are associated with 10+ public/Pvt banks/ NBFCs in India and help you get the best abroad education loan matching your profile. As this initiative is under the Digital India campaign, it’s at free of cost. The organization has vast experience dealing with students going to various abroad education destinations the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, China, France  among others.

About Author:

I'm a blogger and  I write about anything and everything. 

READ AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.

Our team will help you with any questions

Kindly login to comment and ask your questions about Scholarships & Education Loans

Related Posts

HEST 2024 - India's Largest Higher Education Scholarship Test

How to apply for Schaeffler India Engineer Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme (2024-2025)

The most trusted Education Finance Platform supported by the Government

Enter your registered Email address to login

Modal header

• Study Abroad
• Living Abroad
• Education Loan
• Bank account
• Global Scholarship
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Tips For Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay for Studying Abroad

Ever dreamed of exploring a new culture, gaining life-changing experiences, and advancing your academic journey, but are worried about finances?

Studying abroad offers all this and more, but the cost can often be a significant barrier. Scholarships can make these dreams a reality, but the competition is fierce.

One of the most critical components of a scholarship application is the essay.

Your scholarship essay is your chance to shine, to tell your story, and to stand out from the crowd. It's an opportunity to showcase your passion, and dedication, and how studying abroad will shape your future.

With the right approach, your essay can make a compelling case for why you deserve the scholarship and how you will make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Here are essential steps and tips to craft a compelling scholarship essay that increases your chances of securing funding for your study abroad journey.

1. Understanding the prompt

The first step to writing a winning scholarship essay is thoroughly understanding the prompt. Take time to analyze the question or topic provided. Identify key themes, questions, or requirements.

Pay attention to specific instructions such as word count, formatting guidelines, and any particular details the scholarship committee is looking for.

• Break down the prompt: Highlight key verbs and requirements to ensure you address all aspects.
• Research past essays: Understanding what themes have been successful in the past can guide your approach and focus.

2. Research and planning

Before diving into writing, conduct research on the scholarship organization, its values, and its mission. Understanding what the scholarship committee values can help tailor your essay to align with their goals.

Additionally, create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a coherent structure for your essay. Outline the main points you want to cover and the evidence or examples you will use to support your claims.

• Identify scholarship values: Tailor your essay to match these values and highlight how your goals align with theirs.
• Create a structured outline: Organizing your ideas beforehand ensures clarity and prevents you from missing key points.

3. Tell your story authentically

A compelling scholarship essay is often a personal narrative that highlights your unique experiences, goals, and aspirations. Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personality and convey your passion for your field of study or chosen program abroad.

Share anecdotes that illustrate your journey, challenges you've overcome, and how these experiences have shaped your academic and career goals.

• Use personal anecdotes: Stories that highlight specific challenges and triumphs can make your essay more memorable.
• Showcase your passion: Clearly articulate why you are passionate about your chosen field and how studying abroad fits into your larger ambitions.

4. Focus on impact and contribution

Scholarship committees are interested in how their investment in you will make a difference. Clearly articulate the impact studying abroad will have on your academic, professional, and personal development.

Highlight specific skills, knowledge, or experiences you hope to gain and how these will contribute to your community or field of study upon your return.

• Highlight future goals: Outline your specific career or academic ambitions and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Demonstrate potential impact: Provide concrete examples of how your studies abroad will benefit others or contribute to your chosen field.

5. Be specific and concrete

Avoid vague or generalized statements. Provide specific examples and concrete details to support your claims. Instead of saying, "Studying abroad will broaden my horizons," describe a specific cultural exchange or academic opportunity that excites you and explain why it's important to your growth and future goals.

• Use specific examples: Whether it's a particular course, research opportunity, or cultural immersion, provide details that illustrate your enthusiasm and preparedness.
• Connect experiences to goals: Show a clear and logical connection between your past experiences, current aspirations, and future goals.

6. Address potential challenges

Acknowledge any potential challenges or obstacles, such as financial constraints or language barriers, and discuss how you plan to overcome them. Demonstrating resilience and proactive problem-solving skills can strengthen your essay and reassure the committee of your readiness for the study abroad experience.

• Discuss overcoming obstacles: Show how you have successfully navigated challenges in the past and how you plan to handle potential obstacles abroad.
• Highlight proactive planning: Demonstrate that you have researched potential challenges and have concrete plans in place to address them.

7. Showcase your research and knowledge

Demonstrate your knowledge of the host country, institution, or program by integrating relevant research into your essay. Discuss specific aspects of the program or location that align with your academic interests and career goals.

Show that you have done your homework and are genuinely excited about the opportunity to study abroad at this particular destination.

• Include specific details: Mention unique features of the program or location.
• Show enthusiasm: Convey your excitement about studying abroad in this specific context.

Once you've gathered all the information mentioned above, it's time to finely write your scholarship essay. Here is how you can go about it.

How To Write A Winning Scholarship Essay

1. Write clearly and concisely: Communicate your ideas clearly and concisely. Use active voice and varied sentence structure to maintain engagement. Avoid complex language and jargon that may obscure your message. Ensure your essay is easy to understand and accessible.

2. Revise and edit: After drafting your essay, thoroughly revise and edit it. Check for grammar, spelling, and coherence. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to gain different perspectives and improve clarity.

3. Tailor each essay: Customize each essay to meet the specific requirements and values of each scholarship organization. Highlight different aspects of your experiences and goals that are most relevant to each opportunity. Address specific criteria and values outlined by each scholarship.

4 . Be genuine and honest: Stay true to yourself in your writing. Showcase your authentic personality and motivations. Avoid exaggeration or embellishment of your achievements. Focus on presenting your true self and why you are deserving of the scholarship.

Writing a winning scholarship essay is an art that requires careful thought, planning, and execution. By thoroughly understanding the prompt, conducting in-depth research, and telling your story authentically, you can craft an essay that truly stands out.

Once your ideas are organized, ensure your essay is clear, concise, and engaging. Revise and edit meticulously to polish your essay, tailor each submission to the specific scholarship, and above all, be genuine and honest.

So are you ready to turn your study abroad dreams into reality?

Take the first step by applying for a Zolve scholarship . At Zolve, we're dedicated to supporting students like you in achieving their educational aspirations overseas.

Don't let financial barriers hold you back – apply today and unlock a world of opportunities!

How to win a scholarship abroad essay?

To win a scholarship abroad, craft an essay that authentically showcases your passion, unique experiences, and how studying abroad aligns with your academic and career goals. Highlight your potential contributions and the impact the scholarship will have on your personal and professional development.

How do you write a convincing essay for a scholarship?

Write a convincing scholarship essay by clearly articulating your goals, passion for your field of study, and how receiving the scholarship will support your aspirations. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements, challenges overcome, and how studying abroad will contribute to your growth and future success.

How do I start off a scholarship essay?

Start your scholarship essay with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Consider beginning with a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a brief overview of your aspirations related to studying abroad.

What is the best format for a scholarship essay?

The best format for a scholarship essay typically includes an introduction that hooks the reader, a body that addresses the essay prompt with examples and evidence and a conclusion that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression.

How to end an essay for a scholarship?

End your scholarship essay by summarizing your main points and reinforcing why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. Emphasize how receiving the scholarship will impact your future goals and express gratitude for the opportunity.

You might also like

F1 visa regulations: stay informed & avoid delays, empower your future: apply for the zolve international scholarship today, unlock your american education dream: top 5 ms scholarships in the usa.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Application for GILMAN and GILMAN-MCCAIN ends in {day} Days : {hour} Hours : {min} Min: {sec} Sec

Application Essays

There are three essays required as part of the Gilman application: the Statement of Purpose Essay and the two Community Impact Essays, which are the Building Mutual Understanding Essay and the Follow-on Service Project Proposal. For those applying for a Critical Need Language Award (CNLA) or for the STEM Supplemental Award, additional essays are required.

Essay Guidelines

• Compose your essays first in a word processing program, and then upload the file to your online application. Please use 1-inch margins and Times New Roman 12-point font for each of your essays.
• The Statement of Purpose Essay is limited to 7,000 characters (including spaces).
• The Building Mutual Understanding Essay is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces).
• The Follow-on Service Project Proposal is limited to 3,000 characters (including spaces).
• The optional Critical Need Language Award essay has a 2,000 character limit (including spaces).
• The optional STEM Supplemental Award essay has a 1,000 character limit (including spaces).
• Ensure that your essays address all the required prompts.
• Please preview your essays once you have uploaded them into the application to ensure the correct file was uploaded.

