Links to HECUA Programs:

Latin America

Europe

Southern Asia

United States

Financing Your HECUA Off-Campus Study Program

 

FINANCIAL AID

Your first step to finding financial resources should be to contact a financial aid counselor on your campus to discuss the use of your aid toward payment of your HECUA program fees. In most instances, if you are already receiving financial aid, most or all of that aid is transferable. In general, non-transferable aid, such as work-study, can be converted to something like Stafford federal loans which are transferable. It is also likely that you can revise your financial aid application to include the additional expected expenses of your off-campus study term.

HECUA SCHOLARSHIP

HECUA offers up to three $500 awards each term to students who have worked for social change and whose future goals will be strengthened by a HECUA semester program. Students must be accepted into a HECUA program in order to be eligible. The application process includes a completed application form, an essay describing your past experiences that have led you to a HECUA program and how it will help you further your future goals, and a letter of recommendation. Deadline for Fall programs is June 1; for Spring programs, December 20. Contact your HECUA campus representative for an application, or contact HECUA directly (651/646-8832, 800/554-1089, [email protected]). Look for the on-line application soon!

OTHER SPECIAL GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Financial support is often available through community groups, local foundations and corporations. Large companies sometimes have scholarships open to children of employees. Your college might have scholarship opportunities, as well. Check with your off-campus study office, financial aid center, and major department to see if there are scholarships for participating in off-campus study, study abroad, or learning opportunities like HECUA.

Tips on finding special grants and scholarships:

• Investigate early. Application deadlines vary and are often very early.
• Talk to your off-campus study adviser and/or internship office to see if they offer or know of any scholarships for which you might be eligible.
• Check with your major and/or minor department to see if there are additional scholarships for students taking part in special learning opportunities like HECUA.
• Research private scholarships on your own. Many scholarships available have eligibility factors that depend on personal variables, such as professional goals, home state or ethnic background, to name only a few. The internet has many sites devoted to searching for private scholarships based on personal information that you submit. There are also many reference books with scholarship information that you might find at your college or local library.

Listed below are references for researching scholarships and financial aid information on your own. Also, there are a few scholarships that are a good fit with HECUA programs listed below. If you are able to visit the HECUA office, check out our financial aid and scholarship resource book!

 

ON-LINE RESOURCES FOR FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

www.istc.umn.edu "International Study and Travel Center (ISTC)" — Excellent website for a complete study abroad scholarship search, plus other information and resources related to studying abroad. ISTC is a resource center located at the University of Minnesota.

• Scholarship site: www.istc.umn.edu/study/scholarships.html

www.fastweb.com - Free search engine for private scholarships. Database searches for scholarships that fit with student-entered information.

www.collegenet.com - Scholarship search engine — click on "Scholarship Search."

www.fie.com/molis/scholar.htm - Scholarship search for minority students.

www.srnexpress.com Scholarship Resource Network — information and database of private scholarships.

www.collegeboard.org/finaid/fastud/html/intro.html - Financial aid tips and a scholarship search (www.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/ssrchtop.html).

www.finaid.org "The Financial Aid Information Page" — Contains lots of general information and links to related sites on loans, scholarships, and other types of aid.

• Specific page on aid for domestic exchange and study abroad programs: www.finaid.org/otheraid/exchange.phtml

www.studyabroad.com "Study Abroad Directory" — Study abroad information site listing many programs and useful study abroad information.

• Financial aid and scholarship site: www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html

www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students - General federal financial aid information.

www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide - "The Student Guide on Federal Financial Aid" (also available in print at campus financial aid offices).

www.iefa.org - "International Education Financial Aid" - An internet resource for students wishing to study in a foreign country. Includes a scholarship search engine and other financial aid information for students studying abroad.

 

PRINT RESOURCES

The Financial Aid Book: The Insider’s Guide to Private Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships (3^rd Ed.) Student Financial Services. Perpetual Press, Seattle, WA. 1999.

The Scholarship Book 2000: The Complete Guide to Private-Sector Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants and Loans for the Undergraduate. Daniel J. Cassidy. Prentice Hall. 1999.

Dan Cassidy’s Worldwide College Scholarship Book: Thousands of Top Scholarships Throughout the United States and Around the World. Daniel J. Cassidy. Career Press. 2000.

Foundation Grants to Individuals. Phyllis Edelson, ed. The Foundation Center, New York. Biennial.

The Grants Registry 2000. Ruth Austin and Sara Hackwood, eds. St. Martin’s Press, New York. 1999.

Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad. Gail A. Schlacter and R. David Weber, eds. Reference Service Press, San Carlos, CA. Biennial.

Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad. Gail A. Schlacter and R. David Weber, eds. Reference Service Press, San Carlos, CA. Biennial.

Financial Resources for International Study: A Guide to US Students and Professionals. Marie O’Sullivan, ed. Institute for International Education, New York. 1996.

Free Money for Foreign Study: A Guide to More Than 1000 Grants and Scholarships for Study Abroad. Laurie Blum. Facts on File, New York. 1992.

Make A Difference Scholarships. Miriam Weinstein. New Society Publishers, British Columbia, Canada. Biennial. Order this resource on the web at www.newsociety.com.

 

SELECT SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS APPROPRIATE FOR HECUA STUDENTS

All Programs

VINCENT L. HAWKINSON FOUNDATION FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

• Amount: $1,500
• Eligibility: Undergrad, master’s, or grad student in MN, IA, WI, ND or SD
• Criteria: Student who has demonstrated a commitment to peace and justice through study, internships, and projects that illustrate their commitment.
• Deadline: Approximately April 29
• For more information, contact: Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation, c/o Grace University Lutheran Church, 324 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 331-8125

THIRD WAVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WOMEN

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Eligibility: Female students age 30 and under who are involved as activists, artists, cultural workers, working on issues such as racism, homophobia, sexism, or other forms of inequality.
• Criteria: Financial need, social change involvement
• Deadline: April 1 and October 1
• For more information: Visit Third Wave’s website at www.feminist.com/3wave.htm or write to Third Wave Foundation, 116 E 16^th St, 7^th Floor, New York, NY 10003, vox (212) 388-1898

Study Abroad Programs

ROTARY FOUNDATION AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

• Amount: Varies
• Eligibility: Recipients are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill through appearances before Rotary clubs schools, civic organizations and other forums in the host country, and are expected to share the experiences of understanding acquired during their period abroad with people in their home countries.
• Deadline: Varies by Rotary Club
• For more information, contact the Rotary Club in your area, visit Rotary’s website at www.rotary.org, or contact the National Office: Rotary International, Scholarship Department, 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 866-3000

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FINANCE CORPORATION (IEFC)

• International Student Loan Program (ISLP)
• Alternative loan program for US students who wish to study abroad or enroll at foreign institutions. Students must be US citizens or permanent residents enrolled at approved colleges and universities and studying for any time period over one month.
• For more information: Visit the website at www.iefc.com/islp.html

Latin America Programs

COUNCIL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATION ABROAD

• Bowman Travel Grants
• Amount: Voucher to be exchanged for round-trip airline ticket to program destination
• Eligibility: Undergraduate participating in a study, work, or volunteer program in one of the designated countries (includes Latin America); the program must be administered by a member institution of Council (all HECUA members, except Viterbo College)
• Criteria: Significant interaction with the host population, demonstrated connection to the student’s future academic and/or career interests.
• Procedure: 500 word personal statement, financial need indicators, transcript, 2 letters of reference, program description (100-150 words), budget
• Deadline: April 1 for fall programs (SAUS, CILA); October 26 for spring programs (EECLA)
• For more information: Visit Council’s website at www.ciee.org/study/scholarships/bowman.htm or call 1-800-40-STUDY or contact your campus Council representative.

LEO S. ROWE PAN AMERICAN FUND

• Amount: Interest-free loan up to $1,200 to be repaid within 5 years of graduating
• Eligibility: Students studying abroad in member states of the Organization of American States (OAS; includes Ecuador and Guatemala); good academic record, evidence of financial need
• For more information, contact: Secretariat, Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund, General Secretariat, OAS, Washington, DC 20006

NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (NSEP)

• Amount: $4,000-$8,000
• Eligibility: Study abroad in critical world area (includes Guatemala) studying a foreign language (Spanish level must be advanced); includes service requirement to work for an agency of federal government with national security responsibilities or in the field of higher education in the area of study for which the scholarship was awarded.
• Criteria: Preference given to students pursuing fields of study related to national security interests
• Procedure: Application including statement of purpose, 2 references, transcript
• Deadline: February of each year (your campus may have an earlier internal deadline — ask your NSEP campus representative)
• For more information: Contact the NSEP representative on your campus or visit NSEP’s website at www.iie.org/nsep or www.ndu.edu/nsep

