Once you've considered fully what kind of program is right for you, you're ready to research what's available to fit your complex needs and interests, resources, and time. Most students begin by investigating those programs directly sponsored by their own campus. Some schools indeed limit their students to their own programs, providing information only about these programs (and, sometimes, affiliated programs) and erecting a host of academic and/or economic disincentives meant to discourage students from participating in programs sponsored by other institutions...

How To Research Study Abroad Opportunities

Once you've considered fully what kind of program is right for you, you're ready to research what's available to fit your complex needs and interests, resources, and time. Most students begin by investigating those programs directly sponsored by their own campus. Some schools indeed limit their students to their own programs, providing information only about these programs (and, sometimes, affiliated programs) and erecting a host of academic and/or economic disincentives meant to discourage students from participating in programs sponsored by other institutions. Others have lists of programs pre-approved for transfer of credit, which may or may not qualify for institutional financial aid. Yet others have an open policy, allowing students to choose from the hundreds and hundreds of available programs which are open to any qualified student. If your school doesn't sponsor study abroad programs (or doesn't offer the 'right' program for you) or you want to look beyond your home campus course offerings, there is a wealth of information available today, from many different sources, on programs of all types.

Campus Advisors. If your school has a study abroad office, talk to a study abroad advisor about how and where to research programs. If your campus does not have a study abroad office, ask your academic advisor for help in researching your options. He or she may be knowledgeable about international study, or may be able to refer you to faculty members who are. You should also talk to your school registrar or someone in the admissions office about your school's policies on study abroad, especially if you are considering a program that is not sponsored by your school. Also, if you'd like credit in your major for study abroad, be sure to see an advisor in your major department.

Campus Study Abroad Library. Many US colleges and universities have a study abroad library, or a section of the college library that is devoted to study abroad. A good study abroad library will have reference books containing thousands of listings of study abroad programs, as well as catalogs of study abroad programs from other US institutions, and foreign university catalogs - the best reference guide is IIEPassport: Academic Year Abroad and IIEPassport: Short Term Study Abroad, published by the Institute of International Education and Educational Directories Unlimited Ask an advisor if there are brochures for individual programs, or videos, slides, CD-Roms, or photos of programs and program sites. Your campus study abroad library may also carry the magazine Transitions Abroad, with articles about study, work, and travel abroad written by recently returned student participants (also see the magazine's website, www.transitionsabroad.com). In addition, many study abroad libraries have written evaluations of programs from recent participants. This kind of unbiased first-hand information usually cannot be found elsewhere.

Searching The Internet, the World Wide Web, and Education Databases. In recent years access to information of all sorts on international education, via new telecommunications technologies, has burgeoned. No longer are you limited to what your particular campus has on its library shelves or what you can write for to be sent to you. Volumes of valuable information on nearly every aspect of study abroad is now immediate from any personal computer or campus network. Using this technology to find Web-pages, you can gather information on hundreds of programs and foreign universities; on financial aid: scholarships, fellowships, and grants specifically geared to study abroad; on internships and volunteer opportunities; on international travel; on particular countries or specific fields; on getting your passport and visa requirements; on health and safety conditions; and on international currency exchange rates and banking. Information alone will not be sufficient, so it should be gathered, studied, and discussed with your campus advisors and fellow students.

A few of the best sites to start with are:

• www.IIEPassport.org, Institute of International Education and Educational Directories Unlimited: includes IIEPassport: Academic Year Abroad and IIEPassport: Short Term Study Abroad, in database format, as well as scholarship information.
• www.StudyAbroad.com, providing online directories of programs and destination information plus links to leading providers.
• www.nafsa.org/secussa, (click on "Annotated Internet Resources") the site of NAFSA: Association of International Educators; has links to the best websites for study, work and travel abroad.

