Creative Ways to Fund your Global Experience
There are ways to fund your study abroad program besides financial aid and scholarships. While personal funds are usually used to cover the gap, you can be creative and work with your community to raise funds. Don’t allow financial limitations to stand in the way of your global learning and exploration. Use your network to fundraise!
Here are just a few ideas to get your thinking. Check the articles at the bottom of the page for a more comprehensive suggestion list.
Open a study abroad savings account
Open an account just for study abroad. This will allow you to put away money without being tempted to use it for other purposes.
Swap gifts for cash
Instead of getting gifts for your birthday, Christmas or other special occasions, ask your close friends and relatives to contribute to your study abroad fund.
Crowdfunding
Tell your story! Upload images and videos and share information about your study abroad program. Include program costs, your goals, and how this experience will contribute to your education aspirations and professional career. There are a number of crowd-source funding websites available to you, such as FundMyTravel, Project Travel, IndieGoGo, GoFundMe, and GoGetFunding. You should also share your campaign on social media to increase visibility.
Reduce living expenses on campus
Re-evaluate money spent on-campus for living expenses and housing, and identify areas that can be cut back to reduce expenses. Add this extra money to your study abroad savings account.
Sell used clothes and/or books
Sell gently used clothing, books or other items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a local consignment shop.
Cancel unused subscriptions
Review your monthly subscription and membership fees and cancel any you don’t use.
Pick up odd jobs for extra cash
Consider cleaning a few houses, mowing the lawn, tutoring, washing cars, etc. Â Become a tasker on Taskrabbit to find work opportunities suited to your skillset.
Fundraising Helpful Hints
When seeking financial support from community-based affiliates, keep these helpful hints in mind:
- Be passionate – When you approach a potential sponsor, it is important to be excited about your future global education program! Sponsors want to support students that are eager and outgoing, and articulating your genuine interest in a global education program is critical to gaining support.
- Make it meaningful to you and your future – Why are you studying abroad? Why is the program you have chosen significant? What are the reasons for going? Make the answers to these questions clear and connect to potential sponsors on a personal level.
- Describe the program – Explaining program details such as activities and coursework is another great way to elaborate upon why this program is meaningful to you. Any detail that you can discuss that illustrates your desire to learn and explore another part of the world can help you find sponsors.
- Be clear about your needs – Be upfront and forward about your situation. There is a reason you are asking for support, so make it clear without begging. Explain your situation and why community support is so critical to your global education experience. It’s all about communicating the details.