Many AASU students consider the option of a study abroad, but for some funding can be an issue. Many AASU students do not know that they can use their financial aid for both classes on campus and to study abroad. For that reason, the financial aid office and office of International Education held a brown bag lunch presentation on Sept. 1.
Kristin Kasting, assistant director of International Education, and Ellie Pelt, a financial aid counselor, explained to students how they can use their Pell Grant, HOPE scholarship and federal loans to study abroad.
Financial aid deadlines become even more crucial when students plan to study abroad, and completing a FAFSA is the first step. It is necessary to apply for aid a full semester before the semester of studying abroad.
"The way to get money early is to request it early," Pelt said.
If considering study abroad for summer, the fall semester is the time to budget aid for summer. Cost of attendance is automatically budgeted for fall and spring, but if a student wishes to receive financial aid for a study abroad in summer, it has to be set up by a counselor.
"Make an appointment to come see us," Pelt said.
A Pell Grant can be used for study abroad if it has been authorized early. Pelt said there is also the new option of direct deposit of Pell Grants, which can be used overseas. The HOPE Scholarship can also be used to pay for tuition. Pelt emphasized that as long as students are registered for AASU classes, then they can get AASU financial aid.
Graduate students can also get study abroad scholarships and loans.
Kasting presented a detailed description of the total cost for studying abroad. The difference between a full semester at AASU and a full semester in Prague is just over $1,000 for 15 credit hours. However, summer study abroad trips can be more expensive at just over $6,000 for six to seven credit hours.
Kasting suggested students complete the "Study Abroad Worksheet" to evaluate expenses. It can be found on the International Education web site also under "Financing Study Abroad" then the "Study Abroad Worksheet" on the right.
One of the small things that may also affect the cost of a study abroad trip is travel expenses.
Kasting used Prague as her example.
In Prague, the U.S. dollar is worth more than the Czech crown, but the Euro is worth more than the U.S. dollar.
"Know where you want to go," Kasting said. The value of the U.S. dollar in the particular country will affect students' budgets.
Making appointments to see either a financial aid counselor or Kasting in the department of International Education is vital to a successful study abroad trip.
"Every one of you really needs to go sit down with the counselors," said Jim Anderson, director of International Education.
There are many scholarships awarded specifically for study abroad students. The list of those scholarships can be found at the AASU's International Education home page under "Financing Study Abroad" and by clicking "Additional Links and Resources" toward the bottom.
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