Scandinavia Program

THE SONS OF NORWAY FOUNDATION

• King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund
• Amount: $250-$3,000
• Eligibility: 18 years or older, American, demonstrated sincere and keen interest in the Norwegian heritage and who desires to further the study at a recognized educational institution (arts, crafts, literature, history, etc.)
• Criteria: GPA, participation in school or community activities, work experience, education and career goals, personal and school references
• Procedure: Application form, 500 word or less essay, 3 letters of recommendation
• Deadline: March 1 of each year
• For more information contact: Sons of Norway Foundation, c/o Sons of Norway, 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
• (Scholarships also available for Sons of Norway members and family of members)

Twin Cities Programs (MUST, City Arts, CILA)

POST-SECONDARY CHILD CARE GRANT PROGRAM

• Amount: Cost of child care — maximum award of $2,000/child/year
• Eligibility: MN resident with a child under age 12 not receiving MFIP; enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more)
• Application Process: Contact the financial aid administrator at your campus, and complete an application form.
• For more information: Call the MN Higher Education Services Office at (651) 642-0567 to request a brochure; visit their website at www.mheso.state.mn.us; contact your home campus financial aid office.

 

MEMBER CAMPUS LINKS

Augsburg College

www.augsburg.edu/global/seminfo.html — Center for Global Education financial aid information site.

www.augsburg.edu/expered - Experiential Education website with a public service scholarship posted.

Augustana College

www.augie.edu/admission/scholarships.html — Scholarship information.

Carleton College

www.carleton.edu/curricular/OCS/schoships.html — Off-Campus Study Office scholarship information.

St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict

www.csbsju.edu/prospective/finaid — Financial aid and scholarship information.

College of St. Catherine

minerva.stkate.edu/globalstudies.nsf — Global Studies "Cost and Financial Aid" webpage.

Concordia College

www.csp.edu/admissions/financia.htm — Financial aid website.

Gustavus Adolphus College

www.gac.edu/prospective/9899/fin/index.html — "Financing Your Education" website.

Hamline University

www.hamline.edu/depts/isc/main.html — Study Abroad and Off-Campus Programs website — click on "Scholarships and Grants."

web.hamline.edu/administration/finaid/Index.htm — Financial Aid website.

Macalester College

www.macalester.edu/~admissns/financial_aid.html — Financial Aid website.

Saint Mary’s University

www.smumn.edu/admission/financial/index.html — Financial Aid website.

St. Olaf College

www.stolaf.edu/services/iso/Prgfees.html — Program fees and financial aid information on the International and Domestic Off-Campus Studies Office.

University of Minnesota

• Study Abroad: ISTC. Located in 94 Blegen Hall. Website: www.istc.umn.edu
• Global Campus: 102 Nicholson Hall. Website: www.umabroad.umn.edu
• Latin America Programs (CILA, SAUS, EECLA): Paulo Freire International Community Service Grant Program
  $2,000 grants for 3-6 months of international community service work; applicants must write a proposal that highlights their unique experiential learning opportunity that focuses on themes of social justice, human rights, and community development. Applications and assistance from ISTC peer advisers is available in ISTC, 94 Blegen Hall (relocated due to Coffman renovation) or call 612/626-ISTC. Information can be found on the web at www.istc.umn.edu/work/paulo.html. December deadline.
• Study Abroad: Dunn Peace Research Scholarship
  $1500 award for overseas research relevant to issues of international peace. Contact Global Campus, visit the website at www.isp.umn.edu/isp/funding/dunnpeace.html or call (612) 624-3481 for more information.
• Study Abroad: Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship Award for seniors who wish to enrich their academic experience with a fifth year of undergraduate study in another country; scholarship covers all or a portion of expenses (tuition, fees, books, room and board, round-trip transportation). Contact CLA Honors Division, 115 Johnston Hall, (612) 624-5522, or visit the website at www.cla.umn.edu/honors/sullivan.htm
• Internship Programs (MUST, City Arts, CILA): CLA Internship Grant $1,200 grant;
  Eligibility: CLA sophomore, junior, or senior with an unpaid internship for which the student is earning at least 2 credits. Deadlines: Second week of Fall semester and Spring semester, and end of Intersession (check with OSLO). Applications and assistance available from the Office for Special Learning Opportunities (OSLO), 220 Johnston Hall, 612/624-7577, www.oslo.umn.edu/Career_Internship_Services/grant.htm.

University of St. Thomas

www.stthomas.edu/www/SFS_HTTP/returningug.html — Scholarships for Study Abroad are available. However, the Study Abroad portion of the financial aid site is currently under construction.

Viterbo College

www.viterbo.edu/admissn/finan.htm — Financial Information website.

 

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