Funding Your Global Education: A Guide to MSU Study Abroad Scholarships

Studying abroad is an enriching experience, but the cost can be a significant concern for many students. However, with careful planning and knowledge of available resources, funding your study abroad dreams is achievable. This article focuses on scholarships available to Mississippi State University (MSU) students, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the financial aspects of studying abroad.

Assessing Your Financial Resources

The first step in planning your study abroad experience is to determine how much funding you have available. Instead of being discouraged by the initial cost of study abroad programs, students should review their current expenditures at Mississippi State University to see the total program price increase, if any. Often, students will be surprised to see how affordable study abroad can be.

MSU Financial Aid for Study Abroad

An MSU degree-seeking student who participates in an MSU sponsored or affiliated Study Abroad program is eligible to apply for Financial Aid to help cover the required costs. Each program is handled on an individual program and student basis, and most costs associated with the Study Abroad program can typically be taken into consideration when determining Financial Aid eligibility. The amount of aid received for Study Abroad is dependent upon the individual student's eligibility at the time of application.

Students who wish to receive Financial Aid to help pay for a MSU Study Abroad program should contact Ann Sanders in the Department of Student Financial Aid to discuss Financial Aid options and availability. A student planning to participate in a Study Abroad program through an organization or school that has no affiliation or consortium agreement in place with MSU is not eligible to receive Financial Aid through MSU for the program.

MSU Scholarships

MSU offers various scholarship opportunities to help students finance their study abroad experiences. These scholarships can be broadly categorized into departmental, general, and program-specific awards.

Departmental Scholarships

Some MSU Colleges and Departments have study abroad scholarships available for students of that college to apply for. In addition to checking in with your departments, it is always good practice to reach out to the Office of Admissions & Scholarships to discuss any current scholarships you may have and what of that can be used for your Study Abroad.

General Scholarship Application (GSA)

MSU students are encouraged to submit the General Scholarship Application (GSA) and their departmental scholarship applications each academic year while attending MSU to be reviewed for additional private or departmental scholarships. December 1 is the GSA priority date for entering freshmen. Completing the GSA before the specified priority date will put you into the application pools to be reviewed for private or departmental scholarship awards.

When completing the GSA, be sure to check “Yes” for the “Are you interested in studying abroad?” question. If you do not check this box, you will not see the Study Abroad Scholarship Application. After you have submitted your GSA, you will need to look under your ‘Recommended Opportunities’ within the scholarship portal to complete the Study Abroad Scholarship Application. Please note that the Study Abroad Scholarship Application will not be available to complete after the specified deadline.

Specific MSU Scholarships

Several specific scholarships are available to MSU students pursuing study abroad opportunities. These scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, so reviewing the criteria carefully is essential.

