Your Ultimate Study Aboard Resources List

Welcome! You are probably here because you came across my page and are looking for some amazing study abroad resources. You are off to a great start! First, let me re introduce myself! My name is Zeline Santana. While this is a travel blog to share our experiences as travelers, it’s also a place to share resources with students who want to begin their travel journey or are unaware that they can to travel the world while pursuing their degree.

I am very passionate about sharing resources and want to share some knowledge I have gained over the past 10+ years in Financial Aid and Scholarships advisement. During this time, I have helped countless students navigate the complexities of funding their education, and I have seen firsthand the transformative power of studying abroad. It opens up new perspectives, fosters personal growth, and enhances academic and professional opportunities.

In this blog, you will find tips on how to apply for study abroad programs, information on scholarships and financial aid, and practical advice on making the most out of your international experience. Whether you are just starting to consider studying abroad or are already in the planning stages, I hope to provide you with valuable insights and encouragement to take that leap.

Studying abroad is not just about academics; it’s about immersing yourself in a new culture, making lifelong friends, and gaining experiences that will shape who you are. I believe every student should have the opportunity to study abroad at least once during their undergraduate studies, and I am here to help make that dream a reality for you.

Step 1: Do your Research:

Begin by searching for a dream location you have always wanted to visit. For me, that was anywhere in Europe, so I embarked on a study abroad program in Italy. If you are intrigued by arts, history, and architecture, Europe might be it for you. However, there are plenty of study abroad programs in Latin America and the Caribbean that foster education in health, science, and culture. First, research if your school has a study abroad program you like. If not, research other schools that can become your host school for the time you are abroad. Additionally, review with your academic advisor if the coursework at the other college can be applicable toward your degree as transfer credits.

Step 2: Apply for permits or consortium agreements to attend a study abroad program at another institution.

The host school is the institution that is hosting the study abroad program, which is different from your home school. You can apply to programs at other colleges that accept "e-permits" or consortium agreements, allowing your financial aid awards from your home college to be applied at the host school. It's important to determine the program costs and tuition rates to ensure that the financial aid applicable at your home college can be used effectively at the host school. Here are some examples:

CUNY E-permit: An ePermit facilitates the process of CUNY students obtaining permission to register for courses offered at other CUNY colleges. This was the process I embarked to be able to enroll into the Study Aboard Program at CUNY John Jay College as a student a CUNY Brooklyn College.
Consortium agreements are used when colleges that are not the central (home) college have an agreement with the home college to allow the use of student financial aid based on the total hours of enrollment at either school or both schools.

It is important to note the distinction between your home school and the host school. Institutions often permit students to apply for programs at other colleges, but it's crucial to first inquire with your home college if this is permissible before applying and paying for a study abroad program. Sometimes, program costs must be settled before enrollment, so it's advisable to begin Steps 1 and 2 at least one semester before enrolling in the program. This allows time to review costs, assess financial aid packages for the upcoming term, and secure any necessary permits. Remember, these steps help students navigate program costs and tuition rates, ensuring a seamless academic experience abroad. It's also essential to be proactive in your research and planning process from the start.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Researching study abroad programs at public institutions can often offer the best value for your money. However, this largely depends on tuition costs, program fees, and travel expenses. First, let's list all the possible financial aid options you may be eligible for while studying abroad:

FAFSA (Pell Grant or Student Loan): The FAFSA form is used to apply for federal student aid, which helps students cover college or career school expenses. Through a permit or consortium agreement, students can use their federal aid for eligible study abroad programs.

TAP (New York State Tuition Assistance Program): Available to New York State students, TAP helps with tuition expenses. Using a permit or consortium agreement, students can apply TAP awards to programs where the coursework aligns with their degree requirements at their home college.

Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available to help cover college costs. Through a permit or consortium agreement, students can apply these scholarships to eligible study abroad programs, provided the scholarship terms allow it. Additional steps you can take include: Consulting with the Scholarships Office at your home school to inquire about applying scholarships to study abroad. Exploring other scholarship opportunities.

These resources can significantly alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, making it more accessible and affordable for students. While I'm not a fan of student loan debt, I would add that my only loan debt during my undergraduate degree was for the Study Abroad Program. It's okay to consider loan debt for such transformative experiences because studying abroad will enhance your education and provide invaluable life experiences.

Financial Aid Resources List

Step 4: Creating Time for Play and Studies

Creating a balance between play and studies while studying abroad is crucial for making the most of your experience. Here are some tips but I'm sure as a college student you all ready put these into practice:

Schedule and Prioritize: It's really important to plan ahead for your academic commitments and social activities (also know the syllabus). I recommend using a planner or a calendar app to schedule study sessions and make sure you set aside time for exploring.

Effective Time Management: Practice effective time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. It helps to work in focused intervals with breaks in between. Setting deadlines for tasks and using productivity apps can also keep you organized and on track.

My friend recently sent me this YouTube Channel that does just that!

Explore Strategically: Make a list of all the must-see places and events. Then, prioritize them based on your interests and try to schedule visits during weekends or whenever you have free time. You can also ask you Professors about must-see places and events. If you Professors live or are from the country you are visiting they may give you some amazing insight and help with your scheduling and how to prioritize your studies.

Connect with Peers: Depending on the program you may have access to college students who live in the country you are visiting. Build relationships with local students and fellow students. They can offer insights into local life and activities.

Self-Care: Remember to prioritize self-care during your study abroad experience. Getting enough sleep and eating well are essential to managing the stress that may accompany the rigorous workload of study abroad programs.

Balancing your studies and leisure time abroad can really enrich your experience, something we should practice even at home. This balance helps you grow personally and academically.

Step 5: Creating Opportunities

My blog is dedicated to amplifying Latinx voices in travel and sharing heartfelt experiences. It's a known fact that BIPOC/Latinx travelers often go unseen in the travel sphere, with Hispanic Americans representing a significant 73%, comparable to their White counterparts at 75% (Pew Research Center, 2021). We often go unseen for many reason that we wont go into for this post, however, our goal is to spread awareness as early as we can and for me as a college advisor sharing resources to college students is where we can start. Do you have more tips for our community? If so Comment on this post or become a member and share in our Study Aboard Resources List Forum.