Tips for Writing Competitive Essays

• Have your essay proofread.  One of the most important things to remember for any essay is to have it read by an advisor or professor. Spell check and grammar check are fine, but a good proofreader will find things that your word processing software won’t. In addition, a proofreader can often make suggestions on ways to clarify a point that may not make sense to someone else.
• Work with your advisors.  It is important to talk with your study abroad advisor prior to completing your essays. Your study abroad advisor may be able to help you develop your Statement of Purpose essay and/or a creative Follow-on Service Project. Remember your advisors may have participated in selection committees for scholarship programs, particularly Gilman, and can give you great insight into what makes an interesting and competitive essay.
• Work with your writing center on campus.  Take the first draft of your essay to your campus writing center or to a composition professor. These individuals have invaluable expertise in writing essays and can be a great resource on your campus anytime you need to prepare an essay.
• Be creative. Remember that this is a competitive scholarship program and the selection panelists’ only chance to get to know you is through your essay. The essays are your chance to tell the selection panelists about yourself and your decision to study abroad. It is important to develop an original and creative Follow-on Service Project. The most competitive applications are those that have interesting and original essays.
• Check for proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  Before submitting your application, be sure to double check your essay. Did you spell the scholarship name or names of cities correctly? Be sure you have proper punctuation and do not type your essay in all lower case or all upper case letters. Most importantly, check for correct grammar with the support of a proofreader.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself: Statement of Purpose (PDF)

2 Questions to Ask Yourself: Community Impact Essay 1 Building Mutual Understanding (PDF)

5 Questions to Ask Yourself: Community Impact Essay 2 Follow-on Service Project Proposal (PDF)

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ESSAY

The Statement of Purpose essay is an important factor in the selection of Gilman scholarship recipients. We strongly encourage you to read the Gilman Selection Criteria , carefully review your essay, and ask an advisor, faculty member, or others to proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and content prior to submission.

In your essay, be specific in describing your individual reasons for studying abroad, keeping in mind that this is a scholarship for academic study abroad or credit bearing international internships. Please address ALL of the questions below, in no particular order: (max of 7,000 characters)

• How will studying or interning abroad help you achieve your future academic or professional goals?
• Why did you select your specific program and host country?
• How are you academically prepared to be a successful scholar abroad? Disclose any significant academic difficulties you have faced.
• What examples of knowledge, skills, and experiences will you draw on to navigate a different environment abroad?

Community Impact Essays

These two community impact essays are equally important in the selection process. Carefully review your essays, read the Selection Criterion  Community Impact Abroad & Upon Student’s Return Home , and ask an advisor to proofread your essays for spelling, grammar, and content prior to submission.

1. Building Mutual Understanding Essay

Gilman scholars represent the United States as citizen diplomats in their host communities; they reflect a broad range of values, beliefs, and opinions that is fundamental to providing a balanced representation of the United States abroad. Gilman scholars are expected to contribute to the goal of building mutual understanding by sharing their own background and experiences as a U.S. citizen as well as learning about and building meaningful connections within the host community. Please address ALL of the required prompts below: (max of 3,000 characters)

• Thinking ahead to your experience abroad, how will you represent the United States and share your own background and experiences as a U.S. citizen during your program?
• What opportunities will you seek to engage in the culture and build meaningful connections within your host community?

2. Follow-on Service Project Proposal

Gilman scholars are expected to complete the Follow-on Service Project, which should aim to increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Program among their peers in their home or campus communities. Please address ALL of the required prompts below: (max of 3,000 characters)

• In no particular order, describe your Follow-on Service Project in more detail.
• What is your project and how will it increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Program among your peers in your home or campus community?
• Identify and explain why you chose the specific community you will be reaching.
• How will you integrate the impact of your experience abroad into your project?
• With which campus departments, student organizations, or community organizations will you collaborate?

Examples of Follow-on Service Projects

Gilman scholars have proposed and carried out a wide range of Follow-on Service Projects. As long as the applicant’s proposal will meet the goals of the Follow-on Service Project, there are no right or wrong projects. However, we encourage all applicants to propose a unique Follow-on Service Project that highlights their individual background, experiences, talents and skills. Listed below are some examples of projects Gilman scholars have carried out. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we look forward to continuing to receive unique, individual proposals from all applicants. Remember, all projects must promote international education and the Gilman Program.

K-12 Outreach

• Conducting presentations on their country of study to local classrooms.
• Working with a local teacher to connect with a U.S. classroom while abroad, via photos, letters, emails or Skype sessions, sharing information about their host country, experience abroad and the Gilman scholarship.
• Organizing and/or working with their university K-12 outreach program, to present and share information on their experience abroad and the Gilman scholarship.
• Participating in their local high school College Night to share information on study abroad opportunities and scholarships.
• Working with/giving presentations on study abroad and the Gilman scholarship to high school language or area studies classes.
• Working with/giving presentations on study abroad and the Gilman scholarship to programs that mentor high school students, such as Upward Bound.

Academic Department Outreach:

• Development of a study abroad information page for the department or major website that lists a suggested academic timeline encouraging students to incorporate study abroad into their degree, in consultation with their department and study abroad office.
• Organizing information on study abroad programs that offer coursework and academic credit in their field of study and links to Gilman and other scholarships and financial aid information that support these opportunities.
• Presentations on study abroad and the Gilman scholarship at academic club or honor society meetings.
• Development of a brochure or informational flyer specific to the student’s academic department or field of study that is then posted in the study abroad office.
• Serving as a mentor/peer advisor to potential study abroad students in their field of study.
• Submitting an article to their academic department newsletter on their experiences abroad and the Gilman scholarship either while the student is still overseas or upon their return.

Campus Office Outreach:

Students often propose to work with a specific on-campus office including the Diversity/Minority Services offices, Disability Services offices, Career Centers, Financial Aid offices, Student Leadership offices, and other campus offices. Examples of these projects include:

• Promoting and encouraging study abroad opportunities and the Gilman scholarship through presentations to student clubs and organizations and through office organized events
• Posting information on the Gilman Program in specific campus offices
• Adding a web page to the official website that highlights study abroad opportunities, the Gilman Program, and information that would be of help/interest to students
• Serving as an official representative at campus fairs and events by sharing information on study abroad and the Gilman scholarship

Study Abroad Outreach:

This is the most common type of Follow-on Service Project students propose and can be very beneficial to increase study abroad participation at your home institution. Consider consulting with the study abroad office to address any challenges or needs your home institution faces in order to offer support through your project and positively impact your campus and peers.

• Volunteering or working in the study abroad office as a Peer Mentor/Advisor to potential study abroad students, sharing information about the Gilman Program.
• Representing the study abroad office and the Gilman Program at presentations/information sessions on study abroad.
• Ensuring the study abroad office website has a Scholarship Information page and that a link to the Gilman Program’s website is provided.
• Submitting an article on their experiences abroad and Gilman Program to the Study Abroad office newsletter for distribution or publication, either while they are still abroad or upon their return.
• Developing an informational flyer/brochure on university-specific financial aid procedures for study abroad and available scholarships, including the Gilman scholarship which is then housed in the study abroad office.
• Participating in/organizing a Study Abroad Alumni society which assists returned and potential study abroad students, sharing information about the Gilman scholarship.
• Serving as a resource person for a specific country/program/field of study that would advise/assist potential study abroad students, sharing information about the Gilman Program.

Other Outreach:

• Submitting a weekly or monthly article on their experiences overseas to their campus or hometown newspaper while the students are abroad, thereby sharing information with a wide range of readers and including information on the Gilman Program
• Submitting an article or series of articles on their experiences abroad and the Gilman Program to their campus or hometown paper upon their return to the U.S.
• Working with another local organization to share information on study abroad and the country they studied in with their members
• Presenting on study abroad opportunities and the Gilman Program at Freshman Orientation or in First-Year Experiences courses thereby encouraging students to consider study abroad earlier rather than later.
• Hosting a photography exhibit on their campus or in their community, sharing about their experience abroad, international opportunities that exist and the Gilman Scholarship
• Presenting art created in or focused on their host country on their campus or in their community, including information on international education and the Gilman Scholarship.

CRITICAL NEED LANGUAGE AWARD

Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country or location in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000. Critical Need Language Awards for a country or location where a language is not predominantly spoken may be considered for applicants who make a strong case for their desired location in the application essay. As only a limited number of Critical Need Language Awards are available, not all students who are studying the identified languages will receive a Critical Need Language Award.

Critical Need Language Award recipients who complete their Gilman requirements may take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) , which demonstrates language proficiency for educational, professional, or other purposes. The OPI is offered at no cost to all Critical Need Language Award recipients.