Talking With Returned Students. If you are interested in a particular program, talking to students who have recently taken part in it is often the best way to find out what it's really like. Be aware, however, that no two students on the same program ever have precisely the same experience or response, and you may have different goals and interests. You might ask: Did the course load leave time for socializing or traveling? Is an ability to get along with others essential on this program? Is the optional safari - or scuba diving expedition or trek to see ancient ruins - worth the extra time and money? and the like. Your campus may organize group sessions with these students, or give you contact information for them so you can talk to them individually.

If it's not possible to talk to students who've been on programs that interest you, talking to students who have taken part in any study abroad program will be useful, since you'll hear about what it's like to live and study in a foreign country. Many campuses use returned study abroad students as 'peer counselors.' If yours does, make sure you tap into their seasoned perspectives. Of course, it's best if you can find students who studied in the country or region you're considering. If you're considering studying abroad through a program not sponsored by your school, ask the program for telephone numbers or e-mail addresses of students who have attended that program. These may be carefully selected individuals. Still, be wary of a program that refuses to let you contact previous participants.

Talking with program representatives can provide invaluable insight and information which is direct and personalized. Many campuses arrange for occasional campus visits by such people. Some also set up annual Study Abroad Fairs, at which representatives from many different study abroad programs, as well as from organizations sponsoring internships and voluntary work programs, are present throughout a given day or evening, to talk with interested students. There may also be students present who have participated in particular programs. If such opportunities present themselves (on your own or a nearby campus), you should definitely take advantage of being able to collect current materials, ask questions, and gain insights from persons who know their program from direct experience.

Even the best reference book or catalog has only general information about programs, and brochures may focus more on the local attractions and nightlife than on academics. After you've identified programs that interest you, check the programs' websites, e-mail, call or write the sponsoring institutions for detailed information and application forms. And it's always best to call a program and speak with its advisors to discuss questions that remain unclear after you've read program booklets. Many programs, especially larger and more established ones, allow the 800 number or e-mail address to be used for the purpose of providing you with additional information, answering your and your parent's questions on a one-to-one basis - and, when you are ready, taking an application.

Costs. In order to encourage students to study abroad, most US institutions do their best to try to keep the expenses of overseas study comparable to the cost of the same period of study at the home campus. How much will studying abroad actually cost you (and your parents), especially in relation to what study at home costs? There is no simple answer to this major question, other than that participation in any given program can add up to somewhat less or much more, depending on a host of factors - some of which are controlled by your institution (e.g., its tuition policy, whether it sponsors its own programs, whether financial aid travels, etc.); some of which are matters over which American institutions may have no control (e.g., international currency exchange rates, overseas costs of living, university tuition costs, etc.). In short, the absolute, overall cost of an overseas study experience is something apart from how affordable it is to any given participant.

Variables. Many US sponsors of study abroad programs bundle the program's major costs into one comprehensive fee. This usually includes tuition, housing, meals, and international airfare, and may also include medical and accident insurance, excursions, books, rail passes, and other program-related expenses. Others may include some, but not necessarily all of these items. Since all are likely to be relevant to figuring out overall costs, it is your and your parents' responsibility to ask enough questions until you have complete figures and can decide if the bottom line is clear, and affordable. It is equally important to have an idea of the many variables which can affect overall costs.

Costs vary by:
Location. Programs in Western Europe tend to be more expensive than those in most other parts of the world (e.g., Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, or South America). But relatively expensive programs sometime exist in countries where the cost of living is relatively low, and conversely, depending on the nature of the living and learning experience. The cost of living in countries in which the US Dollar is weak relative to the local currency is (usually) higher than in countries where the US Dollar is strong. Because it costs more to live in most cosmopolitan areas than in the hinterlands, programs based in cities typically cost more.

Sponsor. In general, programs sponsored by private colleges or organizations are more expensive than those offered by public institutions. If you are interested in a program in a specific location or at a particular foreign university, check to see if more than one sponsor offers it. In some cities, a number of institutions sponsor similar study abroad programs, at a variety of prices.

