Ask the Experts: Paying for Study Abroad
The following question was submitted via our Ask the Experts form. Be sure to send a question our way if you are confused about anything related to the financial aid process:
“As a US citizen, can I use Federal grants and loans to pay for attendance at a college or university overseas? I would like to do my undergraduate work overseas in order to become truly fluent in a foreign language and familiar with the culture I am studying. Thank you.” -Robin
Hi Robin,
Using your federal grants and loans for attendance at a college or university overseas will depend on how you enroll. If you plan to attend a U.S. school that participates in a “Study Abroad” program with an overseas college or university, your eligible federal financial aid (including federal grants) should carry over.
If, however, you decide to enroll in an overseas college or university that is not affiliated with a U.S. school, you would only be considered for student loans, and only if the overseas school has been approved to participate in federal student aid programs.
When deciding to participate in a study abroad arrangement, your first step should always be to discuss your situation with the Financial Aid office at your college. On the other hand, if you decide to enroll in an overseas school, you should then investigate whether it is eligible to award federal student loans.
Planning for these kinds of unique learning opportunities takes time and effort. It looks like you are on the right track by asking about funding opportunities. Private student loans are also a consideration for study abroad situations, provided you meet the criteria for private loan funding.
As you can see, your options are many, but somewhat complex. Your best source to help you plan for this is to speak to the Financial Aid professional at your college; he or she may help you with other sources of aid that may be available for study abroad programs.
Whatever your decision, you are to be commended for the smart way you have approached this opportunity. Best of luck to you!
