How can I afford to study abroad?
Students thinking of studying abroad should speak to the Director of Study Abroad (StudyAbroad@bridgewater.edu) and the Office of Financial Aid, as well as exploring the resources below. It is important to note that many scholarship opportunities have deadlines that differ from Bridgewater College’s internal deadline, and students are advised to research their options at least six to 12 months before the semester in which they plan to study abroad.
BC believes all students should be able to pursue their goals and dreams. Generously supported by donors, Bridgewater offers two study abroad scholarship opportunities, an internship scholarship and the Globalization Fund.
Enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by Bridgewater College may be considered enrollment at Bridgewater College for purposes of receiving financial assistance from federal and state financial aid programs. The College establishes an annual limit on the availability of institutional funds to support study abroad programs.
Internship Scholarship
This internship scholarship offers a unique opportunity for aspiring students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study while receiving financial support. Students interning abroad may apply for both scholarships but likely only one will be awarded.
- Completing the internship for Bridgewater College credit.
- The internship must be unpaid, but you may receive a stipend, meals, subway pass, etc.
- At least 8 weeks long, with a minimum of 240 hours.
- You must have defined duties and a specific supervisor.
- Virtual internships are eligible.
- Internship completed as part of the Smithsonian and BC2DC program are eligible.
- Scholarship amounts vary up to $2,000 based on the budget you provide.
- Financial need is considered.
- In about 500 words, answer the following: What type of internship are you seeking and why? Will this be your first internship in your preferred field? Why is participating in an internship important to your career goals at this time? This scholarship is intended to support individuals who would not be able to participate in an unpaid internship without receiving additional monetary support. Explain in detail how receiving this scholarship would make it possible for you to participate in an unpaid internship.
- Current Resume (should be up to date)
- Provide the name and contact information for a BC faculty reference. The reference should be able to answer questions about your academic achievement and the importance of an internship experience to your professional development.
- Importance of the internship as evidenced in the personal statement.
- Impact of internship on student’s career goals and academic development.
- Intellectual quality of student, as evidenced by GPA.
- Availability of other sources of funding or support and financial need.
Globalization Fund
The Globalization Fund provides financial support to students who are completing a study abroad program. This scholarship aims to empower recipients to pursue their goals and dreams of studying abroad.
- Completing a study abroad program for Bridgewater College credit.
- Semester long exchange and affiliated programs are eligible. May term programs may be supported as a reduced rate.
- Scholarship amounts vary up to $2,000 based on the budget you provide.
- Financial need is considered.
- In about 500 words, answer the following: What type of international experience are you seeking and why? Will this be your first international experience? Why is participating in an international experience important to your life goals at this time? This scholarship is intended to support individuals who would not be able to participate in an international study abroad experience without receiving additional monetary support. Explain in detail how receiving this scholarship would make it possible for you to participate in an unpaid internship.
- Current Resume (should be up to date)
- Provide the name and contact information for a BC faculty reference. The reference should be able to answer questions about your academic achievement and the importance of an internship experience to your professional development.
- Importance of the internship as evidenced in the personal statement.
- Impact of internship on student’s career goals and academic development
- Intellectual quality of student, as evidenced by GPA
- Availability of other sources of funding or support and financial need.
Additional Scholarships
In addition, there are many outside scholarships available for students who want to study abroad for a semester or longer. Students who find additional scholarships or grant opportunities are encouraged to speak with the Director of Study Abroad.
If you plan to seek accommodations for a disability, please contact the disability services office as early as possible in the process.
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program supports students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States and a Federal Pell Grant recipient.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Open to U.S. citizens who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.
Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Award promotes long-term linguistic and cultural immersion and a commitment to federal service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
Critical Language Scholarship
A fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students interested in learning a critical language.
Fund for Education Abroad
A non-profit organization committed to increasing the opportunities for students to study abroad. Scholarships can be applied towards semester, year-long or summer programs. They also have a dedicated scholarship for LGBTQ students.
GO! Study Abroad Scholarships
GO! Overseas offers scholarships of up to $1,000 to students currently enrolled in, or in the process of applying to, study abroad programs of any duration. Awards are made on the basis of creativity, analytical thinking, and passion for studying abroad.
IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding
Rotary International
Scholarships range from $12,000 – $26,000. Deadlines vary from March to mid-July for study beginning the next academic year.
German Academic Exchange Service
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) administers a variety of scholarships as well as provides financial support to over 50,000 highly-qualified students and faculty per year for international research and study.
Scholarship Portal
Funding opportunities for studying, working or performing research in one of the European nations.
Bridging Scholarship
The Bridging Scholarship offers a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic year programs). Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.
Freeman-ASIA Scholarships
Freeman-ASIA provides financial support to American undergraduates with demonstrated financial need to study abroad for academic credit during the summer, semester or academic year in one of 15 countries/regions in East and Southeast Asia.
Upon their return to the U.S., students are required to promote study in Asia by sharing their experiences with peers on their home campuses and in their communities.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
Scholarships available through the Japanese government for study in Japan.