Program Type. Island programs, where everything is specially arranged for the US group, are usually more expensive than immersion or direct enrollment programs. Because special or US style services cost more, this is reflected in the program fee. These can include on-site support services, special language-training courses, cross-cultural orientation, social activities, and excursions to sites of interest. The extra expense may be well worth it if this is your first time abroad or you think you would get more out of a program that offers those services. But you can save money by choosing a program that doesn't include them. Remember, however, that you will then have to be more independent when it comes to problem-solving.

Duration. While some of the costs of participating in a program are the same, regardless of how long the overseas sojourn is (e.g., airfare), other costs vary according to how long one is away, e.g., room and board, tuition, etc. Thus, the longer the program, the more expensive it is, in absolute terms. On the other hand, there are also 'economies of scale,' so that the per week/per credit cost of a summer program may be proportionally greater than the per week/per credit costs of a semester program, etc.

Home Campus Tuition Policy. Tuition fees at foreign universities, which are usually state supported, are often much lower than those charged by US institutions. Some countries, however, charge separate fees to foreign students that are considerably higher than those charged to local students. If you choose a program sponsored by your own school or another US school, you may find that you're paying full home-campus tuition even if the school you'll be attending abroad charges much lower tuition. The higher cost to you is for the home-campus credit as well as for the home-campus study abroad advising and other administrative and support services.

Financial Aid Availability. In addition, there are a number of other expenses which may or may not be included in the stated bottom line 'program fee' - and some of which are not part of the 'program' per se, but are nevertheless related to the overall costs of the experience of living and learning in another country.
These can include:

General-

• Academic fees
• Application fee (Q. refundable or nonrefundable?)
• Administrative fee
• Tuition and other academic fees
• Books and other supplies
• Use of labs and libraries
• Computers: Internet use fees, access to e-mail

Room and Board (Q. Are room and board included during vacations and holidays?)-

• Accommodations/Food
• Housing or key deposits
• Residence permits
• Food (Q: Does this include three meals a day? Seven days a week, or weekdays only?)

Transportation-

• Round-trip transportation from the United States to the host country
• Transportation between point of international entry and program site, if not included in the round-trip transportation fee
• Commuting costs to and from campus
• Program-related travel
• Optional travel

Travel Documents-

• Passport fee
• Visa, if required
• Immunizations, if required
• International Student Identity Card

Insurance-

• Health and accident insurance
• Traveler's insurance, for lost or stolen personal items

Miscellaneous-

• Admission to cultural sites and events
• Gifts
• Fluctuating exchange rates
• Postage and phone calls

Personal-

• Laundry
• Dry cleaning
• Personal care products
• In addition, don't forget to budget money for clothing appropriate to the climate and luggage or a backpack.

Always contact the sponsor directly for the most current information on costs. Exchange rates fluctuate, and the mix of services provided for the program fee can change, so the cost listed in last year's catalog or study abroad guide may no longer be accurate.

Financial Aid
Is Financial Aid Available for Study Abroad? If you are currently receiving financial aid for your college education, in many cases you can use it to study abroad. This can be the case with aid from an institution, a foundation, the state or federal government, or other private or public sources. Talk to your study abroad advisor, financial aid officer, or bursar about what can and can't be applied to a program of study abroad.
The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1992 mandated that a student can receive financial aid for study abroad if the student is enrolled in a program approved by the home institution. Moreover, the student would be eligible to receive "grants, loans, or work assistance without regard to whether the study abroad program is required as a part of the student's degree."

What Types of Financial Aid are Available? Federal and state governments, foundations, and private and public organizations are primary sources of financial aid. Be sure to check with your financial aid director, study abroad advisor or bursar about whether your financial aid can apply to study abroad.

If you are planning to attend an overseas study program sponsored by another institution, the home institution, through a written agreement between the schools, might allow you to use your financial aid. But students should realize that policies vary among institutions of higher education and therefore, should check with their study abroad advisors and financial aid administrators regarding enrollments with another institution.

Note the following types of financial aid:

Federal Aid. Federal aid can consist of loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study.

