1. Talk to an advisor at the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange (SASE).
A great first step, talking to your study abroad advisor will help you select a program that’s right for you. After that, they can help you identify the necessary steps to making your study abroad dream a reality. Developing a strong relationship with your advisor will ease the application process and also be a great resource for getting information on scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities. Start by visiting SASE’s website and seeing what opportunities are available: http://studyabroad.arizona.edu/
2. Visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Talking to your financial advisor will help you understand the total costs and steps necessary to fund your program. Depending on the program you select, the financial aid you regularly receive from your home university may or may not be applicable to your study abroad program. Additionally, your advisor can alert you to available scholarship opportunities. The OSFA website has more information about scholarship opportunities and office hours: http://financialaid.arizona.edu/
3. Ask your family for support.
Who loves you more than your family? Beyond your parents, most relatives are thrilled to support their loved ones on such an exciting opportunity as journeying abroad! Every little bit counts, and it never hurts to ask! I know that I wouldn’t have been able to go abroad if it weren’t for the generous support of my parents and grandparents.
4. Research the country(ies) you will be visiting.
A big mistake I made was that I didn’t take into account the currency exchange rate or other miscellaneous costs, like getting to and from the airport. Also, become familiar with where the airports and train stations are ahead of time. This will save you from last minute scrambling and confusion. In London, we underestimated the time it would take to get to the London Gatwick Airport, forcing us to pay 4pounds for a one way ticket on the Tube and 17.50pounds for an express train to the airport terminal, costing a total of $30 (aka way more than was necessary to spend).
5. Start saving.
Any amount of savings will be helpful when funding your trip, especially when unexpected costs arise. Also, putting some of your own savings towards your trip shows others that you are serious about the opportunity and willing to put your own time and money into making it happen.
Extraordinary Foreigner 