In no more than 2,000 characters, including spaces, please address the following questions:

• What are your motivations for improving your language proficiency academically, professionally, and personally?
• How do you intend to improve your language skills while studying abroad? How will you increase your proficiency in the language inside and outside of the classroom setting?
• How do you intend to use the language after you study abroad, and how will the Critical Need Language Award prepare you for this?
• If you would like to be considered for an exception to our policy of studying a language in a country/location where it is predominately spoken, please explain why you chose your particular location and the benefits and resources for studying the selected language there.

This information is correct as of September 23, 2024.

You may also use the Critical Need Language Award to study a foreign sign language. Apply for the target language (for instance, Japanese) and explain in your application that you will be studying reading, writing, speaking, and/or Japanese sign language.

**The CNLA for Hebrew language is offered through the generous support of our partners at the Embassy of Israel to the United States. At this time, Israel is not an eligible location for Gilman applicants due to the current Travel Advisory level. 

STEM SUPPLEMENTAL AWARD

In support of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the U.S. Department of State is dedicated to supporting students who are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM). The STEM Supplemental Award is for students conducting research that is already formally integrated into their credit-bearing program abroad and that is related to STEM fields (defined as agriculture, engineering, health professions, math and computer science, and physical and life sciences).

Please address ALL of the required prompts below: (max of 1,000 characters)

• Please summarize your STEM-related research component and your overall motivation toward this STEM field.
• Please also share how this will contribute to your future academic and/or career goals.

Contact Information: Applicants & Current Recipients Scholars Abroad & Alumni Advisors General Inquiries

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Copyright 2024 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy  | Terms & Conditions  | Sitemap

• College Study Abroad

Study Abroad Scholarships

Take advantage of scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

We award millions in grants & scholarships for college study abroad annually.

We get it. Funding your study abroad program can be an overwhelming process. At CIEE, our goal is to award study abroad scholarships and grants to college students across three categories: need-based, merit-based, and other areas of funding. Whether you're looking for semester abroad scholarships, summer scholarships, or specific areas of study scholarships, we offer travel scholarships and grant money for study abroad that help students conquer their dreams. 

By simply completing the Scholarships & Grants portion of your study abroad application , our team determines the best scholarship and grant opportunities for you. Receiving financial assistance for study abroad is as simple as that! 

Important Scholarship & Grant Deadlines

Summer * & Fall Programs -  April 1

Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship deadline - October 10

Spring & January Programs -  October 15

*Early decision Summer Global Internship - February 15

Scholarships & Grants to Study Abroad

Need-based scholarships.

Our need-based study abroad scholarships are based on students' Student Aid Index (SAI) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. 

For need-based grants, you will not need to complete the essay section under the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application , but will need the following items to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible:

• The Student Aid Index (SAI) number from your most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary
• For the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant, you must provide proof of submission of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Note: EFC (Expected Family Contribution) was replaced by SAI (Student Aid Index) for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle. CIEE requires your current SAI details from your FAFSA Submission Summary for programs in 2025 and on.  

Merit Scholarships

Merit study abroad scholarships are based on academic achievement. 

To receive a merit scholarship, you must complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your  program application , along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

• Under the essay section of the Scholarships Application, you need to explain to us (in 300 words or less) how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans 
• Complete the G.P.A. and transcript sections of the program application before you submit the Scholarships Application    

Other Scholarships

Other awards are based on program or alumni status.

Scholarships & Grants by Term

Semester scholarships.

Scholarships for fall and spring semesters abroad

Summer Scholarships

Scholarships for summer study abroad programs

Quarter Scholarships

Scholarships for quarter school schedules

Single Block Scholarships

Scholarships for one block

Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship to study abroad, follow these three simple steps: 

• Search for your dream program and start an application 
• Review CIEE scholarships and grants 
• Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application 

For more detailed instructions on how to apply to merit-based and need-based scholarships, check out How To Apply To Scholarships   or read our blog post:   How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps .

CIEE makes study abroad scholarships and grants accessible to all students, regardless of where they choose to study. Whether you’re looking for study abroad grants or scholarships in Italy , South Korea , Argentina , South Africa , Australia – and so much more – CIEE offers funding to all students looking to study abroad that qualify for funding. 

While the best scholarship for studying abroad is up to you, CIEE offers a wide variety of scholarships for summer, semester, quarter, internship, and single block programs. CIEE scholarships and grants range in value from $200 for our Refer-a-Friend Reward to $2,500 for scholarships like our Gilman Go Global Grant and Ping Scholarship for Academic Excellence.  

Students could also receive full funding for their study abroad program if they apply to the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship , which covers 100% of the program fee and travel costs.   

No, it is not hard to get scholarships and grants for study abroad programs from CIEE. Getting scholarships for a CIEE study abroad or global internship program is a simple three step process:  

• Search for and apply to your dream program 
• Review CIEE scholarships and grants
• Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your application  

Select study abroad scholarships and grants are awarded to students based on financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE program areas. Some scholarships are awarded based on your FAFSA, program selection, or alumni information, while other scholarships and grants may require a short personal essay.  

Materials needed to apply for study abroad funding with CIEE vary across need-based grants and merit scholarships.

For need-based grants , students will not need to complete the essay section under the Scholarships & Grants portion of their application, but will need the following items:

• For the CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant, you must provide proof of an eligible application submission for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

For merit scholarships , students will not need to provide any financial data, but instead must:

• Under the essay section of the Scholarships Application, you need to explain to us (in 300 words or less) how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans
• Complete the G.P.A. and transcript sections of the program application before you submit the Scholarships Application

Study Abroad Scholarships Blogs

Study Abroad Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know

Funding your study abroad journey can feel like an overwhelming process before you even begin. And applying for scholarships and grants may sound like a daunting concept. But don’t let... keep reading

• Frederick Douglass Global Fellows
• Global Scholars
• Planning/Packing
• Scholarships

How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps

@cieestudyabroad Here are the four easy steps to applying for a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE! #fyp #ciee #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #scholarship #travel original sound - CIEE Study Abroad For many... keep reading

• Best Time to Study Abroad
• Diversity and Inclusion

How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in 2024?

@cieestudyabroad Let’s talk money! Funding your study abroad program may seem daunting, but we’re here to help! #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #expenses #financialaid #scholarships #grants #studyabroadtips Flight of the Mitoglider - Myriad... keep reading

• Foreign Language
• Open Campus

Get Started

Search for and apply to your dream program anywhere in the world (Exciting!)

Review all available funding opportunities (Take your time; really read through them.)

Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application (It’s that easy!)

Things to Remember

Important - Check Deadlines & Qualifications

Watch out! Scholarship deadlines can come up faster than you think. All students applying for CIEE funding must complete the CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants task on their application by the published deadline. Applications completed after CIEE deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and funding may not be awarded.

Scholarships & Grants Caps

Scholarship and grant totals cannot exceed the caps established for each term. If you are selected for multiple awards, CIEE may need to reduce the size of your awards to stay within the maximum cap amounts listed below.

Spring : $5,000 Fall : $5,000 Summer : $2,500 One Block : $2,500 Two Blocks (Quarter) : $4,000 Three Blocks (Semester) : $5,000 January: $500 GAIN Travel Grants based on need

• Terms & Conditions

**Need-Based Grants: Students must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates and provide proof of an eligible application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. 

***Need-Based Grants: Students with an SAI of 10,000 or less must submit their CIEE Scholarships & Grants application by these dates to be guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant. Students with SAIs above 10,000 should still apply, but they will be considered after the Scholarships and Grants Deadline. The GAIN Travel Grant is valid toward outbound and return airfare on CIEE programs. This is a credit with our partner travel agency and has no cash value. If you are selected for a GAIN Travel Grant, CIEE will not reimburse you for out of pocket travel costs. If your institution covers your flights, you are not eligible for a GAIN Travel Grant.

Request Information

© 2024 CIEE. All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Notice

11 Secrets to Winning Study Abroad Scholarships

Explore our tips and tricks to improve your study abroad scholarship applications.

•  Share on Facebook
•  Share on Twitter
•  Share on Pinterest

Key Takeaways 🔑

• Scholarship applications take hard work but can be well worth the time.
• Consider less popular destinations to improve your scholarship chances.
• Go above and beyond! Ensure your application is about more than just yourself.

Before I turned 18, I had never left the country before . My parents didn't have the money to send me to college, so I knew early on that getting a scholarship to go to school would be critical. I applied to 13 universities and wound up with a full ride to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Once at UNC, I vowed to go abroad as soon as I could find a way to afford it. I applied for dozens of scholarships, was awarded 5, and spent every summer and a semester overseas. I studied Mandarin in China , did research on non-profits in Guatemala, studied the Chinese diaspora in Egypt, and even won a free spring break trip to South Korea. This experience has taught me a number of lessons on finding, applying, and receiving funding to study abroad. Read on for my top tips on funding your study abroad experience .