The Robert C. Davis Family Endowed Fund for Overseas Studies Scholarship, the Nancy H. and David E. Bull Scholarship, and the CANR Education Abroad Scholarship: The same online application is used to apply to these scholarships. This scholarship is awarded by the CANR, with the amount and number of scholarships awarded varying depending on available funds. To be eligible, the applicant must be in good academic standing in the CANR and officially accepted in a credit-bearing CANR Education Abroad program. The Robert C. This scholarship was established through an estate gift from Gladys E. Davis, a teacher who strongly believed in the betterment of one’s self through education. Davis was an avid traveler and supporter of international experiences. The scholarship amount varies and will be awarded to a CANR student who is enrolled in an Education Abroad program. The Nancy H. and David E. This scholarship was established to give CANR students the opportunity to study abroad to pursue agricultural studies. Nancy H. and David E. Bull created it to enable CANR students to make direct contact with global communities within the context of a wide range of agriculture-related programs: production, research, extension, nutrition, distribution, marketing, safety and security. The scholarship amount varies and is available to CANR sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Read also: Requirements for TTU Abroad Scholarships
The Frances N. Kaneene Study Abroad Scholarship: The Frances N. Kaneene Study Abroad Scholarship was established to allow motivated and curious undergraduate students in the Department of Community Sustainability (majoring in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, or Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism) to study abroad. In doing so, the scholarship will be a living memorial to the work ethic, values, and inspiration that Frances Kaneene embodied during her 30+ year career guiding hundreds of students as an academic advisor at MSU. Good academic standing, with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the major at the time of application, is required.
CAL Education Abroad Scholarship: The CAL Education Abroad Scholarship is a fund dedicated to students participating in an education abroad program (including international internship programs). Applicants must be full-time undergraduate, degree-seeking students with a major in the College of Arts & Letters and a GPA of 2.0 or above at the time of application. Applicants must also be participating in an MSU-approved, credit-bearing program. Students with a primary major in the College of Arts & Letters are guaranteed a scholarship. Award amounts range from $500 to $1,500 and are based on level of financial need via FAFSA.
CAL Endowed Scholarships: To apply to any of the following CAL endowed scholarships for education abroad (including international internship programs), please see the link at the bottom of this list. You can apply for any of the CAL endowed scholarships using the same link. These awards are only eligible for summer, fall, and academic year programs. Applicants must be in their junior year when applying and be a primary major in the College of Arts & Letters. Applicants must write a statement of purpose that will focus on the integration of their international education and their personal career objectives.
- John W. Applicants must be a primary major in Arts & Letters, be junior standing (56-87 earned credits), have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and reach senior standing by the following summer or fall semester. The amount of the award depends on available funds.
- William J. Applicants must be a primary major in Arts & Letters, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, have a sophomore or above class standing (minimum 28 credits), and planning to study abroad in Ireland for the upcoming spring, summer, or fall semesters. The amount of the award depends on available funds.
- Margie L. This scholarship is intended to benefit students pursuing a degree in the College of Arts & Letters who choose to participate in a study abroad program within the College. This scholarship is intended for students with financial need. All MSU students who are planning to study abroad are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Past recipients have had a GPA of 3.5 or above. The amount of the award depends on available funds.
- This scholarship is intended to benefit students pursuing a degree in the College of Arts & Letters who choose to participate in a study abroad program within the College. Applicants must be full-time students in good standing with a declared major in the College of Arts and Letters and a GPA of 3.0 or above.
CAL Internship Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students with College of Arts & Letters majors who are completing an independent non-credit or credit-bearing internship, and those who are receiving low to no compensation. This includes the summer NYC study away internship program. Preference is given to unpaid applicants. Internships may be hybrid or in-person, but are NOT intended for students completing remote-only internships or internships where MSU is the employer. Internships must be located in the US. Preference is given to CAL majors who are graduating one or more semesters prior to application. Financial need is considered when awarding scholarships. Applicants must be in good-standing (not on academic probation) to be considered. This scholarship is offered three times a year and first time applicants will be prioritized.
MSU-Wide Study Abroad Scholarships: MSU’s Office for Education Abroad administers various MSU-wide study abroad scholarships.

Read also: Global Opportunities with ASU
Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel Scholarships: MSU’s Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel administers various study abroad scholarships for students participating in select programs in Israel.
GSAH Program Scholarships: The GSAH Program is offering Scholarships to students with majors, double majors, and minors in Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities.
MSU Non-Resident Scholarship: Awarded for use with an MSU-sponsored or co-sponsored study abroad program; $3,000 or $5,000 depending upon the length of the program.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Many of the provider programs that Mississippi State University partners with provide scholarship opportunities to students. Thoroughly review this guide to determine what additional opportunities may be available. Most scholarships are designed for specific countries, languages, and students.

CCSA: The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad: For students participating in a CCSA program only.
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: For students participating in a CEA CAPA program only.
GLO: Global Learning Opportunities: For students participating in a GLO program only.
ISA: International Studies Abroad: For students participating in an ISA program only.
KIIS: Students participating in any KIIS program are eligible to apply for this award. Scholarships are awarded to participants in KIIS programs only. by KIIS.
USAC: University Studies Abroad Consortium: For students participating in a USAC program only.

