Making Study Abroad Affordable

At Summit Global Education, we understand that studying abroad is an investment in your education and future. While the cost of a program can feel overwhelming, there are many ways to make this opportunity accessible, whether through financial aid, scholarships, or smart budgeting.


Can I Use My Financial Aid for Summit Programs?

Many students use existing federal financial aid, university scholarships, or loans to help cover the cost of studying abroad. Here’s how to find out if this applies to you:

1. Meet With Your Financial Aid Office:
   • Ask if your current financial aid package can be applied to study abroad programs.
     
   • Provide them with program cost details and accreditation information from our partner universities.
2. Check With Your Study Abroad Office:
   • Some universities have funding specifically for students participating in study abroad programs, even for external providers like Summit.
     
3. Explore Loan Options:
   • Additional student loans, such as federal loans or private loans, can help bridge the gap for program costs and travel expenses.

Why Studying Abroad Can Be Cost-Effective

For students at private universities or those paying out-of-state tuition, studying abroad with Summit can actually cost less per credit hour than your home university. Here’s why:

• Many of our partner universities in Brazil and Europe offer high-quality, fully accredited courses at a fraction of the cost you might pay for equivalent credits at a private institution.
• When you compare the cost of tuition per credit hour at your school to the cost of a Summit program (which includes travel, accommodations, and cultural activities), you may find the value is unmatched.

Example: A student paying $1,500 per credit at their home institution might find that Summit’s program costs, when broken down per credit hour, are significantly lower.


Scholarship Opportunities

Summit is committed to helping students explore funding opportunities. Here’s where to start:

1. University Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for study abroad students. Check with your study abroad or financial aid office for available options.
2. External Scholarships: There are numerous scholarships available for students studying abroad, including:
   • Gilman Scholarship Program (for Pell Grant recipients).
   • Fund for Education Abroad (FEA).
   • Boren Awards (for language and cultural immersion).
   • Diversity Abroad Scholarships.
   • see our complete list of external scholarships
3. Summit Discounts and Payment Plans:
   • Occasionally, Summit offers early bird discounts or other incentives for students who apply and pay early.
   • Flexible payment plans are available to help you spread out the cost of the program.

Tips for Financing Your Study Abroad

• Apply Early: Many scholarships and financial aid opportunities have deadlines well in advance of your travel date. Start the process as soon as possible.
• Budget Smart: Factor in all costs, including airfare, meals, and personal expenses, to ensure you have a clear picture of your total financial needs.
• Crowdfunding: Many students successfully fund their study abroad experience by creating a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, sharing their educational goals with friends and family.

Next Steps

1. Review Program Costs: Take a close look at the program cost breakdown to understand what’s included.
2. Speak With Your Advisors: Meet with your financial aid and study abroad offices to discuss your options.
3. Contact Summit: Our team is here to answer questions and provide documentation to help with financial aid and scholarship applications.

Contact us

• We’re here to help you make your dream of studying abroad a reality. Whether it’s through maximizing your financial aid, finding scholarships, or exploring flexible payment plans, there’s a way to make it work. Don’t let cost be a barrier—reach out today to discuss your options!
• Contact Summit

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Options: Detailed guide for financial aid

1.) Use your existing financial aid

Studying abroad with Summit Global Education can be an incredible investment in your future, and your existing financial aid might help make it more affordable. While the process may vary depending on your school, here are some general guidelines to help you navigate the use of financial aid for study abroad.   See our guide to using existing financial aid.

2.) External scholarships

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, and there are numerous scholarships available to help make it more affordable. Below, we’ve compiled a range of external scholarships and resources to help you find funding for your Summit Global Education program.   See our guide to external scholarships.  