Loans. The Federal Direct Ford Student Loan or the Federal Stafford Guaranteed Student Loan is available to students who demonstrate need. The Federal government pays interest on subsidized loans as long as the student is enrolled half-time and demonstrates financial need through the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Repayment begins after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time.

These loans can also be unsubsidized and are available to students regardless of need; interest is charged to the students while in school. A student may choose to make the interest-only payments on the unsubsidized loan or allow the interest to be added to the loan principal and then pay both principal and interest after leaving school.

Federal PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent students under the Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). These loans are made either by the school (direct loan) or through a private lender. Parents are responsible for all interest charges. Repayment begins 60 days after loan disbursements.

Grants and Scholarships. Federal Pell Grants are awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Part-time enrollment reduces eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Grants (SEOG) are awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Must be enrolled at least half-time.

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) and the Fulbright Program funded by the Federal government have grants and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students for study and research overseas.

Students should be aware that government organizations in other countries such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer funding opportunities.

State Aid. A few states offer assistance to students to attend college which comes from sources other than Federal funding. This aid can be applied to study abroad. It can be need-based or merit based. These include grants or loans but may include tuition waivers, work programs, or other types of aid. The HEA of 1998 stated in the Special Leverage Educational Assistance Partnership Program that "incentive grants are available to States from the Federal government to assist eligible students enrolled in study abroad programs that were approved for credit by the home institution."

Institutional Aid. Some financial aid is funded by the student's home institution, not based on public monies. These scholarships can be based on need and/or on merit. Institutional aid can come from a variety of sources, which includes alumni, faculty, endowments, etc. Some aid can be specified for overseas study but other scholarships can be restricted to the campus, state, or for domestic programs, etc.

If you are planning to attend an overseas study program sponsored by another institution, your home institution, through a written agreement between the schools, might allow you to use your financial aid. But students should realize that policies vary among institutions of higher education and therefore, should check with their study abroad advisors and financial aid administrators regarding enrollments with another institution.

Private and Public Organizations. Other than governmental and institutional aid, private organizations, foundations, corporations, and civic groups are additional sources of aid for study abroad. For example, the Coca-Cola Foundation, Amoco, Chrysler Corporation, etc., have given funds for overseas study. The Rotary Foundation, which has a private, sponsored International scholarship program provides funds for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students. Some private and public organizations will give overseas study funding for students in a particular major or area of study. Private organizations and associations related to your area of study or destination are worth consulting, as are ethnic and service organizations in your home town. The League of United Latin American Citizens, Alliance Francaise, Dante Alighieri, Goethe groups, etc., are examples of other sources of funding for overseas study and research.

Program Sponsors. Organizations like the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS), Syracuse University, Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), etc., offer need and merit scholarships for their own sponsored programs. This is, effectively, a form of discounting. Check IIEPassport: Academic Abroad and IIEPassport: Short Term Study Abroad published by the Institute of International Education for study abroad programs which offer scholarships or work-study assistance.

Underrepresented Students (Minorities, Students with Disabilities, and Non-Traditional Students). Various types of financial aid might apply to assist underrepresented students enrolling in overseas study programs. Special grants or scholarships are specified for this purpose. The Robert Bailey Minority scholarships sponsored by the Council of Educational Exchange (CIEE) is a prime example.

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, study abroad and financial aid offices are required to offer the same services to non-disabled and disabled students.

How Do I Make Arrangements to Have Financial Aid Applied to a Study Abroad Program? Upon application to a study abroad program, you should also contact the financial aid office to see if there are special application processes or policies required in receiving financial aid for overseas study. For example, the study abroad office may provide the financial aid office with costs or a budget for your study abroad program that will facilitate the disbursement of aid when you leave the country. You may also need to check with the bursar's office on how they can contact you or to make financial aid disbursement arrangements. If you have previous loans, you should check wih the registrar's office regarding deferment procedures while you're enrolled overseas. Be sure to check with all four offices, weeks before your plans are finalized. Keep records of all forms submitted and submission dates as well as all personal contacts made (individuals and dates of those contacts). Those records will help you avoid confusion as well as clarify issues that might arise.

