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(800) 727-2437
Our phone lines are open 9am to 5pm EST Monday through Friday to assist you. - By email
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(203) 399-5597
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AIFS Study Abroad
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905
At AIFS, we believe in the power of international exchange to bring the world together and want to support all students as they change the way they see their world; no matter their gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Below are resources to help you throughout your study abroad journey. We also encourage you to visit your university's study abroad website and office as they might have more information and resources on diversity and inclusion in study abroad.
- Diversity Abroad: Provides information on international destinations, including funding opportunities, for diverse and underrepresented students
- PLATO: A compilation of organizations, resources, and scholarships that support academic advancement for underrepresented groups who study abroad
- Diversity Abroad: Tips and must ask questions about religion for study abroad students
- Diversity Abroad Guide for Women Abroad: Offers tips and must ask questions
- Journeywoman Online: Information for women travelers from women travelers; there is also a free email newsletter you can subscribe to from this site
- State Department’s Information for Women Travelers: Includes health and safety information
- Transitions Abroad: Women Travel: Tips and resources for female students going abroad
- National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange/Mobility International: Offers free services and helpful resources for planning your education abroad experience
- Diversity Abroad: Information to assist students with disabilities with their study abroad plans
- GoAbroad.com LGBT Student Guide: Resouces and scholarship information for LGBTQ students as well as recommended study abroad destinations
- National Center for Transgender Equality: Information on navigating airport security for transgendered individuals
- Diversity Abroad: Tips for students as they start their study abroad process
- I’m First: An online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.
- One of the biggest perceived barriers to studying abroad is funding. Below are some great resources to help invest in your education abroad experience.
- AIFS Scholarships: Each year, more than $800,000 in scholarships, grants and financial support is awarded to deserving students & institutions. Funds are available for both summer and semester programs. The scholarships listed are not available to students on AIFS customized faculty-led programs. If you are participating in a program through your school, check with the study abroad director for details of any special AIFS scholarships that may be available.
- Boren Scholarships: An initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
- Critical Language Scholarship: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students.
- Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Directory of scholarships and programs, with a focus on resources for minority, low income and first generation college students.
- Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships: Grants scholarships up to $10,000. Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
- Generation Study Abroad Scholarships: A five-year initiative of the Institute of International Education (IIE) to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade.
- Gilman Scholarship: Aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.
- GoAbroad.com Scholarships: A directory of program options and scholarships
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Resources on funding for Hispanic students
- StudyAbroad.com Scholarships: A directory of program options and scholarships
- In addition to loans and scholarships, there are several ways for students to fund their time abroad. Below is a list of some basic activities to get started.
| Letter writing campaign |
- Reach out to companies and organizations you would like to potentially work for and explain how this experience would be of benefit to them:
- Family and extended family
- Co-workers
- Family co-workers
- Church
- Social organizations (4-H, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc)
- Greek organizations
- Students on your campus
- Friends at other universities
| Lifestyle |
- “Keep the change” savings accounts that round up to the nearest dollar on your purchases and put funds directly into a separate savings account
- Review and alter your daily spending habits to find ways to cut back on your discretionary spending
- Ask families to give you money or travel-related gifts for holidays and birthdays
- Consider a part-time job
| Crowdfunding |
One of the most popular and creative fundraising ideas currently is crowdfunding, which is the practice of raising small money from numerous people to fund a project (in this case study abroad). Previous AIFS students have found success from this practice and have raised thousands of dollars toward their program fees. Most sites charge either a per-donation or one-time fee for using their service and students should research the crowdsourcing platforms available online to determine which site best suits their needs. Once you have a personalized crowdfunding website you should share the link on your social media platforms to spread the word and consider getting business cards made that you can pass out to everyone. Strangers are often willing to donate to your cause if you have a compelling story and are only asking for $2. Keep in mind that every dollar counts.
