Financing Study Abroad
Think you can't afford to study abroad? You may be wrong! A growing number of NMU Foundation scholarships are specifically designated for study abroad, and many sources outside the university may help. Most NMU students rely on a combination of personal savings, family support, financial aid and additional loans.
Scholarships
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| Photo by Alana Stuart, Machu Picchu, Peru |
NMU Foundation Scholarships support the internationalization efforts of the University and reflect the generosity of private donors - some of them alumni of their own study abroad experiences.
International Program coordinates the selection process for the following Foundation awards:
Michael and Sherry Nelsen Endowed
Scholarship
William and Margery Vandament Endowment
Fund
Global Explorers Study Abroad
Scholarship
Global
Outlook Fund - College of Business
Other scholarship sources: A number of NMU's partner programs sponsor scholarships and grants to assist with travel and other expenses. Professional organizations and national endowments also support students who study abroad. You may qualify for one of the following:
Benjamin A. Gilman Award for Study
Abroad
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia
(Freeman-Asia)
CIEE Scholarships and Grants
AustraLearn Scholarships
ISA Scholarships
Bridging Scholarship for Study Abroad in
Japan
Japan Center for Michigan Universities
Scholarship
Fulbright Grants
National
Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate
Scholarship for Study Abroad
National Security Education
Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Graduate Scholarship for Study
Abroad
Rotary Ambassadorial
StudyAbroad.com
AllAbroad.US
Midwest Consortium for Study Abroad
(MCSA)
Each year NMU uses consortium funds to award
scholarships to students who participate in a MCSA study abroad
program. Amounts range from $200 to $400 and must be used for a
program sponsored by MCSA..
Financial Aid
Most NMU students will use available federal, state and grant money to help pay for the costs of study abroad. Many will require additional loans and support from personal savings and family members.
All forms of federal aid may be applied toward an NMU study abroad program. There are restrictions on some state and NMU-institutional aid if you enroll in a non-sponsored program or university. Institutional aid includes NMU Foundation grants, awards based on academic achievement or transfer, faculty/staff dependent tuition benefit and other funds granted to you directly by NMU. If you are uncertain which types of aid you currently receive, check with the Financial Aid Office.
1. If you plan to use need-based financial aid toward your study abroad, you must complete the U.S. Department of Education Free Application for Financial Assistance - the FAFSA.
2. Next, download and complete the study abroad cost worksheet form and instructions.
The Financial Aid Office can use this form to increase your cost of attendance for your semester(s) abroad and you may qualify for additional private or alternative loans.
All costs associated with your study abroad program must be backed-up with printed materials documenting the source for each dollar figure.
3. Please use a currency exchange Web site to convert foreign currency to U.S. dollar amounts.
4. The study abroad coordinator must review and sign your completed cost worksheet.
5. Schedule an appointment to review the signed cost worksheet with the designated financial aid officer: 906-227-2327. The officer will work with you to determine eligibility and to arrange distribution of your funding.
