Center for Global Education

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Keys to Financing Your Study Abroad

Study abroad is an investment in one's future. As social, political, and economic worlds continue to become more globally interdependent, students who have experience with this interconnectedness have an advantage over those who do not.

Read more on how current Mason students are finding ways to finance their studies abroad in Mason Gazette's "Mason Students Encouraged to Study Abroad"or take it from this parent, who actually saved money by sending her daughter abroad:

My daughter’s 9 credits in her French Immersion class in Montreal were well worth the money spent. She not only experienced French every day, she met people from all over the globe, ate new foods and learned a little bit more about herself. As an out of state GMU student the class saved us about $4000. I would highly recommend that you look into this program.

-Penny Z.

Download Penny's detailed cost comparison [PDF].


Study Abroad Costs

The cost of studying abroad varies greatly depending on an individual program's type, length, and location. Many programs are financially comparable to studying on campus for a semester, therefore program selection is crucial especially if you are on a tight budget. When looking at programs, the Center for Global Education recommends you request a cost breakdown to help you understand how much you can expect to pay for your global experience.

The program fee for all programs administered by the Center for Global Education covers:

  • Tuition (all of our programs are for academic credit)
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance
  • Mandatory Pre-departure orientation

Some, but not all, program fees include housing, one or two meals a day, and/or international airfare. In addition to the items listed above, students should also budget for passport and visa expenses, books, independent travel, and entertainment and personal expenses.

Will it be impossible for you to finance your study abroad experience? Of course not. Just remember that in most cases, financial aid, federal loans, scholarships, and grants can all be applied to your study abroad program costs. Plan ahead as early planning is imperative to success.

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Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is always awarded through a student's home university. If you are a George Mason student intending to participate in a study abroad program not affiliated with Mason, you must still go to the Mason Financial Aid Office. If you attend another university and you are participating in a Mason study abroad program, you need to visit the Financial Aid Office at your home school.

Take a copy of the estimated cost-of-attendance or the cost break down of your study abroad program to your financial aid counselor. You and your counselor will review your financial aid package together with this additional information. After your meeting you will have an idea of what will be covered by aid and how much you will have to contribute.

More information about financial aid and loans may be found at the following websites:

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Scholarships

CGE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES SCHOLARSHIPS ($20,000 total)

Open to George Mason University students who participate in CGE Winter Break and Summer Programs, scholarship amounts range from  $250 - $1000, depending on merit and financial need. Students who are awarded a Global Scholarship are required to assist CGE in the promotion of study abroad upon their return.

Scholarship applications for upcoming CGE Summer Break Programs are due by March 8, 2013. Late scholarship applications will not be considered. Download and print the PDF version of this information by clicking HERE.

To apply, submit the following items:

  1. One academic letter of reference

  2. A 500 word essay detailing how you hope to benefit from this study abroad experience

Your application must be submitted to the Center for Global Education, located in Johnson Center Room 235, with your complete program application materials, including your on-line application, application fee, and supplementary application materials.

Global Perspectives Scholarships are NOT available for semester/yearlong programs, Direct Exchange programs, or Non-Mason programs. You must be a George Mason University Student to be selected for a scholarship. Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled. Again, any Mason student is eligible for this scholarship.

CGE MONROE "CHIP" WHITTON SCHOLARSHIPS

To be considered for this scholarship, students must participate in a Summer Program
in the UK or Ireland. Two (2) scholarships at $1,000 apiece will be awarded. Students applying for the London Internship Program are not eligible for this scholarship.

To apply submit the following items:

  1. One academic letter of reference
  2. A 500 word essay detailing how you hope to benefit from this study abroad experience

Your application must be submitted to the Center for Global Education, located in Johnson Center Room 235, with your complete program application materials, including your on-line application, application fee, and supplementary application materials.

Deadline: Scholarship applications are due with your complete program application by the deadline for the program to which you are applying.

Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled.

Center for Global Education Scholarship disbursement

In order to receive a scholarship administered by the Center for Global Education, scholarship recipients must be officially accepted into the program and pay the non-refundable deposit for the program by the deadline indicated in their acceptance letter. Late payment of the deposit disqualifies students from consideration for the scholarship. Scholarship awards are distributed after all program fees have been paid in full by the student. Scholarships will NOT be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in the program or if a program is cancelled.

Other Scholarships

We always encourage students to take responsibility for their own education by independently researching for scholarships online and consulting with their financial aid officer to see if aid applies to their particular study abroad program. Many institutions providing study abroad programs have scholarships available to students attending their programs. Please do the work that is involved with applying for a scholarship because it will pay off:

The 2013 application deadlines are:
Boren Scholarships Deadline:
February 13, 2013
Boren Fellowships Deadline: January 31, 2013
Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students for study abroad. Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students for study and research.

Contact GMU for more information and application guidance from a campus representative.

Contact Us

Center for Global Education
Johnson Center, Room 235
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
MSN 2B8
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

Phone

703-993-2154

Fax

703-993-2153

Email

cge@gmu.edu

Office Hours

9am - 5pm

(Monday - Friday)

Our Location

We are located on the second floor
in Room 235 in the Johnson Center above the food court.

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