Your odds of getting money to study, volunteer, or intern abroad might be far higher than you expect.

While many scholarships are very competitive, there are plenty of others that may be easier to win than you think. Your odds of getting money to study, volunteer, or intern abroad might be far higher than you expect -- you just have to identify the opportunities, tell an honest, compelling story, and hit "apply!"

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in setting up a financial plan for going overseas is not even applying for study abroad scholarships .

Here are 11 tips for study abroad scholarship applications to help make your dreams of studying abroad a reality.

1. Be prepared to work hard on your study abroad scholarship applications

When trying to get a scholarship, whether for full-time study or for study abroad, you will need to put in the work. It'll take time, so set up a schedule where you can designate up to 3 hours to work on applications. You'll probably need to apply to half a dozen opportunities for every one you hope to win, depending on your circumstances.

2. Make a list of everything you qualify for

Start with your home university, then move on to external providers. Meet with folks at the career center or study abroad office. Find out what's available, who's eligible, what the requirements are, and when the deadline is. Make a spreadsheet in Excel or Google Drive.

Then move on to Google. Search "study abroad + undergraduate + scholarship + country/language/major" and add those to the list. You're going to wind up applying to as many as possible.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Our latest list of study abroad scholarships and grants
• The Go Overseas's study abroad scholarships page
• General Scholarship Search Engines

3. Understand the organization's goals and values

Before starting an application, you have to understand your audience. Look at what the organization does, their mission statement or values page, and understand what seems important to them and how they talk about themselves. Then identify those keywords and values, and make sure you work those into your application in a way that you relate to.

4. Understand how they evaluate candidates

What are the qualifications the organization is looking for in prospective scholarship recipients? Look at past winners or the detailed FAQ on their website. Re-read the parts where they describe how candidates will be evaluated. Keep coming back to this and checking yourself and your application against these criteria. Be sure to highlight areas in which you relate -- but always be honest and genuine!

5. Consider studying critical languages and going to less commonly-visited countries

This is part of the reason I wound up studying Mandarin so many years ago: there was so much support for it! While most US students are looking to go to Europe , there are lots of scholarships for those who want to get off the beaten path.

If those regions or languages appeal to you, consider taking the leap and refocusing on those opportunities. If 100 students want to study in Spain , your odds are 1:100; if 15 students want to study in Ghana , your odds are 1:15.

Even if you want to study a more popular language, try doing so in a less popular destination. For example, apply to study French in Senegal instead of France or Spanish in Panama instead of Spain.

6. Essay tip: avoid generic statements at all costs

Whoever you are, you have a unique and compelling story worth being told. So don't say things like, "I want to immerse myself in new cultures" or "I've always been interested in Arabic." Tell the story about the refugee family that moved down the block, or how you love Egyptian cinema, or how your friendship with an exchange student in middle school inspired you. Make your interests come alive through concise stories and personal experiences.

Talk to your professors or other possible references early, and get the verbal okay that they'll support you.

Re-read your essay when it's done. ensure it is entirely unique to you and only you . Proofreading is essential, so try to get friends or family to read it over as well.

7. Include a plan for giving back

Even if the scholarship doesn't require it, volunteer your ideas for how you'll bring your experience back home to help others. Will you make short videos about famous landmarks in Asia and share them with the primary school teachers? Will you have a blog? Do a photography exhibition?

Make sure it's something you can follow through on, but an orientation to using your time overseas for the benefit of more than just yourself is always appreciated.

8. Spend the time to get stellar recommendations

Talk to your professors or other possible references early. Get the verbal okay that they'll support you, and then hand-deliver them a package that includes a concise list of bullet-pointed information about the scholarship and about you. Include a few specific examples of why you qualify and your resume.

This makes it easy for references to write you a good letter of recommendation, should the scholarship require it.

9. Double check eligibility and application requirements

Before submitting anything, double-check that you meet all the eligibility requirements and have all aspects of the application satisfactorily completed. Many students wind up being disqualified because they've simply forgotten something.

Also, go back to the essays. If the prompt asked you to talk about your leadership experience, community involvement, and interest in the country or region, have you done all three? This extra attention to the prompt will go a long way!

10. Print it out and read everything out loud

It's hard to proofread things on a screen. Once you've finished your essays and have an updated resume, print it all out and read every word out loud -- even your resume. Read through your application line-by-line, and correct grammar and typos in red pen.

Edit the digital version, and repeat the process until there are no errors. A few typos could stand between you and several thousand dollars, so this time will be well spent.

11. Apply early

Even if there's no preference indicated for early applicants, remember that all applications are being reviewed by humans -- humans who most likely have other jobs and responsibilities besides selecting scholarship winners. Once the deadline is reached, those evaluators will be inundated with applications and may start skimming through applications.

You have the best shot of winning when someone reads your story, relates to it, and finds it an appealing fit for their organization's money. If your application is in a stack of ten because you applied early, it is perhaps more likely to get a thorough read-through.

Remember, every little bit helps. Even if a scholarship award is only $1,500, that's your round-trip international airfare right there! It all adds up.

If it's in a stack of 100 along with everyone else who applied just in time, your chances could be decreased. This is just a theory I have, but it never hurts to apply early and look eager. An added bonus is you won't risk having to rush at the last minute, which will be noticeable in your application.

It all adds up

Remember, every little bit helps towards funding your study abroad experience. Even if a scholarship award is only $1,500, that's your round-trip international airfare right there! It all adds up. Not to mention, once you've completed one scholarship application, it's much easier to re-purpose your essays and recommendations to apply for dozens of other opportunities. It's a numbers game, and if you have a strong profile and determination, you can have a strong chance of being awarded funding.

It's also worthwhile to mention persistence. Maybe this year, you don't receive any scholarships. That just means you need to continue to do well in school, find outlets for your international interests that will improve your eligibility, and re-apply next year.

Ready to start applying? Check out the latest study abroad scholarships and grants you can apply for today!

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

Undergraduate study abroad scholarships

CSE has study abroad scholarships for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a CSE degree-seeking program and participating in an approved University of Minnesota study abroad program. Students may also receive scholarships from the University Learning Abroad Center and are encouraged to apply for both.

Plan early and check the scholarship deadlines in advance. Also, it is important to meet with a Learning Abroad advisor and a CSE Abroad specialist to discuss in advance to learn more about requirements.

Important Information

Open to CSE undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a CSE degree-seeking program and participating in an approved University of Minnesota study abroad program.

Scholarships are awarded during several terms throughout the academic year. Apply for the deadline that corresponds with the term you will be abroad. For programs with an on-campus component, the term you are registered for may be different than the term you will be abroad. For example, if you are going on a Winter Break study program that has additional requirements during Spring Semester, apply for the Winter Break deadline instead of Spring Semester.

Students may also receive scholarships from the  University Learning Abroad Center , and you are encouraged to apply for both. The essay instructions for the CSE Study Abroad scholarship are substantially the same as the essay instructions for the Learning Abroad Center scholarships, which have the same deadline.

+ Essay Requirements

• Put your name and student ID in the upper right-hand corner
• What motivated you to select your particular study abroad program?
• What academic, career, or personal goals were part of your decision?
• Needs to be 350 words maximum 
• Double-spaced

Important note: “Academic” goals do not need to be related to your major; we are looking for you to describe how the program coursework and/or components are relevant to your goals. Regardless of what type of goal(s) you are focusing on, explain how your goal(s) enhances intellectual learning and professional development. Applications will be evaluated based on how thoroughly you answer the specific essay question, and how well your essay is written, in terms of grammar, punctuation and organization.

• Winter break, spring break, May term, or summer term 2025 programs — $1,000
• Fall semester 2025, spring semester 2025, calendar year 2025, or academic year 2025–26 programs — $2,000

+ Deadlines and Application Information

• Apply online for winter break, spring semester, or calendar year 2025 programs — due Oct. 23, 2024
• Apply online for spring break, May term, or summer term 2025 programs — due Feb. 19, 2025
• Apply online for fall semester 2025 or academic year 2025–26 programs — due April 9, 2025

Important note: These deadlines coincide with the Learning Abroad Center scholarship deadlines, and you are encouraged to apply for both!