3.) Popular financial aid options

Referral Rewards

• Whether you’re a current applicant or a past participant, you can share the Summit experience with others and earn rewards for helping friends discover the opportunity to study abroad.
• $250 Discount: Earn $250 off your program fees for every participant you refer who successfully enrolls and attends a Summit program.
• $100 Discount for Your Friends: Your referrals also receive a $100 discount on their program fees when they mention your name during the application process.
• No Limits: The more students you refer, the closer you get to significantly reducing your program costs—up to 75% of the total program fee!

• Learn more about our Referral Program

Campus Ambassador scholarships

• Make an impact at your university while earning scholarships toward your Summit program! Help us build relationships with your study abroad office and key academic departments to create lasting opportunities for future students.
• Earn $500: Scholarship for helping Summit become an officially listed or recommended program with your study abroad office.
• Learn more about Campus Ambassador Scholarships →
  

4.) Internships

• Gain professional experience working with Summit Global Education in exchange for tuition reduction scholarships to study abroad on Summit programs.  
• Up to $1000 in value
• Learn more about our internships
  

5.) Needs-based scholarships

Summit Global Education is committed to making study abroad accessible for students from diverse financial backgrounds. While we can’t fully match federal or institutional aid, we offer resources and modest scholarships to help bridge the gap.

Pell Grant Scholarships

• Students receiving Pell Grants may qualify for a $300 needs-based scholarship to help offset the higher costs of studying abroad compared to their home campus.
• Eligibility: Available to students who demonstrate Pell Grant status and financial need.

Lost Merit-Aid Assistance

• If your merit-based financial aid does not apply to Summit programs, you may qualify for a scholarship of up to $300 to offset this loss.
• Eligibility: Students must demonstrate the inability to use their existing merit aid for study abroad.
  

Application: Scholarships are limited and available only to students who apply and complete their application process before the program's early application deadline. Awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to maximize your chances.

6.) Affiliated  university  scholarships

• Does your university list the Summit Study Abroad programs on their website?  
• Go to your university's study abroad website and take a look.  Do you see an area for external providers? (Depending on your school, this might be called "3rd party providers", or "affiliate programs") 
• If Summit is listed on your university's website as an affiliated (or recommended) program option, then all students from your university will receive a $400 scholarship when they participate in a Summit Study Abroad program
• Contact Summit for more details
  

7.) Early application discounts

Save More by Planning Ahead
Students who complete their application and pay the confirmation deposit by the program's early application deadline are eligible for an exclusive discount.

How It Works:

• Submit your application early to secure your spot.
• Pay your confirmation deposit before the specified deadline to receive the discount.

Act now to save on your study abroad journey and maximize your planning flexibility!

Crowdfunding your study abroad experience:

We encourage students to explore innovative ways to fund their study abroad dreams. "Fund My Travel" is a powerful crowdfunding platform specifically designed for students raising money for international education opportunities, similar to KickStarter but tailored for studying abroad.

• See a Successful Campaign

Tips for a Successful Fundraising Campaign

• Over the years, we’ve been amazed by how successful students can be when they approach fundraising with creativity and determination. While the platform provides great tools, the real impact comes from crafting a compelling story that answers the question: “Why should friends, family, and community members support your quest to study abroad?”

To inspire generosity:

• Share Your Vision: Highlight how international experience is vital for your personal growth, career goals, and long-term aspirations.
• Be Authentic: Share your passion and why this program matters to you. A heartfelt story can resonate with potential donors.
• Express Gratitude: Show appreciation for every contribution, big or small, and explain how their support will make a difference.

Expand Beyond Friends and Family

Once you’ve gained confidence, broaden your efforts to include:

• Community Leaders: Approach local business owners, civic groups, or professional organizations that align with your academic and career goals.
• Social Media: Leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience. Share regular updates and milestones to keep supporters engaged.
• In-Person Efforts: Host a small event, such as a bake sale or community presentation, to create buzz around your campaign.

Use "Fund My Travel" not just as a tool for donations but as a central hub to organize and showcase your efforts. With the right strategy, you may be surprised by how many people are excited to help you achieve your study abroad dreams!