Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financing Study Abroad
Gather information on financing your program as well as scholarship opportunities.
| Program Costs | Financial Aid | Study Abroad Scholarships | Outside Funding |
Program Costs
With the exception of the Leir Luxembourg Program and the Prague-Terezín Program, Clark charges the International Program Fee, which is approximately equal to Clark's comprehensive semester fee. Clark pays agreed upon fees to the program. Program fees vary according to program components, but generally cover tuition, room and board, and orientation and advising fees, both at Clark and abroad. For some programs, fees may cover some local excursions and emergency health and evacuation insurance. In addition, your financial aid will travel with you in most cases (see below).
The International Program Fee does not cover personal expenses, books, or expenses during breaks. Students have to arrange and pay for their own flight arrangements, passports and visas. Please note that, while the Study Abroad office may be able to offer general advice and information on obtaining study visas, we have no influence on foreign Consulates with regard to cost, documentation requirements, and length of time it takes to make an appointment or to process the visa.
Please note that Clark's International Program Fee may be higher or lower than the program provider or host university's overall fees. The major reason in the discrepancy rests in the need to finance a whole variety of programs while also allowing those on financial aid to participate in these programs as well. Given that one study abroad program is more expensive than another, we have to look comprehensively at all of our offerings when we plan and run the study abroad office. Another important aspect of our cost structure is financial aid. In essence, we would like to give all of our students, independent of how much financial aid they receive from Clark, the opportunity to study abroad. To do so, we have to spread the costs among everyone, not unlike the situation we have on the Clark campus itself.
Financial Aid
Clark has chosen to allow students to study abroad on Clark Programs with those financial aid awards provided directly by Clark. This policy aims to avoid the situation whereby only financially independent students can afford to participate. Please note that International Scholarships are granted to enrich the Clark campus with international students and, in general, cannot be applied to off-campus programs. Also, you cannot access your Work Study award while you are abroad, so you should consult with the Office of Financial Assistance, well in advance, in order to apply for a different form of aid. Often, your Work Study grant can be translated into a student loan. If you receive a Stafford Loan, be sure to check with Financial Aid about the length of time needed to process any paperwork.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Congratulations to our latest Scholarship Winners!
Clark University awards several scholarships to eligible students who are accepted to semester or year-long study abroad programs. Please note that many of these deadlines are March 30 of the spring semester and apply for the following academic year - including all fall, spring and year-long programs for that year. Students looking to study abroad in Spring of 2009 should apply for the scholarship by the March 30, 2008 deadline. In that case, your award will be tentative pending your acceptance on a study abroad program.
- The IFSA Foundation Scholarship for Opportunities Abroad (ranging
from $1,000 - $2,500) is awarded annually to eligible students in Clark's
Academic Advancement Program (under-represented and first-generation). Students must have applied for a semester or
year-long Clark study abroad program, must have a 3.0 GPA, and must be receiving
financial assistance. There are no official application forms, but you need to
submit a 1-2 page typewritten essay, which includes the following information:
- that you are a U.S. citizen and a financial aid recipient
- your reasons and goals for studying abroad
- when and where you plan to study abroad
- a list of your contributions to Clark campus and community life
- your box number, campus phone number and email
- The Marshall Geer McKim Memorial Fund (ranging from $500 - $1,500) is awarded
annually to study abroad for a semester or entire year on a Clark program. There are no official
application forms, but you need to submit a 1-2 page typewritten essay, which includes the following
information:
- that you are a U.S. citizen and a financial aid recipient
- your reasons and goals for studying abroad
- when and where you plan to study abroad
- a list of your community service involvement
- a list of your contributions to Clark campus life
- your box number and campus phone number
- The University of East Anglia (UEA) Exchange Scholarship ($500-$1000) is awarded each semester by the English Department. This award is merit-based and you must be an English major planning to study at either the School of American Studies, School of Film and Television Studies, or School of Literature and Creative Writing of the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England for a semester or the entire year. To apply, contact Professor Virginia Mason Vaughan, English Department, Anderson House, x7142.
- The Zenovia Sochor Memorial Fund ($500) is awarded annually by the Government
Department to declared Government majors or minors studying abroad in spring, preferably in an Eastern
European country, but programs like the London Internship and Namibia, etc are also acceptable.
Note: you must have a 3.40 GPA or higher to be eligible. There are no official application forms, but you need to submit a 1-2 page typewritten
essay, which includes the following information:
- your reasons and goals for studying abroad
- when and where you plan to study abroad
- your box number, email, and campus phone number
- your reasons and goals for studying abroad
- The Morris Cohen Scholarship ($2,500) is awarded each semester by American University to an eligible Clark student who is applying to an A.U. Washington Semester Program that includes a study abroad component (Internation Environment and Development Semester in Brazil or South Africa; the Peace and Conflict Semester in Northern Ireland or the Balkans; the International Business Program in Shanghai, the International Law and Organizations program). This competitive award is meant to offset the additional fees related to the study abroad component of the program. There are no official application forms, but you must submit a 1-2 page typewritten essay along with your application to the A.U. program. The essay must include your reasons and goals for participating in the program, your Clark box number, e-mail and Clark phone number. Please attach the completed "Dean's Scholarship" AU request form with your completed application. Applications are due October 1, 2007 for spring and March 1, 2008 for fall programs, and should be submitted to the Study Abroad/Study Away Office, Dana Commons, x7363.
Information on additional scholarship opportunities is posted on a bulletin board in the Study Abroad/Study Away Office, Dana Commons. You can also browse the links below.
Outside Funding
You may also be eligible for an outside scholarship to support your time abroad. Your overseas institution or program provider may offer some scholarships; check with the Study Abroad Office for more information.
There are many possible scholarships available; here is a list of some resources:
National and Local Scholarships/Grants
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Truman Scholarship
- National Security Education Program
- Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan
- Freeman Asia Scholarships
- Rotary Scholarships
- The Udall Scholarship
- General Federalization of Women's Clubs of MA
- CIEE Scholarships
- SIT Study Abroad