The CSE Abroad Team will help you choose and plan your science and engineering learn abroad experience. Feel free to contact us: Lind Hall , Suite 109 612-624-5091 [email protected]

More About Learn Abroad

• Exchange programs
• Global seminars
• International internships, research, and service
• Ireland Summer Session for First-Year CSE Students
• Plan ahead for study abroad
• Future undergraduate students
• Future transfer students
• Future graduate students
• Future international students
• Diversity and Inclusion Opportunities
• Learn abroad
• Living Learning Communities
• Mentor programs
• Programs for women
• Student groups
• Visit, Apply & Next Steps
• Information for current students
• Departments and majors overview
• Departments
• Undergraduate majors
• Graduate programs
• Integrated Degree Programs
• Additional degree-granting programs
• Online learning
• Academic Advising overview
• Academic Advising FAQ
• Academic Advising Blog
• Appointments and drop-ins
• Academic support
• Commencement
• Four-year plans
• Honors advising
• Policies, procedures, and forms
• Career Services overview
• Resumes and cover letters
• Jobs, internships, and co-ops
• Interviews and job offers
• CSE Career Fair
• Major and career exploration
• Graduate school
• Collegiate Life overview
• Scholarships
• Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance
• Anderson Student Innovation Labs
• Information for alumni
• Get engaged with CSE
• Upcoming events
• CSE Alumni Society Board
• Alumni volunteer interest form
• Golden Medallion Society Reunion
• 50-Year Reunion
• Alumni honors and awards
• Outstanding Achievement
• Alumni Service
• Distinguished Leadership
• Honorary Doctorate Degrees
• Nobel Laureates
• Alumni resources
• Alumni career resources
• Alumni news outlets
• CSE branded clothing
• International alumni resources
• Inventing Tomorrow magazine
• Update your info
• CSE giving overview
• Why give to CSE?
• College priorities
• Give online now
• External relations
• Giving priorities
• CSE Dean's Club
• Donor stories
• Impact of giving
• Ways to give to CSE
• Matching gifts
• CSE directories
• Invest in your company and the future
• Recruit our students
• Connect with researchers
• K-12 initiatives
• Diversity initiatives
• Research news
• Give to CSE
• CSE priorities
• Corporate relations
• Information for faculty and staff
• Administrative offices overview
• Office of the Dean
• Academic affairs
• Finance and Operations
• Communications
• Human resources
• Undergraduate programs and student services
• CSE Committees
• CSE policies overview
• Academic policies
• Faculty hiring and tenure policies
• Finance policies and information
• Graduate education policies
• Human resources policies
• Research policies
• Research overview
• Research centers and facilities
• Research proposal submission process
• Research safety
• Award-winning CSE faculty
• National academies
• University awards
• Honorary professorships
• Collegiate awards
• Other CSE honors and awards
• Staff awards
• Performance Management Process
• Work. With Flexibility in CSE
• K-12 outreach overview
• Summer camps
• Outreach events
• Enrichment programs
• Field trips and tours
• CSE K-12 Virtual Classroom Resources
• Educator development
• Sponsor an event

How to Start a Scholarship Essay That Gets Noticed

Starting a college scholarship essay can feel like a big deal, and it is! Your words are the first thing standing between you and the chance to graduate without student debt. In fact, research shows that students who win scholarships are 40% more likely to graduate debt-free. That’s a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. 

But here’s the thing: your introduction paragraph isn’t just about making a good impression — it’s about standing out in a pile of applications.

To help you out, this article will break down an example of how to start a scholarship essay that grabs scholarship provider attention right from the first sentence. We'll show you the strategies for opening with impact, setting the tone for your essay, and aligning your story with what scholarship committees care about.

And look, if after all this you’re still not sure how to hit that perfect note, DoMyEssay is always ready to step in and help. No messy drafts, no pulling your hair out. Just clear writing that does the heavy lifting for you.

Turn Heads, Not Pages

Your story, our words — let’s create an essay that demands attention!

Understanding the Prompt

First things first: don’t rush past the scholarship essays prompt. It’s easy to think you know what the scholarship committee is looking for, but really reading it carefully makes all the difference. Missing a small detail could mean crafting an essay that doesn’t even answer what they’re asking.

Break the prompt down and look closely at what the committee is asking for. Do they want to hear about your leadership experience? Your career goals for the future? Maybe how you’ve dealt with tough situations? Whatever it is, your essay should focus on that. Think of the prompt as a checklist of what the committee wants to see. If you stick to it, you’re already ahead.

If you’re not sure how to organize your thoughts, check out this essay structure guide to help keep everything on track and make sure you’re hitting all the important points.

Brainstorming Ideas

Before you even think about writing, it’s helpful to spend some time brainstorming and just getting all your thoughts out so you have something to work with. Trust me, it’s way easier to start writing when you’ve got a bunch of ideas ready rather than staring at a blank page hoping inspiration will strike.

Here are a few simple ways you can do it:

• Mind mapping : Grab a pen and paper, put your main idea in the middle, and start branching off with related thoughts or stories. It’s a quick and easy way to organize everything visually.
• Free writing : Set a timer for 10 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about making sense or grammar, just write whatever comes to mind. You’ll be surprised at what you can come up with when you stop overthinking.
• Make a list : Sometimes the simplest way works best. Write a quick list of anything relevant to the topic: stories, achievements, challenges. This helps you see what you’ve got and what could be useful.

Crafting a Strong Hook

The hook is the first sentence of your college scholarship essay, and it’s important because it pulls the reader in right from the start. You want them to be curious, interested, and ready to learn more about you. A strong hook sets the tone and gets the reader wanting to read further.

Here are 5 examples of different types of hooks you could use:

• Personal anecdote : “I never thought a broken bicycle could teach me so much about persistence, but that’s exactly what happened one summer afternoon.”
• Bold statement : “I’ve failed more times than I can count, but every failure has led me to where I am today.”
• Surprising fact : “Only 3% of foster kids go on to graduate from college. I’m determined to be part of that 3%.”
• Question that makes them think : “What would you do if you had to choose between paying rent or buying textbooks?”
• Quote : “‘The best way to predict the future is to create it,’ said Abraham Lincoln, and that’s the mindset I’ve carried through every challenge.”

Whatever hook you choose, make sure it connects with the main idea of your essay. It should lead naturally into your story or the point you’re going to make, setting up the rest of your essay with a strong start.

Introducing Yourself

When introducing yourself in a college scholarship application or essay, first impressions matter. You want to stand out in a way that makes the reader remember you. It’s all about finding the right balance between sharing personal stories and showcasing your achievements. Too much focus on one or the other can make your essay feel incomplete.

For example, if you’ve led a community project, don’t just list it. Talk about why it mattered to you and how it shaped who you are. Instead of saying, “I’m hardworking,” show it through a story, like how you worked two jobs while maintaining a top GPA. This way, the committee sees both your personality and your qualifications in action.

And keep the tone in mind as well. You want to come across as authentic and confident, without sounding overly formal or casual. 

Aligning with the Scholarship’s Mission

When writing a college scholarship essay, it’s super important to know who’s giving you the scholarship and what they stand for. Every organization has its own values and goals, and they want to support students who align with that. So, before you start writing scholarship essays, do a little research on the organization to understand what matters most to them.

Once you know their values, tweak your essay intro paragraph to reflect that. If they care about leadership, show how you’ve led. If they focus on community service, talk about your volunteer work. The goal is to subtly weave their mission into your story — without overdoing it.

Here’s how you can connect your intro to the scholarship’s values:

Developing a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is basically the main point of your essay wrapped up in one sentence. It tells the reader what your essay is really about and gives them an idea of where you’re going with your story. 

In a college scholarship essay, the thesis should clearly show your goal and how it connects to the scholarship program's mission. Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Focus on your main message.
• Be specific: don’t just say “I want to help people.” Say how and why .
• Make sure it ties directly to the prompt or what the scholarship values.

Here are some examples of clear, strong thesis statements:

• “My goal is to become a first-generation college graduate and use my degree to open doors for underrepresented students like me.”
• “Growing up in a small rural community taught me the value of access to healthcare, and I’m determined to become a doctor who serves similar communities.”
• “Through my experience leading environmental clean-up efforts, I’ve realized my passion for sustainability and plan to pursue a career in environmental policy.”

Mistakes to Avoid in the Introduction

Your introduction matters. It’s your first chance to grab the reader’s attention, and starting off on the wrong foot can hurt your chances. 

Let’s talk about some common mistakes students make and how you can avoid them by being clear, using specific examples, and using active voice.

Being Too Generic

Starting with something like, “I’ve always wanted to help people ” or “I’m dedicated” is just toooo broad. It doesn’t tell the reader anything unique about you. Instead, get specific and personal. Share a moment that shaped you — something only you could say.

• Weak Example : "I’m passionate about making a difference."
• Stronger Example : "Helping my elderly neighbor fix his roof after a storm made me realize how much small acts of kindness can impact a community."

