Studying abroad may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it can also be rather expensive. Yes! It’s true, studying abroad is a pricey undertaking, and it is not far-fetched to say that most students do not have a huge stack of money in the bank to fund their travel plans. According to the Student & Exchange Visitor Program, in the United States, there are over 1.2 million international students with academic or vocational status.
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Sure, you’d agree that having a wealthy uncle could make things simpler; however, finding ways to travel abroad without money does not have to be an unattainable feat. So if you’re in that category of students looking for ways to travel abroad without money, this article is for you.
To that effect, here are a few ways to study abroad with little or no money.
1. Do your research on scholarships
If you want to study abroad without breaking the bank, researching scholarships is the first place to start. Each year, universities, nonprofits, institutions, and government agencies assist thousands of international students with their college tuition and living expenses.
The good thing about these scholarships is that you do not have to pay them back, unlike student loans. Many countries support studying abroad and make this possible by having different scholarship schemes.
In that light, it is very important to find those scholarships you could be eligible for as there is a lot of financial assistance available. If you don’t see what you’re searching for on the colleges’ websites that interest you, another option is to contact their admissions office and ask relevant questions.
You could access different online directories where these scholarship opportunities are posted, and they are often divided in terms of location, program, degree, age, and subject.
2. Look into countries where there is no tuition
That line would seem weird to many people, but it is 100% true. You can travel abroad to study in some countries, and they won’t charge you a dime for tuition. This scenario has welcomed many international students to countries like the Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Brazil, Luxembourg, Mexico, Germany, France, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden.
The first six countries are available to all international students, while the last five are open to students from the European Union (EU). According to the Association of International Educators, 40% of American students study in only five European nations (the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France).
Sometimes, you may be required to pay a little token of about £200. However, the zero tuition fee is just one reason that makes these countries a choice destination for students. They also boast of a good quality educational system and an atmosphere designed to make students thrive.
3. Keep an eye out for fellowship and grants
If you do in-depth research, you’ll find out that there are a lot of fellowships and foundations that provide grants to international students in various ways. For example, it may take the shape of an internship program to develop young people in diverse industries, with eligible candidates receiving monthly stipends and undergoing different workshops or programs during the specified period.
In addition, you should be aware that each of these fellowships has a unique approach to screening and choosing applicants. So, go the extra mile, do your research, and check their requirements before sending in your application.
4. Study abroad virtually
With the current state of the world and the rising cases of COVID-19 (one could also add the Omicron variant), more and more countries are placing travel restrictions and bans in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus and protect the lives of their citizens. But, unfortunately, that has made the whole idea of traveling even more complex, and one solution to this problem is to study online.
More colleges are now offering study programs online, and you can earn that internationally recognized degree from the comfort of your own home. Despite the fact that you will not be living abroad, you will meet individuals from various backgrounds, learn about different cultures, and enhance your linguistic skills. Even better, you’ll get all of these advantages without spending a fortune.
Conclusion
Closing in on 2021, if you’re a student looking to travel abroad without money, then you should know that it is entirely possible. First, you need to be proactive and use your research skills to fish out those opportunities you’re eligible for. All in all, it is imperative that you have good grades, as that will be one of the primary requirements that will set you on that path to studying abroad.
Authors Bio
Ashley Carter is a truly gifted writer who is very intentional about her craft and uses the power of research to create the best possible content. She also writes free essay samples to give students a head start on how to go about their assignments. Ashley is also a translator and has worked with some of the best translation providing services in the industry.
