Studying abroad made more affordable by bevy of grants, scholarships, weakened global economy
Central Michigan University’s Study Abroad program is making sure students have the opportunity to go out of the country despite a tough economy.
With over $100,000 in study abroad scholarships every year, the Study Abroad Office and Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid are working together with students to find a program that fits both their interests and budget.
Dianne De Salvo, the program’s director, emphasized the benefits taking part in her program can afford students.
“Foreign language and travel experience are essential in today’s job market,” she said. “It is a different dynamic of learning when students are surrounded by a culture and language 24/7.”
Students have other options apart from the various scholarships, including grants of up to $5,000 offered yearly. Some programs also offer tuition-exchange, where tuition abroad is equivalent to that at CMU.
Overall, travel expenses have actually decreased, De Salvo said. Exchange rates are down worldwide due to the weakened economy; while places like England and Spain were once costly destinations, they have become more affordable.
Muskegon senior Nicole Carlson used an Honors Program and Centralis Scholarship to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico, through the “Los Ninos de Oaxaca” program.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I was exposed to an entirely different culture, and being able to witness poverty first-hand was really eye opening.”
Carlson stressed the importance of taking the opportunity, applying for scholarships and just going for it.
“The Study Abroad Program makes it feasible for anyone to study abroad,” Carlson said. “There are a lot of scholarships that students can take advantage for. And even if the trip puts you in a little debt, it is all worth it.”
