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Financing Study Abroad
Olya Bezvushko

You should consider all program costs to make sure you have enough funds for a healthy and safe experience abroad.

You will have to prove to a university, to a consular officer and to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that you have enough funds to cover your living expanses while doing internship.

You can get the idea about how much money you will need from the application information offered by the university you want to attend or at http://www.collegeadmissionsweb.com/preparation/university-costs.htm. Remember that tuition at private universities is usually more expensive. So, first of all, find out either your university is public or private. 

Funding Packages
Your studying abroad may be fully or partially covered by the terms of such financial aid packages as loans, scholarships or government funding providing by your home country institutions. It is difficult to assume what financial aid will cover, as there are often many conditions that make it very limited. Apply to the school’s financial office to get detailed information about the terms of your financial aid package. Besides, check either you are eligible for a student loan or an additional loan. Consult financial aid advisor on your campus before applying for any loans. Moreover, there are many academic and research grants and fellowships available for international students.   

Financial Assistance from a US Source
You can try to get some small funds from your host college or university if it provides financial aid for international students.

Scholarships for International Students
Every year, millions of dollars go unused in scholarships for international students. There is a highly possibility of your qualifying for one of them. You can find detailed information about scholarships at http://www.allfinancialaidweb.com/scholarships/.

Working in the United States
There are strict immigration regulations of working while carrying a student visa, but you can try to find a work to raise money for study abroad. It can be difficult to manage a full load of classes and a job, so you’d better look for an on-campus job.

Exchange Rate
Keep in mind that exchange rates change very often. Do not forget about this fact while planning your US expenses. Your budget plan may not work in accordance to current exchange rates. So, try to make a flexible plan which will account for any possible changes in current values. Often check exchange rates to better foreknow any fluctuations.