Ways to Find Money for Study Abroad

• Start a personal study abroad fund. Open an account with as little as $50 or $100, add funds as they become available, and swear not to use it for anything else!

• Ask for money instead of presents for birthdays and holidays. Put it in the fund.

• Save all you can from your job to put into the fund and count on increasing it substantially from summer employment.

• Make an appointment in the Parkland Financial Aid office to ask about a Pell grant or a student loan. Many types of financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Also, remember that if you are already receiving financial aid, you may be eligible for an increased amount due to the higher costs of a program abroad.

• Apply for a Parkland College Foundation Scholarship.

• Apply for study abroad scholarships from an outside source. Check the Web.

• Contact local support groups for fundraising: Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs. Bring information about your trip when you approach these groups. Be enthusiastic and offer work in return for their support.

• Ask your parents if any scholarships exist for children of employees where they work.

• Look in your community. Are you or your family involved in any civic (e.g. Rotary), ethnic or religious organizations? They sometimes have money available which you may be able to use for study abroad.

• Ask local stores and restaurants to put donation jars by their cash registers. Put a sign on the jars explaining who you are and why you are fundraising. Contacting businesses and organizations has been a very successful strategy for many students.
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" Write a creative letter to your relatives, asking for financial support in exchange for monthly letters while abroad, or a presentation and dinner upon return.

• Ask friends to join you in raising money by painting, cleaning, or car washes.

• Collect used books, CDs, etc. and have a sale.

• In exchange for the use of your car while you're gone, have a friend or sibling make all or part of your car payments

Whatever you do, be sure to express your appreciation for support. Your energy and enthusiasm for going abroad will be contagious!