Could Financial Aid for Study Abroad Affect Funding for Next Semester's Aid? There is a possibility that funding for future semesters might be affected resulting from financial aid given for a semester's study abroad program as your eligibility for certain types of aid might have expired. The financial aid office will be monitoring your progress toward your degree as to whether you have exceeded your eligibility requirements. The best advice is to check with a Financial Aid advisor about your funding.

How Many Credits Do I Need to Receive Financial Aid (Including Loans) for Study Abroad? Credit level required for direct subsidized/unsubsidized loan eligibility for all semesters is half-time time. For undergraduates, half-time requires enrollment in at least 6 credit hours. For scholarships and grants, you need to maintain the enrollment level required for each aid program listed on your financial aid award letter.

Is Power of Attorney Useful if I am Overseas? If you are overseas, power of attorney gives the designated person (family member or trusted friend); the power to act in your behalf if a legal document requires a signature. If you are receiving federal financial aid, you must endorse the check before it can be deposited. A power of attorney can facilitate the process of receiving funds.

What Sources are Available to Obtain Further Information on Financial Aid and Funding for Study Abroad? The following on-line and publication sources are very useful for students who wish further information. On-Line Information:

• www.finaid.org The Financial Aid Page: links to scholarship searches and comprehensive listing of financial aid information.
• www.ed.gov A more comprehensive federal site.
• studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html The Student Guide: Department of Education publishes a guide each year on the eligibility requirements on various federal aid programs.
• www.fastweb.com Fast Web. This service provides a free customized list of financial aid sources including private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
• www.collegeboard.com College Board Scholarship Search, and www.plato.org P.L.A.T.O. Scholarship Search are other pertinent engines for grant information
• www.collegenet.com/mach25 Another ready guide to a scholarship search.
• www.petersons.com Has references to study abroad which the student might find useful.
• www.umabroad.umn.edu/financial/scholarships/ (University of Minnesota), www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants (Michigan State University), and www.studyabroad.com/os/finaid.html All three of these websites have information on scholarships and grants for study abroad.

Of course, be sure to also check your school's web site for information about their financial aid and study abroad programs.

Publications:

• A Student's Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Funding Publications in International Education and Other Disciplines, Michigan State University, Rm 209, Office of International Studies and Programs, East Lansing, Michigan (April 1997) Contains 79 pages of annotated bibliographical information on references and websites.

Other useful sources include:

• Financial Aid for Studying and Training Abroad (Reference Service Press, 2001), Gail Ann Schlachter and David R Weber
• Directory of Financial Aid for Women, 2003-2005; Financial Aid for African Americans, 2003-2005 (Reference Service Press)
• Financial Resources for International Study, Marie O'Sullivan, ed., Institute of International Education, New York, (1996)

Diversity
It is an historical fact that the diversity of student backgrounds represented in US higher education has not been reflected fully in the profiles of students studying abroad. American students of rich ethnic or racial heritage, for instance, have not studied abroad in the same proportions as so-called 'traditional' students. Often the reason is strictly economic, but there are other factors as well. Also underrepresented in study abroad participation over the years have been white males, older students, community college students, as well as students majoring in academic and pre-professional areas - such as science, engineering, business, education, architecture, etc. with rigid curricular sequences. Though students from these underrepresented groups still represent only a small percentage of US undergraduates who study abroad, their numbers have increased dramatically in recent years. Today members of all such groups participate in study abroad, going to every region of the world, and many overseas programs and universities make special efforts to ensure that they feel welcome on their programs and in their classrooms.

