U.S. Study Abroad Assistance Fund Applications Now Accepted for 2024 Summer Programs

American Councils established the U.S. Study Abroad Assistance Fund to help American students with demonstrated financial need as they participate in programs we implement. The Assistance Fund, which was created with support from our Board of Trustees and senior leadership, provides awards for costs that most scholarships or programs do not cover, including passport fees, medical exams, luggage, and other incidentals. Eligible program finalists can apply for up to $300 in support towards covering these extra costs.

The Assistance Fund also has limited funding available for virtual program participants, up to $100 per participant, to assist with Wi-Fi, technology, and equipment needed to participate in virtual programs.

We offer this initiative as a way to decrease the financial barriers some U.S. students face as a part of our ongoing efforts to make study abroad truly accessible to all students. We believe that diversity enriches our world and cultivates respect for the communities in which we work. We hope this fund will help expand access to meaningful overseas experiences to participants from all backgrounds.

WHO CAN APPLY:

Program finalists from the following programs administered by American Councils (both in overseas and virtual formats) with a start date on or before August 1, 2024, are eligible to apply:

• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Spark Program

• National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

• AC Study and Research Abroad Programs

• Overseas Flagship Programs

• Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 

Additional eligibility requirements:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Pell Grant eligible, Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) eligible, or TRiO Program participant.

• Agree to provide testimonial (narrative and photo/video) about participant program experience.

• Graduate students may verify their eligibility in one of two ways:

  • Proof of eligibility or enrollment in work study program or other verification of financial need from their university, such as need-based award specific to their university or graduate program.

  • Proof of having taken out a loan (in their name) for graduate or PhD studies, or a copy of SAR (student aid report that shows they have applied for FAFSA)

The Assistance Fund provides support to summer, fall, spring, and academic year program finalists. Applications are collected in April, August, and November, before a student’s intended program start date.

Next deadline: May 10, 2024

APPLY 

QUESTIONS?

Please contact our team at: codei@americancouncils.org