How can I afford to study off campus?
BC believes all students should be able to pursue their goals and dreams. Generously supported by donors, Bridgewater offers two study away scholarship opportunities: the Globalization Fund and an Experiential Learning Scholarship.
Students thinking of studying off campus should speak to the Director of Study Abroad (StudyAbroad@bridgewater.edu) and the Office of Financial Aid, as well as exploring the resources below. It is important to note that outside scholarship opportunities have deadlines that differ from Bridgewater College’s internal deadlines, and students are advised to research their options at least six to 12 months before the semester in which they plan to study away.
Globalization Fund
The Globalization Fund provides financial support to students participating in a study abroad program, be it May Term travel or a semester abroad. This scholarship aims to empower recipients to pursue their goals and dreams of studying abroad. Open to full-time undergraduate students participating in an international study abroad program. Students participating in domestic study away programs are not eligible to apply. Recipients are required to participate in a study abroad related service activity or project during or after their experience.
- February 15: for fall semester and academic year programs
- September 1: for spring semester programs
- October 15: for May Term travel
1. Answer the following prompt in a typed essay of 400-750 words:
Where are you planning to go and why do you want to study abroad? Write about at least three goals that you would like to accomplish while abroad and the practical steps you will take to achieve them. Your goals should consider all aspects of the study abroad experience, which may include personal development, academic achievement and/or career training.
Please also include a few sentences describing the study abroad related service activity or project that you anticipate completing if you receive a Globalization Fund award.
2. In a separate document, describe how you have planned and budgeted for your program. If you have unmet financial need for study abroad, please be specific about your scholarship amount request.
Provide any additional information about your financial circumstances that should be considered by the scholarship committee.
If you receive a Federal Pell Grant and did not apply for a Gilman scholarship, please explain why not.
3. Your resume and CV and the name of a faculty member who could serve as a reference for you.
4. Submit all materials to: studyabroad@bridgewater.edu
- Importance of the experience as evidenced in the personal statement, with particular consideration given to professional goals, academic goals, and personal goals.
- Financial need and availability of other sources of funding or support.
- GPA and class standing of the candidate.
Experiential Learning Scholarship
This Experiential Learning scholarship offers a unique opportunity for aspiring students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study while receiving financial support. Open to full-time undergraduate students participating in domestic study away program. Recipients are required to participate in a study away related service activity or project during or after their experience.
- February 15: for fall semester
- September 1: for spring semester programs
1. Answer the following prompt in a typed essay of 500 words or less:
Explain why you are interested in participating in the program and why you would be a strong candidate. What are your goals for the program (you should consider all aspects of the study away experience, which may include personal development, academic achievement and/or career training).
2. In a separate document, describe how you have planned and budgeted for your program, and how you will pay for the program if you have unmet need.
Provide any additional information about your financial circumstances that should be considered by the scholarship committee.
3. A resume or CV and the name of a faculty member who could serve as a reference for you.
4. Submit all materials to: studyabroad@bridgewater.edu
- Importance of the experience as evidenced in the personal statement, with particular consideration given to professional goals, academic goals, and personal goals.
- Financial need and availability of other sources of funding or support.
- GPA and class standing of the candidate.
Additional Scholarships
In addition, there are many outside scholarships available for students who want to study abroad for a semester or longer. Students who find additional scholarships or grant opportunities are encouraged to speak with the Director of Study Abroad.
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program supports students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States and a Federal Pell Grant recipient.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Open to U.S. citizens who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.
Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Award promotes long-term linguistic and cultural immersion and a commitment to federal service. Applicants must be U.S. citizens planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
Critical Language Scholarship
A fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students interested in learning a critical language.
Fund for Education Abroad
A non-profit organization committed to increasing the opportunities for students to study abroad. Scholarships can be applied towards semester, year-long or summer programs. They also have a dedicated scholarship for LGBTQ students.
GO! Study Abroad Scholarships
GO! Overseas offers scholarships of up to $1,000 to students currently enrolled in, or in the process of applying to, study abroad programs of any duration. Awards are made on the basis of creativity, analytical thinking, and passion for studying abroad.
IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding
Rotary International
Scholarships range from $12,000 – $26,000. Deadlines vary from March to mid-July for study beginning the next academic year.
German Academic Exchange Service
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) administers a variety of scholarships as well as provides financial support to over 50,000 highly-qualified students and faculty per year for international research and study.
Scholarship Portal
Funding opportunities for studying, working or performing research in one of the European nations.
Bridging Scholarship
The Bridging Scholarship offers a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic year programs). Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.
Freeman-ASIA Scholarships
Freeman-ASIA provides financial support to American undergraduates with demonstrated financial need to study abroad for academic credit during the summer, semester or academic year in one of 15 countries/regions in East and Southeast Asia.
Upon their return to the U.S., students are required to promote study in Asia by sharing their experiences with peers on their home campuses and in their communities.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
Scholarships available through the Japanese government for study in Japan.