Minority Students.
If you have a strong ethnic or racial minority background, the key to your successful study abroad experience lies in making an informed choice on what you will find overseas, based on full and accurate information. In these regards, the quality of advising available to you on your home campus may or may not be adequate. Your most important questions are likely to concern how you will be received in a foreign country. However encouraging, and informed your study abroad advisor is, probably your best resource will be other students of color or ethnic minorities who have studied abroad. Returned students report a variety of experiences with racial or ethnic prejudice overseas, just as they have a variety of experiences in this country. Some have found that local people were 'only' curious about their race and ethnicity, which, while occasionally annoying, was not a problem that interfered with their primary reasons for living and learning in another country. There said they were willing, when asked, to answer questions, for instances, about their hair, religion, historically black institutions, and many other topics, as long as the questions were asked with genuine curiosity and did not reflect racist attitudes.

Other returnees report having been elated to find that, for the first time in their lives, their skin color or ethnic heritage was not an issue, although there was still the matter of being a foreigner in that particular country. Still others found some active prejudice in their new host country and had to deal with this however possible. No matter the new social climate, however, the majority of returning minority students felt that the overall experience was so important to their education (in the broadest sense) and their development as individuals that almost all argued that the fear of discrimination should not keep someone at home. As one Spelman College student said, "Getting stared at and hearing ourselves described as 'dirty' was a small price to pay for a semester in the studios of Florentine artists."

Picking the Right Country and Program. The unfortunate fact is that nearly every country discriminates against some group of people although the targets vary from country to country and even within different regions of a country. It is here that the study abroad advisor can play an invaluable role. Ask your advisor to identify countries that have a good track record with minorities, remembering that all minority students are not treated the same way in each country. An African American student will not necessarily have the same experience in Spain or the Dominican Republic that a Hispanic student will.

A student must also be open to the experience and avoid saying the American way is better; it is, after all, only different. It is also the case that certain cities and certain campuses and programs in a given country may be more supportive and tolerant than others.

Talk seriously with your advisor about what you are really looking for and what you are willing to experience - how far outside of your comfort zone do you want to step. Your advisor can probably identify countries as well as programs where minority students have had positive experiences. Countries with wide ethnic diversity like Brazil, Costa Rica, South Africa, and England or those, such as Thailand, in which religious and cultural beliefs encourage tolerance of all peoples, may be good choices. However, you should not necessarily automatically rule out those places which are more homogeneous or less tolerant. The real issue is making an informed choice.

Many students select places in spite of knowing that they are likely to encounter some overt or subtle discrimination there. If you are prepared for whatever attitudes exist, you will usually be able to handle it more constructively. The same is true for your parents, who most likely grew up in times less tolerant than today and, as a result, are afraid to send their children into a situation where they could encounter discrimination. You and your study abroad advisor or perhaps the parents of another returned minority student will need to work with your parents so that they will become comfortable with your choice. There are networks of individuals who can help you and your parents will have a better experience.

Your study abroad advisor should be able to tell you about programs that have offered highly positive experiences to minority participants, and - just as importantly - those that haven't. In addition, she or he may be able to put you in touch with other minority students who have studied abroad. You can also access the website of the Council on International Educational Exchange for a list of study abroad advisors who can link you up with past minority participants willing to speak with their peers about work, study and volunteer abroad programs in the country where they spent time. This information is available at www.ciee.org/mindis.htm, and is part of the Forum on Underrepresentation in Education Abroad, cosponsored By NAFSA: Association of International Educators. If requested, the North American Office of Lancaster University can provide minority students and their parents with the names and contact numbers for past minority students and their parents. Many programs use returning students, including minorities, as ambassadors, giving out their names as contacts for their programs. Exploring Your Heritage. Some minority students may wish to study in a country primarily to explore their cultural roots, whether racial, ethnic, or religious. If this applies to you, consult a study abroad advisor about appropriate programs. While most students who choose a country as part of "heritage-seeking" find it a rewarding experience, nearly all report that they were perceived as primarily 'American' by their hosts - a perception which can be devastating if a student is not prepared for this type of seeming rejection in a region previously thought to be "homeland." Being seen primarily as an 'American,' in spite of one's family roots, often occurs not only in African countries for African American students, but also in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, Israel, and even Mexico for students with this heritage. Hispanic students who do not speak fluent Spanish or Asian Americans who cannot speak Japanese or Chinese with some fluency may have a harder time on this type of "heritage" study than other students who expect to be seen as a foreigner and not a long lost relative.

