A common misconception about studying abroad is that it's not possible to participate because of cost. However, with appropriate preparation and advance planning, studying overseas can be very affordable and serve as a major investment in your future. The International Center works closely with the Winthrop community to provide a number of affordable programs for Winthrop students. These programs vary in cost, program type, location, duration, level of on-site support, and program inclusions. For more information about the types of programs we offer, visit the Study Abroad Portal to research options that are good fits for your budget and academic needs. Additionally, to research Winthrop-based scholarship opportunities for financial support to study abroad, visit the Study Abroad Scholarships page on the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards website.
Winthrop students are able to use ALL of their financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) toward the cost of a semester or full-year study abroad experience. For summer programs, additional loans are available. To learn more, students are responsible for discussing their specific financial aid package with Winthrop's Office of Financial Aid. These conversations are tremendously important to make sure that students understand how their financial aid/scholarships work within the context of studying abroad. An important caveat to also keep in mind is that financial aid and/or scholarships are typically disbursed shortly before the Winthrop semester begins. If your study abroad program begins prior to the Winthrop semester, you may need to plan ahead to make sure you have enough money in advance while you are waiting for your aid to be dispersed.
Winthrop's International Center strongly encourages students to estimate the costs of their proposed study abroad program and discuss it with all parties contributing financially to their program. Planning ahead allows students to get the most out of their study abroad experience. In order to help students plan, please consult your respective program's website in the Study Abroad Portal to learn more about your program fees. While attending one of Winthrop's Group Advising sessions, students also receive a budgeting worksheet as a tool to help them construct a reasonable budget for their overseas experience.
The costs associated with living and traveling overseas vary and depend upon many factors including program length, location, and program inclusions. Costs also vary greatly based on students' personal spending habits. Students who get involved with the local culture, friends and activities may very well spend much less than someone who elects to travel (and/or shop) most weekends.
Students should pay close attention to relevant exchange rates and the general cost of living in their host country. For example, living in London or Australia for a semester is generally much more expensive typically than living in Costa Rica for the same length of time. Students should carefully research estimated living costs for each program prior to selecting their final study abroad program.
In general, students can find a number of scholarship options to help finance study abroad experiences. When researching scholarship opportunities, students should remember to be flexible and give themselves enough time to research and apply for various scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships have deadlines that are one year to six months in advance of actually studying overseas. Plan ahead and keep in mind that scholarships for study abroad in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are less common. Additionally, there tend to be more scholarship options available for Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Additionally, there are also specific scholarships geared toward underrepresented students.
For information regarding various scholarship options offered at Winthrop and beyond, visit the Winthrop Study Abroad Scholarships.
Additionally, Winthrop's Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) has specific information devoted to study abroad scholarships that are also considered nationally competitive awards. One particular scholarship for undergraduate study abroad that is often highlighted is the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship (which is geared specifically towards Pell Grant recipients).
Additionally, the English Department at Winthrop also offers the Geraldine Trammell Hurley Fellowship for study and travel abroad. Although this award is more appropriate for short-term or summer study abroad, depending upon the level of funding available that year, a semester abroad may be funded.
Have additional questions? Attend a Group Advising Session and work with the Study Abroad Coordinator after attending the session to discuss various scholarship options available.
Iva Gibson Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Beth Evatt Traxler, Class of 1972, in memory of her aunt, Iva Gibson, Class of 1934, for the purpose of providing scholarship for students enrolled in the international student exchange program. Recipients should be those who, without scholarship assistance, may not have an opportunity for international exchange. Eligible students should have at least a 3.0 grade point average. All eligible Winthrop students approved to study abroad will be considered for this award for semester or year-long study abroad programs. Recipient(s) are selected by the International Center with the award amount contingent upon available funds.
Melford A. Wilson, Jr. International Endowment
This fund was established by the family, friends, and colleagues of Melford A. Wilson, Jr., for the purpose of providing scholarships for students to participate in study abroad programs. To be eligible, recipients should have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and, without financial assistance, may not have the opportunity to participate in study abroad. All eligible Winthrop students approved to study abroad will be considered for this award for semester or year-long study abroad programs. Recipient(s) are selected by the International Center with the award amount contingent upon available funds.
Sadie Livingston Boyer-Dale Bower Endowed Fund for International Travel
This fund is categorized as an "endowment fund," being established by Sadie Livingston Boyer '58 and Dale B. Boyer. The purpose of the fund is to provide support for student travel. Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 each to travel. To be eligible, students must have financial need and must be traveling as part of a program approved by the International Center at Winthrop University. Recipients must have a 3.0/4.0 scale and SAT score of at least 1100 if freshmen; upperclassmen must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Travel must be connected to an academic course or purpose. This award is not renewable. The Director of the International Center (or its successor program or department) will determine the number of recipients annually and will approve travel.
Folkens Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad Opportunities
This scholarship is categorized as an "endowment fund," being established by Karl A. Folkens '78 in honor of his daughters, Elizabeth L. Folkens '07 and Anna L. Folkens '13. The purpose of the fund is to help fund study abroad opportunities for Winthrop students who might not otherwise be able to study abroad to be able to have that broadening experience. This assistance may be given in the form of scholarships or in travel stipends to students. Any student supported by this fund should have demonstrated financial need and be unable to study abroad without assistance. Scholarship recipient selection and number of recipients will be determined under the auspices of the dean of University College. The Office of Financial Aid is charged with the administrative responsibilities of scholarships.
