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IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!
INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS
U.S. students sometimes choose to go to college abroad, with the number of American students studying abroad increasing to 280,716 in 2022-23 after a pandemic slump, with most studying in Europe. Key reasons include potential cost savings, gaining a global perspective, cultural immersion, and enhancing career prospects. The process involves researching destinations, finding universities, applying with required documents like transcripts and essays, securing funding, and obtaining a student visa. Safety is paramount, requiring research on local laws, customs, and emergency contact information.
Why Study Internationally?
There are many compelling reasons to attend college at a school in another country.
Gain a broader view of the world and different cultures
Live like a local, not just a tourist, and learn about a different society
Stand out to employers in today's global economy and develop valuable adaptability
Build independence, self-confidence, and a diverse network of friends and contacts
Some schools offer opportunities for lower tuition and living costs in comparison to U.S. institutions
Planning Ahead...
Research potential destinations. Consider factors like costs, cultural fit, and academic offerings in countries like Italy, the UK, Spain, France, Japan, Denmark, or South Korea.
Find a program. Look for universities or educational providers, such as CIEE or AFS-USA, that fit your academic and personal goals.
Understand requirements. Many institutions require academic transcripts, personal essays, and potentially language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Apply. Understand Requirements: Many institutions require academic transcripts, personal essays, and potentially language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Secure funding. Explore options like scholarships, financial aid, or personal savings to cover tuition, flights, and living expenses.
Obtain a Visa. Apply for a study visa from the government of your chosen country after receiving an offer of admission.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, gain global perspectives, and develop skills like adaptability and cross-cultural communication— all qualities that stand out to employers! From unique courses to unforgettable adventures, studying abroad shapes you into a more confident, capable, and globally minded individual.
Boren Scholars study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills. Boren Scholars and Fellows from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren Awards alumni are committed to public service, working in positions critical to U.S. national security throughout the Federal Government, including the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security.
Boren Scholarships fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
$25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
$12,500 for 12-24 weeks
$8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)
More than 86% of Boren Scholars are studying abroad for 25-52 weeks studying a wide variety of majors, including International Affairs, STEM, language/area studies, political science, business, history, and public administration. The top languages studies in 2025 by Boren Scholars are Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Swahili; the top countries are Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Brazil, South Korea, Tanzania, Japan, Indonesia, Morocco and Senegal.
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