Another issue associated with heritage study abroad is that first generation American parents sometimes want their children to rediscover family 'roots' via study abroad, while their daughters or sons may want to go somewhere else entirely. Your study abroad advisor or your academic advisor may be able to help convince such parents otherwise. It is often necessary to use all your "assets" in order to get permission and support to go abroad, no matter what the destination. Some American colleges initiate contact with parents in order to play a supportive and informing role in this decision. One of the reasons for parental hesitancy is often that student is the main English-speaker for the family and is needed to take grandmother to the doctor and provide a bridge to the English speaking world. Nonetheless, the family can be reassured by help from the study abroad advisor.

If you are concerned about being the only non-white student in a study abroad group or perhaps the only 1 or 2 in a group of 100+, look into programs that are sponsored by institutions with sizable minority populations. Traditionally black colleges, such as Spelman and Lincoln, or colleges with a substantial Hispanic student body, such as Pitzer or Scripps, may sponsor study abroad programs, or can direct you to the sponsors of programs that their students use on a regular basis. You could also try to convince friends of color to study abroad with you, but remember that one of the primary goals of study abroad is to make friends in your host country.

There are several special sources of financial aid earmarked for minority students. If you attend a College Fund/UNCF institution or Howard or Hampton, you are eligible for the Luard Fellowship of The English Speaking Union in New York City. This award covers the full cost of an academic year abroad at a British university of your choice. Students can apply in the fall of their sophomore year for their junior year. Three or four grants are given per year. See your study abroad advisor if you attend an eligible school. Lancaster University provides two Fylde College Scholarships each year for minority students. These grants are approximately 700 pounds sterling and can be used to cover the cost of food and other expenses.

The Robert Bailey Scholarships are distributed each semester by Council/CIEE to minority students on their own programs. The application dates are in October and April. The grants are approximately $500 - $1000. The College Fund/UNCF runs a program with the Department of Education and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation called "The Institute for International Public Policy." This is a multiple year commitment for a summer institute after the sophomore year, half the costs of study abroad in the junior year, a Woodrow Wilson junior institute in the summer after the junior year, special language training after the senior year or an internship overseas and then a fellowship to cover much of the cost of an MA degree in International Studies at an APSIA institution, like Georgetown, SAIS, Tufts, or Princeton. Applications for this grant are available to sophomores with a 3.25 in the winter of the sophomore year who are African American, Asian American, Hispanic American or Native American. Twenty scholarships are given each year. Minority students have also done extremely well in the National Security Education Program Fellowship competitions (NSEP). African American, Hispanic American and Asian American students have done extremely well in this competition for fellowships to non-traditional study abroad destinations in diverse disciplines, including science and engineering, social sciences and business. See campus NSEP representative for information. Deadline is typically in early February.

Specialized Financial Aid. Ask your study abroad advisor or financial-aid officer for assistance in locating grants or loans to study abroad. Some foundations offer special minority scholarships that may be used for study abroad. The federal government has aid targeted to "nontraditional" students - those who are underrepresented in study abroad programs. Some study abroad sponsors, in addition to offering scholarships and work-study, offer special grants or are willing to waive fees for minority students in an effort to attract a diverse student group, including students who might not qualify for other types of aid.

A good source for financial aid for Hispanic students is Hispanic Yearbook-Anuario Hispano, published by TIYM Publishing Co. You can get more information online at http://hispanicyearbook.com/. This guide lists Hispanic organizations, publications, radio and TV stations, though not specifically for grant-giving purposes. Complete contents available online, or you may order a copy by contacting TIYM.