Using Clichés

Clichés like “I want to change the world” or “I’ve always loved learning” can make your article sound like everyone else’s. The reader has seen it all before. Be original and avoid overused phrases by focusing on your real, specific life experiences.

• Weak Example : "I want to change the world."
• Stronger Example : "After tutoring kids in my neighborhood, I realized how much a little guidance can change someone’s entire academic path."

Starting with a Boring Fact or Statement

Avoid starting a great essay with something dry like, “My name is Sarah, and I’m applying for this scholarship.” This isn’t a form. Your essay should grab attention right from the start. Begin with a personal story, a strong statement, or something that makes the reader curious about you.

• Weak Example : "I’m applying for this scholarship because I need financial aid."
• Stronger Example : "Working two part-time jobs in high school taught me how to balance responsibility and ambition, and now I’m ready to take that to the next level in college."

Finally, don’t overlook the power of proper punctuation ! Using it correctly can make your writing clearer and more impactful. 

Bring Your Ideas to Life

Turn your ideas into a powerful scholarship essay. We make it easy!

Scholarship Essay Introduction Example

Here’s an example of how to start a college scholarship application essay that feels real, gets attention, and flows naturally:

• Start with a personal, real-life hook : "When my little brother was diagnosed with autism, our whole family had to learn how to live in a completely different way. I didn’t really get it at first — why he couldn’t just communicate like the rest of us — but over time, I became the one who helped him in a world that wasn’t built for him."
• Explain how this shaped you : "Taking on this role made me see the gaps in how we treat people with disabilities. It wasn’t just about my brother — it was about everyone like him. I became his biggest advocate, not just because he’s my brother, but because I knew kids like him deserved more."
• End with a strong, clear thesis : "This scholarship for the Speech and Language Pathology program will give me the chance to study special education so I can help kids like my brother get the support they need, and make sure they don’t have to face the same struggles alone."

This way, the introduction now clearly ties the story to the specific program you’re applying for.

Let’s Bring It Home

Alright, you’ve got everything you need to write a strong college scholarship essay. Start with a hook that grabs attention, tie it to your personal story, and end with a clear thesis that connects your future goals with the scholarship’s mission. Follow those steps, and you’re setting yourself up for success.

But if you still need some extra help, DoMyEssay’s scholarship essay writing service is here to make the process of college admissions even easier. Less stress, more results!

How Do You Write a Good Introduction for a Scholarship Essay?

What is a good hook for a scholarship essay.

• The College Investor. (n.d.). How to graduate college without student loan debt . The College Investor. https://thecollegeinvestor.com/38787/graduate-college-no-student-loan-debt/
• Children's Rights. (n.d.). College graduation: A bittersweet success for former foster youth . Children's Rights. https://www.childrensrights.org/news-voices/college-graduation-a-bittersweet-success-for-former-foster-youth

Scholarships

Earn awards for study abroad.

You want to invest in your future by studying abroad, and UCEAP wants to help make that happen. By defraying costs and reducing loan debt, UCEAP scholarships make study abroad accessible to students of all backgrounds and majors.

You could be eligible for thousands in scholarships.

Whether you're studying in a country in Asia, working at an internship, or going for just a summer, there could be a scholarship tailored for the program of your choice. And it's easy—a single application covers most UCEAP scholarships. But, why stop there? Apply for multiple scholarships and make your dream happen.

donated to Global Day of Giving

types of UCEAP awards

application covers most awards

Core eligibility requirements.

All UC students going on an outbound UCEAP program, including international students, are eligible for UCEAP scholarships. To be considered for a UCEAP scholarship or award, you must:

• Be currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at UC.
• Plan to attend an outbound UCEAP study abroad program and ultimately be selected for it.
• Maintain good standing, which includes completing all predeparture requirements and meeting all deadlines set by UCEAP and your UC campus study abroad office.
• Certain awards may have specific eligibility requirements, please see below for further details. 

For scholarship deadlines, please consult the application portal . Check scholarship descriptions for restrictions on combining specific UCEAP scholarships. 

Contact  [email protected] .

Tailored Scholarships

geared to term and destination

Awards once you return

for superior work in research or an internship

UCEAP Scholarships

UCEAP aims to make study abroad accessible to all UC students. The UCEAP Global Scholarship ranges from $1,000 for summer to $2,000 for fall, spring, or academic year programs.

Up to $2,000

Global Scholarships can't be combined with scholarships named for an individual. However, it may be combined with a Duttenhaver, Paul Duttenhaver Extension Award, or Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship.

Eligibility

To be considered for a Global Scholarship, you must:

• Meet the core eligibility requirements

How to Apply

To apply, submit:

• a Global Scholarship application
• a statement of purpose: 750 words or less

Learn more about the scholarship and its deadlines.

Skilled in filmmaking or have experience creating content for social media platforms? UCEAP offers awards to students who want to highlight their program experience through content creation in the form of photographs, videos, and social media content.

Four students will receive this award.

To be considered for a scholarship, you must:

• Plan to study abroad in any UCEAP program and ultimately be selected
• an application to the UCEAP Social Media Scholarship
• a 300-word essay explaining your experience with social media
• an example portfolio showcasing your skills with social media content creation

The Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship provides eight $8,000 awards yearly to students studying abroad for a full academic year. 

This award can be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual. It may not be combined with a Duttenhaver or a Paul Duttenhaver Extension Award.

• Plan to study abroad with UCEAP for a full academic year and ultimately be selected
• an application to the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship
• statement of purpose: 750 words or less
• an optional letter of recommendation

The Duttenhaver Scholars Program provides over 25 awards of $5,000 each to students who participate in year-long UCEAP programs.

This award can be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual. It may not be combined with a Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship.

To be considered for a Duttenhaver scholarship, you must:

• Plan to study abroad with UCEAP in the same country for a full academic year
• a Duttenhaver Scholarship application
• a statement of academic preparation: 250 words or less
• a statement of financial need: 250 words or less

About the Donor

A true supporter of international education and UCEAP, Linda Duttenhaver provides a generous donation annually to make the Duttenhaver scholarships possible. 

Thinking about extending your study abroad experience? The Paul Duttenhaver Extension Scholars Program provides up to 16 scholarships of $2,500 for UCEAP students like you.

This award can be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual. It may not be combined with a Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship or Duttenhaver Scholarship.

To be considered for a Paul Duttenhaver Extension scholarship, you must:

• File paperwork with UCEAP to extend from a quarter or semester term to full year abroad in the same country 
• a Paul Duttenhaver Extension Scholarship application
• an extension statement of purpose: 750 words or less

A true supporter of international education and UCEAP, Linda Duttenhaver provides a generous donation annually to make the Paul Duttenhaver Extension Scholarships possible.

The Founders Prize in Entrepreneurship aims to support and motivate future changemakers whose academic and professional interests will contribute innovative and sustainable solutions to complex global problems through entrepreneurship. The prize will be awarded annually to a student participating in the Business and Entrepreneurship program in London .

• Plan to participate in the  Business and Entrepreneurship program in London  and ultimately be selected
• Indicate your intention to attend the Business and Entrepreneurship program on your conditional study abroad application
• Submit an application to the Founder's Prize opportunity

The Founders Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership aims to support and motivate future changemakers whose academic and professional interests will contribute innovative and sustainable solutions to complex global problems through community engagement and leadership. The prize will be awarded annually to a student participating in the Social Justice and Activism program in Paris.

• Plan to participate in the Social Justice and Activism program and ultimately be selected
• Indicate your intention to attend the Social Justice and Activism program on your conditional study abroad application

Planning to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Spain, or the Americas? A UCEAP Memorial Scholarship can help you reach your goal. The fund provides four scholarships annually, honoring students who study abroad in these four regions.

• Plan to study in a UCEAP program in Africa, Asia, Spain, or the Americas, and ultimately be selected
• a Global Scholarship application (*Candidates will be selected internally from top-ranking Global Scholarship applications).

If you are a former or current foster youth, the UCEAP Guardian Scholars program can support your dream of going on a UCEAP study abroad program.

Up to $2,500

• Plan to study in a UCEAP program and ultimately be selected
• Be a current or former participant in the foster care system
• a Global Scholarship application (your statement of purpose should describe how your experiences in foster care influenced your decision to study abroad).

The Jasmine Jahanshahi Scholarship supports students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to global issues. Two scholarships of $2,500 each will be offered yearly to students participating in semester or yearlong UCEAP programs.

This award can’t be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual. It may be combined with a Duttenhaver, Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship, or a Paul Duttenhaver Extension Award.

To be considered for a Jasmine Jahanshahi Scholarship, you must:

• a Global Scholarship application (*Candidates will be selected internally from top-ranking Global Scholarship applications).

The Olivia Chan Shipp Scholarship provides up to four $2,500 awards yearly to students studying in Italy. 

• Plan to study in a UCEAP program in Italy

Note: preference is given to students majoring in Global Studies

The Gallen Family Scholarship is an annual award given to students studying abroad in Italy in the fall.

This award can’t be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual.

• Plan to participate in a fall study abroad program in Italy

Note: Preference will be given to students focusing on language acquisition.

An urban historian who studied and lived in Venice and Paris prior to moving to UC Riverside in 1969, Dr. Theda Shapiro taught French and Italian history, language, and culture for 40 years. During that time, she also worked closely with UCEAP over two decades, serving in many capacities including Associate Dean.

The Theda Shapiro Scholarship program provides two $1,000 summer and three $2,000 fall or spring scholarships to students studying a foreign language.

• Plan to study in a UCEAP foreign language program
• submit a Global Scholarship application (*Candidates will be selected internally from top-ranking Global Scholarship applications).
• tailor your statement of purpose to reflect your passion for language study

The UCEAP Videography Scholarship in Memory of Albert G. Minassians will support creative students with a passion for photography and videography. The $2,000 prize will be awarded annually to a student participating in the University of California Education Abroad Program.

$2,000 

This award can be combined with a Global Scholarship or scholarship named for an individual.

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be willing to submit a final project highlighting their UCEAP study abroad experience in a well-produced 3- to 5-minute video as well as 10 photographs across varying subjects taken while abroad.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, submit: 

• an application to the UCEAP Videography Scholarship in Memory of Albert G. Minassians 

Learn more about the scholarship and its deadlines. 

About Albert G. Minassians:  Albert Minassians was an outdoors man. He loved the art of nature, how something so wondrous could come about spontaneously. Any and all opportunity he could find Albert would spend away from the clamor of the city. He preferred the serenity of mountains, rivers, forests, and meadows. As a young man Albert took interest in technology, computer programming, and film. In the 1970s, he worked at radio stations behind the scenes in the control room, and as a camera-man for news broadcasts. He loved the medium of film, and that was reflected in his love for Star Trek; a show that touched his yearning for exploration, discovery, and technology. He was mesmerized by Captain Kirk and his crew visiting other worlds, exploring new natures, and discovering new cultures. He was a man that truly had the itch of wanderlust. Due to circumstances beyond his control,

Albert was unable to travel himself throughout his life. However, he did all he could to send his niece abroad, to give her the opportunities to experience what he was not able: to experience, discover, and appreciate more than just a pocket of reality.

It is with great honor his family offers the Albert G. Minassians Memorial Scholarship which showcases his generosity by sending people abroad, to boldly go where they have not gone before. For all the creatives out there, go, experience, explore, and discover

The Mara Melandry Scholarship provides one award yearly to a student studying in Italy during the summer. 

• Plan to participate in a summer  study abroad program in Italy

Mara Melandry, an alumna of UC Berkeley, was in the second cohort of students (1964-65) to spend the year at the University of Padova in Italy. The experience is one that she has cherished her entire life because it opened so many doors for her.

The Potter-Engelskirger México Lindo y Querido Scholarship provides one $1,000 award yearly to a student studying abroad in Mexico over the summer. 

• Plan to participate in a summer  study abroad program in Mexico

Daniel Potter-Engelskirger, an alum of UC San Diego, studied abroad at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2012.

Dr. Zachary Potter-Engelskirger, an alum of UC San Diego, studied abroad at the University of Cambridge in 2012. 

The University of Sydney Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship provides one full accommodation waiver for one 20-week contract during the fall/spring semester at the Queen Mary Building. 

1 full accommodation waiver 

• Plan to participate in a semester long study abroad program at the University of Sydney .
• an application to the University of Sydney Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship.

About the Accommodation

Queen Mary Building (QMB) is our featured on-campus accommodation option and always enjoyed by students. Enjoy the benefits of your own single room with access to shared bathrooms on each floor, together with lots of opportunities to socialize with your fellow students. Facilities include a gym, theatre, music rooms, communal kitchen & dining room, lounge areas, 24/7 security staff presence, and more.  There’s also a rooftop terrace with a delightful view of the city! 

Awards available once you return

Get rewarded for your career training while abroad on a UCEAP program. Internship Awards of $750 recognize students who have distinguished themselves through internships conducted while studying abroad with UCEAP.

To be considered for an award, you must:

• Have participated in a professional internship—for credit or not for credit—in any academic discipline while abroad on a UCEAP program.
• Apply by the application deadline directly following the term in which you completed your internship abroad.

How to Apply, submit:

• UCEAP Internship Awards application
• Reflective essay (must be between 1,000-1,500 words)
• Three to five photos or a video
• Sample of your completed work

Contact [email protected] . 

These awards recognize undergraduate students who have conducted exceptional research while studying abroad on UCEAP. Awards are offered annually for research projects in all disciplines.

$1,000 to $1,500

• Be an undergraduate
• Be a former or current UCEAP student
• Have conducted research in any academic discipline as an undergraduate student in a UCEAP program
• Have completed a final paper or project based on that research by the end of the spring term
• Have been enrolled at a UC campus within six months of the application deadline

To apply, you will need:

• Program description (approximately one page)
• Project description (approximately two pages)
• Education abroad experience (approximately one page)
• A faculty recommendation letter
• Project output (optional, but encouraged)
• Photo and/or video (also optional, also encouraged)

Steps to apply:

• See the application guide for details.
• Submit your application.

Contact [email protected]

More scholarship resources

Study abroad scholarships, scholarships by country, scholarship search tools.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program : Provides more than 2,300 scholarships of up to $8,000 each for US undergraduate students, who receive federal Pell Grant funding and plan to study abroad.

Boren Awards for International Study : Provide up to $20,000 to US undergraduate students to study abroad in geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to US national security, broadly defined.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): Offers scholarships for students attending CIEE-affiliated UCEAP programs in Botswana, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Germany, Jordan, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, and South Africa as well as academic merit and need-based scholarships.

Diversity Abroad.com Overseas Ambassador Scholarship : Offers $500 scholarships for fall and spring semester study abroad students.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia : Provide $3,000 to $7,000 scholarships to students studying abroad during the summer, semester, or academic year in one of 15 countries/regions in East and Southeast Asia.

Fund for Education Abroad : Provides general scholarships of up to $10,000 each.

Gillman-McCain Scholarship : Awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active-duty service members to study or intern abroad. 

Go Overseas Study & Intern Abroad Scholarship : Offers two $500 scholarships on a biannual basis.

Hostelling International : Awards an annual travel grant of $1,000 to residents of the greater San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles areas, including Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship : Awards $1,000 and a Tortuga or Tortuga Air backpack.

Study abroad scholarships for Australia

The University of Sydney offers a housing waiver scholarship through the Fund for Education Abroad  (apply through the UCEAP Global Scholarship).

Study abroad scholarships for China

Chinese Ministry of Education Scholarships: Provide awards covering all in-country costs, including tuition, housing, and an appropriate stipend for students studying in China.

Study abroad scholarships for Denmark

The Upper Midwest Rebild Scholarship:  Offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for U.S. students studying in Denmark.

Study abroad scholarships for Egypt

The American University in Cairo : Awards U.S. study abroad students in any discipline or to support study in the Arabic language intensive programs (semester or summer). These scholarships can be used towards tuition, AUC housing costs, or received as a stipend.

The American University in Cairo : Awards U.S. study abroad students who enroll in political science, history, or Middle East studies-related courses at AUC. Applicants are not required to be a Middle East studies major. It is awarded initially for one semester and may be renewable for a second semester based on academic progress. It can be used to cover tuition and/or AUC housing costs.

Study abroad scholarships for Germany

Delta Phi Alpha Scholarship : Offers a prize of $1,500 to a Delta Phi Alpha member studying abroad in a German-speaking country.

Study abroad scholarships for Japan

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan: Awards 100 scholarships of $2,500-$4,000 annually to undergraduate students for study in Japan.

The U.S.-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship:  Awards financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program.

Japan Student Services Organization Scholarships: Offer scholarships for international students who are accepted by a Japanese university, junior college, or college of technology.

Study abroad scholarships for New Zealand

Education New Zealand: Provides $2,000 scholarships to help students pay for their flight to New Zealand.

Study abroad scholarships for Sweden

American Women’s Club in Sweden: Awards a travel grant to an American woman studying in Sweden.

Study abroad scholarships for UK - England and UK - Scotland

AASAP Lord Acton Memorial Scholarship : Offers merit-based scholarships of £500 and £1000 for study abroad in the United Kingdom.