External Scholarships

Outside of MSU, there are a variety of national awards available for education abroad. Award amounts and criteria vary, including some awards dedicated to study in a particular region or country. These scholarships will have applications and deadlines separate from MSU.

Gilman International Scholarship: The Gilman International Scholarship is for Pell-eligible students to study abroad. Length of program: No minimum length. There are 2 application windows available to each student with enough advanced planning.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) General Scholarships: One online application leads to many opportunities. the FEA General Scholarships.
DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service: Up to $5,000 for sophomores, juniors and seniors studying in Germany.
BUTEX Scholarship: The BUTEX Scholarship is open to all undergraduate students who are not only studying at a university in the UK but are also going abroad as an exchange student.

Examples of External Scholarship Programs

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF): Offers grants and fellowships to individuals to pursue research or study in one or more of the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden) for up to one year. Applicants must have completed undergraduate studies by the start of their project. Knowledge of a Scandinavian language is preferred. Full stipend and/or travel grants available. Must apply one year in advance.
BUTEX Scholarship: The BUTEX Scholarship is open to all undergraduate students who are not only studying at a university in the UK but are also going abroad as an exchange student.
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA): Provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East and Southeast Asia.
Boren Scholarships: Funded by the National Security Education Program, Boren Scholarships provide up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduate students studying less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program: A fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying critical languages.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Offers grants for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
Diversity Abroad Scholarships: A collection of scholarships for diverse students studying abroad.
Go Overseas Scholarships: A variety of scholarships for study abroad, internships, and volunteer programs abroad.
IIE Generation Study Abroad Scholarships: A range of scholarships offered through the Institute of International Education (IIE) to support U.S. students studying abroad.

Crafting a Compelling Scholarship Essay

The essay is one of the most important parts of your scholarship application. When writing your essay, do not use bullet points to discuss essay topics. Scholarships are typically awarded in amounts ranging from $150 to $1,500.

Your scholarship essay should highlight the expense of your program, your scholarship essay, and your financial need. Be as specific as possible.

Answer the Questions: Make sure you directly address all the questions or prompts in the essay instructions.
Showcase Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for the study abroad program and the host country/countries/region(s) where your program is to take place.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors or punctuation. Write for a coherent essay in paragraph form.

Additional Funding Strategies

Contact Program Providers: Many study abroad program providers offer scholarships or discounts to their program participants.
Explore Crowdfunding: Consider using crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from friends, family, and other potential supporters.
Seek Support from Family and Friends: Don't hesitate to ask family and friends for financial assistance.
Consider a Part-Time Job: Working part-time before or during your study abroad program can help you save money.

Important Considerations

Apply Early: The more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to get awarded. for. Apply early!NOTE: This application is separate from the Education Abroad College Scholarships application.
Deadlines: Pay close attention to scholarship deadlines. and no one is guaranteed a scholarship.
Billing Process: Using 529, Hagan Scholarship, Kauffman Scholarship, or other external funds? Billing process may be best for you. scholarships require an invoice from the University. until after the payment deadline. your program.
Financial Aid Timeline: To determine your financial aid package for your program abroad. NOTE: This application is separate from the MSU Foundation Scholarship application. each year. Several donors provide funds specifically for education abroad students. the deadline is March 1 for the following academic year. for. Apply early!NOTE: This application is separate from the Education Abroad College Scholarships application.

Overcoming Financial Obstacles

Don't give up on study abroad due to the lack of funds. We know the out-of-state cost to attend MSU may be high and we are investing heavily to increase affordability and accessibility for non-resident students. The following scholarships are awarded to incoming domestic out-of-state first-year students for qualifying educational expenses, pending available funding, and are contingent upon students maintaining out-of-state residency status. The MSU Non-resident Scholarship has four award levels granted based on academic achievement and excellence beyond the classroom. All domestic out-of-state students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award.

Seeking Guidance

We’re happy to help you use whatever funding sources are available to you.

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