International students beware…

No, I’m just kidding. These days the US has become more and more international students are coming to the US to study. Something like over 600,000 each year. There are so many websites created, books written and people dedicated to providing American students with the financial means necessary to get them through college, mostly.

But what about those that come INTO our country? Or those leaving our country to broaden their horizons and study abroad? Sure there is some stuff out there that assists those traveling abroad, whether import or export, with whatever financial aid there is available.

It is slim offerings though. There is relatively little offered to students that want to study abroad, primarily because of the extra expense it takes, not just with school expenses, but travel, living, extra out-of-the-country costs even due to exchange rate and all. Many of you probably know this. That’s why your reading this blog!

A majority of international students have to rely on their own money, family or personal loans. Well one of our readers @mrsjaxson mentioned international student loans and debt. It got me thinking that this is typically an area that is somewhat overlooked, with regard to the heavier financial burden this takes on with students and family. As great as an opportunity as this is, its hard for many of you to consider this because of the obligations. I can’t guarantee that this will get you to Tokyo U. next year, but I thought this could at least help you to take the necessary steps to seeing what kind of money you can get.

There are two of you

…the imports and the exports. Those of you living in the US, but wanting to study in another country. Then those of you in other countries, wanting to study in America. Make sure you indicate your country of origin (the country you come from) and the country you are interested in studying whenever inquiring about financing.

After doing this research, I found that there is some assistance available. It might be too late at this point of the year, but if you can tie yourself into a college or university that has a large international study program, that can help you tremendously. Most state universities, public institutions, or special programs within community/junior colleges usually have an international studies/affairs department that you can work through.

Your first step is to check on that…if you are one to investigate this for the first time. Many of you might just need the resources available to find out what kind of a$$i$tance you can get. So here we go!

I did some browsing and found a few sites pretty comprehensive with regard to different types of programs and grants available to international students no matter the country. These also provide you with options to search for specific scholarships grants or country-specific programs that support international studies.

First and foremost

…check with your government. lol, I know what your thinking, but check with whatever federal/governmental/educational programs there are available for international studying, study abroad programs and the like. You might find this all through a university or college program to save yourself some time.

Next

International Student Loan is a site that caters to both groups, specifically and sseparately for international students and US students. International students, I know you can find some  worthy information and benefits still available to you. What I like about this site is that it is pretty ‘black and white’ with regard to its expectations when applying for international student loans, as well as the requirements you will need. That way your not spending too much time on something that will get you nowhere. For US students, it also contains a page that lists all sponsoring schools, by state with regard to international student loans and funding. Additionally this will help you to figure out what schools have the best support for international programs.

No matter the translation, you can get the money

…but you have to take every opportunity to apply, apply, apply! I specifically found International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) to be a site providing great resources for searching for general scholarships, free financial types of aid available, depending on our residency status, and where you plan to attend school. There are some HUGE award amounts on some of these, but they provide a lot of links to the awards and specifically states the eligibility requirements for each, and the awarding country. Many graduate school, post-graduate school, doctoral programs, and research program grants provided based on specific research as well.

…i also found a site called the USA Study Guide that is pretty broad as well. It has a lot of school links and links to online degree programs. Stay focused and use this site to find out about the type of scholarships available as well as general financing for students wanting to attend the US for post-secondary education.  This site is for international students who do not know a lot about what is offered here in the US. It’ll give you some specific resources available in different types of post-secondary schools and the degrees offered as well to help you along your way. BUT stay focused and off those pop-up ads!!

You can also take advantage of what the Department of Education offers regarding other available resources. Try these out and let me know what you think. I also found a lot of useful links to international scholarships available at fastweb.com. Try for the various other websites I recommend that offer various types of degrees. I don’t know exactly what kinds of scholarships, or what the requirements are, so you’d have to check that out, but some specifically tailor to certain ethnicities and origins.

My hope is for anybody and everybody to feel and know that they have opportunities out there. There are always billions of dollars in free money and grants available, but much of it is never awarded merely due to the lack of applicants.

Don’t be in that statistic. Do your research, Take some time and make notes of what grants and awards you could apply for. Then make it a goal to apply for a certain number of scholarships and grants depending on the number that you are qualified for.

My Success is Your Success,
Keith Lipke

Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at     The Hope Chest. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.