AAMU recognizes Study Abroad as an academic experience first and foremost and we realize that Study Abroad not only replaces academic work a student might otherwise complete on-campus, but the international experience also enhances a student’s curriculum on-campus.  As such, our policy is to provide support for financial services necessary for Study Abroad just as we would on-campus.

1.    Do not assume that Study Abroad is too expensive for you!

2.    Every student exploring Study Abroad options should meet with a financial aid advisor to learn about financial aid options.

3.    Even if a student has not previously qualified for financial aid to attend AAMU, does not mean you will not be eligible for financial aid for Study Abroad.

4.    Because the cost of Study Abroad may (or may not) be more than your cost of attending AAMU, it is important to submit a specific Study Abroad budget to see if you qualify for financial aid when attending Study Abroad.

The costs involved in an academic budget include:

-      Tuition and fees

-      Room and Board

-      Books and supplies

-      Transportation necessary to get from home to school

5.    The Study Abroad program you plan to attend should provide you with a budget breakdown of actual costs of the program fee and estimated costs of personal expenses while on the program.

Thus, if your program fee is $9,500, but it does not include meals and airfare to your international location, your Financial Aid Advisor will add the additional estimated cost of airfare and meals in your host country.  The combined amount will be the academic costs which your Financial Aid Advisor will use to determine your financial aid eligibility.

6.    You (and/or your parent) should fill out a financial aid FAFSA form.

7.    After you have secured all signatures on your Course Approval Form and returned a copy to your Study Abroad Advisor, schedule an appointment to see the Financial Aid Advisor who is responsible for Study Abroad students at AAMU.

8.    Take a copy of your Budget/Resource Worksheet (you should have already completed page 2 of this Worksheet) along with relevant documentation of study abroad costs (tuition, fees, airfare, local transportation, etc.) to your meeting with your Financial Aid Advisor so your Advisor may determine if, and for what amount of financial aid for which you will be eligible.

9.    It is possible that you may be eligible for federal financial aid, federal student loans, Veteran's GI Bill benefits, outside scholarships, and/or other sources of funding for Study Abroad.  Again, even if you have not been eligible for financial aid previously, it is possible that you will be eligible for financial aid for Study Abroad.

10. If you qualify for financial aid, the Financial Aid Office will have you fill out forms that indicate when and where your financial aid will be disbursed.  It is common that the disbursement of financial aid occurs after your Study Abroad semester is supposed to begin.  Most Study Abroad programs will allow you to defer program payment until your financial aid is disbursed, IF you get the Financial Aid Office to verify when and how much financial aid you are scheduled to receive.

Cost comparison of programs

The Study Abroad Office welcomes student inquiries about comparing and contrasting Study Abroad options, which includes program and living costs.

Advertised program prices are not commonly listed as a comprehensive cost of participation.

Thus, it is critical that students “read the fine print” in promotions about Study Abroad programs and understand “What is included” and “What is NOT Included” in an advertised program price.  It is often the case that what is not listed in a program price can change the semester expenses significantly.  Be sure to know what costs are commonly incurred during a Study Abroad program and ask specific questions of the program sponsor if the program budget items are not listed on the website or printed materials for a specific program.

Financial aid information

Do not assume that you are (or are not) eligible for financial aid.

Explore financial aid options.  Whether you are currently eligible for financial aid at AAMU or not. There are additional costs related to Study Abroad and alternative financial aid resources specifically for Study Abroad that may change your eligibility. 

Financial aid sources come from  a) federal student grants, b) federal student loans,  c) private student loans,  d) scholarships,  e) program discounts,  f) family and friends, and g) many other sources.

Scholarship information

Explore scholarship opportunities at:

Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship:  http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html

National Security Education Program:  http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/default.htm

Freeman Asia Scholarship:  http://www.iie.org/programs/Freeman%2DASIA/p_overview.shtm

            Study Abroad Scholarship Databases:

                        IIE Passport:  http://www.studyabroadfunding.org/

FinancialAid.Org:  http://www.finaid.org/

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