Financial Aid » Study Abroad

Study Abroad

Financial aid is available to assist in financing the cost of approved study abroad programs. You may receive assistance for Grand Valley summer programs, as well as academic-year and one-semester programs through exchanges and other individualized programs. There are more than 3,900 study abroad programs available to you.

Studying abroad is an investment in your future. Like any other type of investment, it requires planning, careful management, creativity, perseverance, and commitment. The personal, academic, and professional rewards will last a lifetime.

PLANNING AHEAD

CALCULATE CURRENT COSTS
Calculate all of your current on-campus costs. To determine your annual budget, add up your rent, meals, tuition and fees, travel expenses (don't spring break!), entertainment, books, supplies, etc. The Financial Aid Office has determined that the average in-state Grand Valley student spends approximately $19,670 per year on tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, books, and personal expenses. Use this as a baseline for comparison of costs abroad. Don't plan with the idea that you will find work while abroad.

CHECK PROGRAM INFORMATION
Check the program information sheet and Barbara H. Padnos International Center Web site for program expenses. Items included in the program fee are listed in each program's information sheet as well as on PIC's Web site. If you are participating in a non-GVSU program, you will need to contact your study abroad provider for a breakdown of your expenses.  It will be helpful to plan for these primary costs:

• $100 Padnos International Center application deposit*
• GVSU Tuition (if applicable)
• Program fee
• Airfare
• Housing
• Meals (if not included in the program fee)
• Passport and/or visa
• Immunizations
• Personal spending money

• location
• number of credits taken
• local cost of living
• timing and length of program
• international and on-site transportation
• the type of program

Make the program work toward your long-term goals and it will be worth the investment.

PRIORITIZE
Set priorities. Choose to work longer hours or get a part-time job for additional funds towards study abroad. Consider postponing the purchase of that "perfect" car and use the funds for your program.

RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID

Financial assistance is available when you make appropriate arrangements with our Financial Aid Office and the Padnos International Center. When you participate in study abroad programs you receive financial aid in the amount you would normally receive if remaining on campus; however, you may be able to borrow loan funds to cover the additional costs. Limited scholarships and grants are available for some programs.

If you are not currently receiving financial aid, you may apply for aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. All students are eligible for either need-based or non-need based aid programs.

If you currently receive financial aid, you must first apply to a study abroad program through the Padnos International Center.  Once you have been accepted to study abroad, you will be required to complete a number of post-acceptance forms.  The expense form is one that must be completed if you would like to utilize Financial Aid to fund your study abroad program.  Once you submit the expenses of your program under the expense form, PIC will forward an approved budget to our office for processing. This budget will list the approximate amount of money needed (including airfare and spending money) to finance that particular study abroad program. You must have an up-to-date FAFSA for the period you wish to study abroad. Summer programs are included in the previous academic year (e.g. the 2008-09 FAFSA applies to Spring/Summer 2009 aid).

While the amount of your aid can be increased due to the additional costs involved in studying abroad, do not assume you will be awarded 100% of the money needed to cover the costs of your program. Always seek additional sources of funding. A listing of alternative student loans is available on our Web site.  You should apply at least two months prior to your departure date.

Additionally, you may use their Michigan Education Trust (MET) for study abroad.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Contact the Padnos International Center for more information about study abroad programs and to research scholarships for your study abroad.