Want To Study Abroad This Summer? These Scholarships Will Save You So Much Money

If you’re getting jealous seeing friends jetting off to their spring semesters abroad, you haven’t missed your chance yet. Studying abroad in the summer can be an amazing way to experience another culture with low impact to your regular college experience. Like many things in life, studying abroad can also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, summer study abroad scholarships for 2024 are open now, some of which can cover the bulk of your expenses. It almost sounds too good to be true! 

Qualifications and deadlines vary for every scholarship, so keep an eye on the details. You’ll also have to discuss the compatibility of different programs with your college’s credit requirements, so working with an advisor is helpful! Many of these scholarship programs also have helpful employees and experts just a phone call away. WIthout further ado, here are 12 summer abroad scholarships you should take a look at. 

Benjamin A. Gilman

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is targeted towards college students who experience financial difficulties, and wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for a semester abroad. They are particularly interested in promoting STEM research and language study abroad, if either of those are your jam. They provide up to $5,000 for your experience, which can be spent on everything from accommodation to tuition, airfare, and transportation. The deadline for summer internships is March 7 this year. 

Boren Awards

For students who are passionate about language-learning in a new country, the Boren Awards funds language classes abroad. You can apply for one of their selected regions, like Southeast Asia or Turkey, or even design your own study abroad program. For a 12- to 24-week study abroad program, they award $12,500. The deadline for undergraduate students is Jan. 31, and a week earlier for graduate students. 

IES Abroad

IES Abroad offers a range of aid programs for their study abroad internships and experiences. They target students who need financial aid, as well as grants and program-based scholarships to eligible students. They partner with certain universities and have established programs across the world, so explore their page to find out if you qualify. The deadline for standard summer programs is April 1.

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

Applying to one of USAC’s many study abroad programs also means you can apply for their scholarship packages. They also offer specific scholarships, such as those for historically underrepresented students and STEM majors. The deadline for summer programs is March 1.

Spanish Studies Abroad (SSA)

Practicing your Spanish is about to get a lot more rewarding — study in Spain, Argentina, or Puerto Rico with one of SSA’s programs. Their summer award is $500, and the deadline is May 15. 

Fund for Education Abroad

Minority and first-generation college students have access to a huge list of scholarships with the Fund for Education Abroad. They offer country-specific programs, as well as opportunities such as the Rainbow Scholarship for LGBTQ+ students. The general application closes on Feb. 7. 

CEA CAPA Study Abroad

By applying to one of CEA CAPA’s study abroad programs that lasts longer than three weeks, you also open yourself up to their scholarship opportunities. You can get merit-based or need-based scholarships, which are also provided by the Fund for Education Abroad. Apply by March 1 for the summer term. 

Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation

If you happen to have a Silver or Gold Girl Scout award, look no further than the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation scholarship. They offer financial aid to these award recipients who want to study abroad in college. The deadline is May 17 for summer 2024 programs.

AIFS Abroad

The deadline of March 1 is quickly approaching for several summer programs with AIFS Abroad. Some scholarships award more money than others. AIFS boasts a wide range of programs across the world, whether you want to find yourself in Stellenbosch, South Africa or Wellington, New Zealand. 

SIT Study Abroad

SIT offers need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. Choose from programs that suit your own academic interests, like studying culture and peace in Colombia or renewable energy in Iceland. They have rolling admissions for their summer programs, including the summer scholarships, until April 1.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

If you’re applying to or already planning on studying abroad in Asia this summer, consider going for the Freeman-ASIA need-based scholarship. They’ll cover things like airfare and cost of living for your program. Applications for summer 2024 programs don’t open until Feb. 1, so make sure to check back for any deadlines. 

HACU Scholarships

Hispanic students attending member institutions of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) can apply for scholarships with several organizations like AIFS. Get up to half of your summer study abroad paid for if you apply by March 1 for the HACU-AIFS scholarship. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the opportunities out there to fund your summer abroad. With lots of these scholarships covering students with specific backgrounds and majors, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Don’t waste time — an action-packed summer awaits! 

• academics
• Experiences
• life
• scholarships
• study abroad
• travel