The British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association's (BUTEX) North American Scholarship Program : Awards £500 scholarships to undergraduates from the US or Canada to study at a BUTEX-affiliated UK university.

Snowdon Awards Scheme for Students with Disabilities : Provides grants of up £2,500 to help cover disability-related costs for students with a physical or sensory disability who are studying at a college or university in the UK.

The studyabroad.com Forum on Financial Aid

FinAid: The Financial Aid Information Page

FastWeb Scholarship Search

International Financial Aid College Scholarship Search

International Student Loan Programs

BestColleges.com Scholarship Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students

BestColleges.com Scholarship Guide for African American Students

How to get study abroad scholarships

Navigating Scholarships to Study Abroad: A First-Gen Student’s Roadmap

Furthering my mother’s legacy through study abroad

Secrets to study abroad when you’re broke

We Trust in Human Precision

20,000+ Professional Language Experts Ready to Help. Expertise in a variety of Niches.

API Solutions

• API Pricing
• Cost estimate
• Customer loyalty program
• Educational Discount
• Non-Profit Discount
• Green Initiative Discount1

Value-Driven Pricing

Unmatched expertise at affordable rates tailored for your needs. Our services empower you to boost your productivity.

• Special Discounts
• Enterprise transcription solutions
• Enterprise translation solutions
• Transcription/Caption API
• AI Transcription Proofreading API

Trusted by Global Leaders

GoTranscript is the chosen service for top media organizations, universities, and Fortune 50 companies.

GoTranscript

One of the Largest Online Transcription and Translation Agencies in the World. Founded in 2005.

Speaker 1: Hi everyone, my name is Linda, but you can also call me Sakarihime. And if you can't tell by my channel name already, I am a really big fucking weeb. And I base off my entire personality on the fact that I lived in Japan for about a year. If you're clicking on this video, you're probably thinking, how did this dumb bitch study in Japan for free? Did I have a sugar daddy? No. But if you are interested, my DMs are open. Today I'll be talking about how I studied in Japan for free through... A really long drum roll. Scholarships. This is definitely going to be a very long video. I have listed the timestamps here and in the description box below. Where was your study abroad university? In 2018, I studied abroad at the International Christian University located in Mitaka, Tokyo. The Japanese pronunciation of that is the Kokusai Kristokyo Daigaku. How did you enroll into this university? I originally found out about ICU through my home university, which is the Ohio State University. Being a Japanese accounting major, the department really pushes you to try and broaden your horizons by studying abroad. ICU was one that was definitely on my list. I talked to my professor. He personally thought that ICU has one of the best Japanese language programs within central Tokyo. And I really wanted to be in an environment where I could meet a lot of Japanese people, but also have a lot of international friends. Let's talk money. Here's the budget sheet that my university gave me. Roughly around $10,000 is spent on tuition. And they estimated that you would need about an additional $15,000 for room and board, airfare, some visa costs, and personal expenses. GPA and stats. I had a 3.98 GPA. I was a first generation college student. I was the president and founder of a student-based volunteer organization here at Ohio State called Buckeyes for Baking. And I worked in Japan for about three months for a summer internship. Hello. I just wanted to say that you don't have to have the same stats as me in order to win a lot of scholarships. Everyone has different experiences and circumstances. So it's not fair to compare yourself to some random internet person. I've had friends who have never left the States before, had zero internship experience. But because of the fact that they showed on their essays that they were so passionate about learning Japanese, they were able to be fully funded also. So keep that in mind. Yeah, that's about it. So continue. To even be qualified for your study abroad programs to your university, most schools require you to have a 3.0 GPA or higher. But with that being said, if you want to be a competitive applicant and get a lot of scholarships, I'd recommend that you stay in the 3.5 GPA range or higher. What was your timeline? So in August, a year before I left, I met with my advisor to determine what university I wanted to study at, which was obviously ICU. From September to October, I gathered all the information on these scholarships that I could qualify for and put all this in an Excel sheet that I'll talk about a little bit later. From November to December, this is where I basically sat my ass down and worked on all my scholarship essays. So basically, I was at a coffee shop for the entire winter break every day for about two to three hours, typing out like 10 different scholarship essays. What scholarships did you apply to? So I applied to the Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship, the Bridging Foundation Scholarship, the US-Japan Council Watanabe Scholarship, the Jasso Scholarship, which is basically a scholarship through ICU, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, and a lot of local university scholarships through Ohio State. If we're adding all this up, I basically got around $44,000 in scholarships. I was only allowed to accept about $30,000 because of the fact that you're not legally allowed to accept an amount that's over your estimated cost of attendance for your university. How did you search for scholarships? The first one being your department website. If you're watching this video, I'm assuming that you are either a Japanese major or minor or planning to be one. Your department and your university will offer a lot of scholarships, especially for students who are intending to study abroad in Japan. Applying to scholarships that are really specific to your major is a really great way to access funds because of the fact that the application pool is a lot smaller compared to if you applied to a university-wide scholarship. Professors. Take this time to really utilize your professors and go to all their office hours. My sensei was actually on the board for one of the scholarships that I applied to. Obviously, he wasn't allowed to be there when they were critiquing my application. He did help improve my resume and wrote a couple rec letters for me. Upperclassmen. Look towards your senpais for any advice on how to apply for scholarships, especially the ones who have gone to study abroad programs before. If you don't know anyone that has studied abroad before, I'd recommend that you go to your education abroad office and ask to speak with a peer advisor. Getting organized. One of the hardest things, especially during this scholarship writing period, was keeping up with all the requirements in addition to the deadlines. So something that I used that really helped me was making an Excel sheet, as boring as that sounds. So here's my Excel sheet. I wrote the scholarship name, the deadline date, the amount of scholarship essays required, the amount of recommendation letters required in addition to any external things that they needed from me, whether that was proof of my mother's income and things of that sort. Asking for rec letters. Here are some tips when you are asking your professors for recommendation letters. One, print out your resume and any information about the scholarship that you're applying to. Ask for rec letters in advance. If you have a scholarship that's due on December 1st, you best believe you better ask a professor on November 1st. Don't ask your professors that you've never really talked to. I think that personally is so rude because how can you expect someone to write good things about you if they honestly have never even seen your face and you look indistinguishable from the hundreds of faces that they see every single day. Types of essays. Something that I noticed is a lot of the scholarship topics are pretty generic. I kind of have a list of like general topics that they might ask you to write about, so I'm gonna read it off now. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Describe a challenge that you had to overcome. What are your most important activities outside of school? How will the funds help you in your future endeavors? I think it's really, really important to kind of look back at yourself and ask, why am I studying abroad? Will studying abroad help me in my future endeavors? And how will I benefit the community and ultimately bring back those funds that were given to me? For me at least, I wrote about how going to Japan would further my speaking skills and ultimately help me for my occupation that I'd really like to have, which would be an international accountant. So working with Japanese and US companies and kind of forming this little hashi, this little bridge. Use as much imagery as possible when writing. You're basically compelling a random ass stranger to give you a shit ton of money. So you best believe you need to make it your story and draw them a picture of why you deserve this money compared to anyone else. Anyone can go up to someone and say like, oh yeah, Japan's really cool. I like Japanese. I'm a big fucking weeb. Take this time, tell your story, provide as much imagery as possible on who you are as a person and what you wanna accomplish through your study abroad. Reviewing your work. A month before your application is due, take this time to have all of your essays revised. This is a time you'll want to get your friends, family and external help involved. Google Docs is a really good resource because the fact that you can actually see their edits and their comments on why some of your sentences sound kind of funky. Last, I'd recommend that you go to the writing centers at your university. Basically, this is a place where people will be able to critique your resume, any scholarship essays that you have, et cetera. This is their job. So definitely utilize this resource. After everything has been edited, revised and rewritten over and over and over, close your laptop, put it away. And the next day, reread it out loud again. By now, you'll probably have zero mistakes and have your paper exactly the way you want it. So do yourself a favor and turn it in on time or even better, turn it early. The website portal that you're using to submit your scholarship essays into might potentially crash, especially if it's like an hour before everything is due. So I'd recommend that you submit the essay as early as possible. Now that you have submitted your application, you are fucking done. And now we can sit back and relax and check our emails every single day for about 20 times a day, just so you can see if you got rejected for a scholarship and then ultimately have to get student loans and have student debt. I really, really wish you guys the best of luck in all of your scholarship endeavors. Going to Japan was probably the best experience that I could ever ask for. I hope this video was helpful to you guys. And if it wasn't, well, shit, I don't know anymore. I do plan on making another video specifically related to my study abroad and all my experiences in Japan. So stay tuned for that. Like, comment, subscribe. We hate it, but we gotta say it. This is Linda signing off. And until next time, bye guys.