Study Abroad on the Government Dime

By Jeremy Bender on April 23, 2013

Everyone dreams of having a classic college study abroad experience: a new country full of exotic locations, an almost nonexistent class schedule, the ability to travel freely without a care in the world. Then, the unfortunate reality of the world sets in: the cost of going abroad, taking a semester ‘off’ from class, possibly having the risk of credits not transferring.

I knew many people who had dreams of studying abroad go by the wayside because they just couldn’t afford it, or couldn’t risk not graduating on time. Luckily, there are always alternatives to the programs thrown about at your study abroad office. Even more amazing, these programs are government run meaning they are both free and will look amazing on your resume.

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

For any language lovers, the State Department is happy to send you abroad to learn one of thirteen languages deemed critical to national security through the Critical Language Scholarship. The CLS is a two month intensive language immersion program that takes place every summer around the world: from Turkey and Russia to India, China and Indonesia.

If learning languages is something you are passionate about, I highly encourage you to explore the program for yourself. Applications are generally due in November, so any interested applicant has time for next year’s deadline. Aside from only managing to go abroad for free and learn a language, CLS is also a wonderful stepping stone to future programs. The least of which is the Fulbright.

There are multiple types of Fulbright grants available, spanning research and teaching English. The interconnecting factor being that for around one year the government will send you to a country of your choice, and will pay for all the expenses. Fulbright is not a typical study abroad experience in the slightest – mainly because if you teach English, you will instead be working abroad. The program is still wonderful for any and all who are overcome with wanderlust. There are worst first jobs to have straight out of college than making a great salary while adventuring abroad.

Like the CLS, Fulbright applications are generally due around the middle of October for the next year. Applying for Fulbright is a long task; if it is something you are seriously interested in then start planning ahead now. Also, consider getting in touch with your campus’ Director of Fellowships. He or she will be glad to help you plan for applying to these programs, as well as maybe suggest a few more.

For Rutgers students, the Director is Art Casciato. Although generally busy, Casciato is always happy to take a moment a point students in the right direction.

Good luck, and safe travels!

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format