Students With Disabilities
Finding a Program Which can Accommodate Your Needs. If you are a US student with a disabilities, you need to know that studying abroad remains an option worth exploring. Whether you have a physical or mobility, learning or psychiatric disability, visual or hearing impairment, a wide range of international opportunities may be still be open to you. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 has sensitized study abroad offices, international exchange programs, and voluntary service projects regarding the need to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who choose to study outside of the United States. Be sure that your advisor and program provider know what accommodations you will need early in the planning process. You may be asked to provide documentation specifying the nature of your disability. Obviously, there are some limiting factors.

Although programs and universities abroad are becoming more aware of the inclusion of students with disabilities, the extent to which accommodations can be provided depends on the nature of the accommodation needs, the general situation in that particular country regarding accessibility and available services, and the creativity and flexibility of the student and staff/faculty in planning for the experience abroad. Programs will try to provide accommodations as necessary, such as more exam time for a student with a learning disability, materials in alternative formats or readers for someone who is blind, interpreters for a deaf participant, or an accessible home-stay for a person who uses a wheelchair. Some schools abroad also can arrange contact between students with disabilities from the US and the host country.

Mobility International USA/The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange. If you have a disability and would like to study abroad, your advisor may recommend, in addition to exploring your own institution's program, that you contact Mobility International USA (MIUSA). MIUSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in international exchange, leadership development, disability rights training and community service and, in collaboration with the United States Information Agency, coordinates the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange.

The Clearinghouse works with international exchange organizations to increase the inclusion of students with disabilities in their international programs and to advise on ways for making their programs accessible. It provides free information and referral to individuals with disabilities who would like to study, volunteer, or work abroad. MIUSA and the Clearinghouse also publish a semi-annual journal, books, videos and brochures with useful information for those with disabilities who are planning international opportunities. Contact MIUSA and the Clearinghouse at:
Mobility International USA/National Clearinghouse On Disability and Exchange
PO Box 10767
Eugene, OR 97440
Phone: 541-343-1284 (voice/TTY)
Fax: 541-343-6812
E-mail: clearinghouse@miusa.org
Website: www.miusa.org

An excellent reference for students with disabilities who want to study in Europe or Canada is Studying Abroad: A Guide to Accessible University Programs and Facilities for Students with Disabilities. This is available from:
University of New Orleans Training, Resource and Assistive-Technology Center
PO Box 1051
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: 504-280-5700
Fax: 504-280-5707
E-mail: ggaglian@uno.edu

Voluntary Service Projects. International voluntary service projects are open to qualified students with disabilities. Examples of voluntary service projects could include building homes for families, establishing art and recreation programs for children, or planting gardens in urban areas. In some areas, if you wish you can participate in projects assisting people with disabilities in the host country. For example, you might choose to teach sign language to children who are hearing impaired.

Travel. US airlines are required to accommodate travelers with Disabilities. A publication called New Horizonsfor Air Travel with a Disability will tell you about your rights. This is available free of charge by contacting:
Department of Transportation Office of Consumer Affairs
400 Seventh St SW, Rm 10454
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: 202-366-2220 (voice) or 202-755-7687 (TTY)
Email: airconsumer@ost.dot.gov
Web: www.dot.gov/airconsumer

On foreign carriers, accessibility varies. If you plan to travel on a non-US airline, find out what their policy is regarding Individuals with disabilities and let them know what you need well In advance of departure. General travel and accessibility Information is available from:
Society for the Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH)
347 Fifth Avenue, Ste 610
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-447-7284
Fax: 212-725-8523
Email: sathtravel@aol.com
Web: www.sath.org

Organizations for those with Disabilities in the Host Country. Once you've chosen a country, contact organizations there for people with disabilities. They can tell you what conditions are like in their country for people with disabilities. They can also provide practical information, such as a list of housing that is accessible or recommendations for sign language interpreters. The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange can assist in connecting you with these organizations (see contact information listed above).

How to Research Internship, Volunteer and Work Abroad Opportunities Work abroad: The other way to get an education abroad.
An increasing number of US students are interested in hands-on experience abroad, either as a way to immerse themselves in the local culture or to prepare for an international career. You can get this experience through: