Hello Fellow Revolutionaries!
My name is Bronwyn Metz and I am a junior currently a quarter of the way through my full year abroad at Sciences Po Paris. In the past few months, I have grown tremendously as a student, professional, and global citizen. While this kind of opportunity may seem prohibitively expensive, it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, I’ll share my tips and tricks on scholarships and budgeting. Finances may not be the most glamorous part of studying abroad, but by minimizing the costs you can maximize your experience.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At GW, a study abroad semester is comparably priced to an on-campus semester, including full-time tuition and a study abroad specific program fee, known as a tier fee. Most of your financial aid package will carry over, except for work-study funds and the federal Pell Grant. Don’t worry! Here are several scholarships that can help offset this gap in support.
Federal Scholarship: The Gilman International Scholarship Program
What is the Gilman Scholarship?
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 in lieu of Pell Grants to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees.
Applicants who are studying a critical language while abroad in a country or location in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000. If you plan to conduct STEM-related research abroad you can also enjoy supplemental awards of up to $1,000.
The March 2025 Deadline application will open in mid-January 2025 for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Professional and Financial Opportunities
The Gilman Scholarship Program provides a variety of benefits both during and after your time abroad. While overseas, scholars have access to advisors for guidance and invitations to embassy events and professional opportunities. After returning, alumni can join a scholar network—a platform for mentorship, job postings, event announcements, and more. One particularly noteworthy benefit (especially for my poli sci and Elliott friends) is the 12-month Noncompetitive Eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, boosting career prospects post-abroad.
Naturally, these valuable benefits make for a competitive application process. Non-accepted students may also reapply for the next cycle as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and their program/internship falls within the respective start dates.
For current Pell Grant recipients who don’t have the time to reapply, GW offers the Gilman Supplemental Scholarship for those planning to attend a GW Study Program, Exchange, or Direct Enroll. If you submitted an application but weren’t awarded the Gilman Scholarship, you may be eligible for a $500 award if your program is in Europe or $1,000 if it is outside of Europe.
My Writing Process Recommendations
My top tip for the Gilman Scholarship—and really any application essay—is to start early and make the most of what GW has to offer.
If you haven’t already, reach out to your study abroad advisor. They offer valuable insights into what the Department of State (DOS) is looking for and can guide you in crafting your essays. The GW Study Abroad Office also hosts frequent webinars, including sessions with past GW Gilman scholars, so keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming events. The GW Writing Center is another incredible resource. Their writing consultants can help you address each prompt creatively and with nuance, and they even offer Gilman-specific workshops! Finally, reach out to your academic network for proofreading. The more feedback you receive, the better—extra eyes can catch any grammar or punctuation errors you might miss. With all this support, you’ll have a polished paper ready for submission..
Be sure to utilize these resources—GW has nearly 300 Gilman recipients for a reason!
GW Scholarships
To bring students’ study abroad plans to fruition, the GW Office for Study Abroad provides scholarships, with eligibility requirements that differ by program.
The GW Fall Abroad Experience (F.A.E.) is a relatively new program that aims at encouraging students to go abroad in the Fall semester. Accepted students may qualify for additional scholarship opportunities based on their program choice and application timing. Participants also benefit from early registration for spring classes and gain extra time for travel preparations, such as securing visas—which can help you avoid costly expedited fees!
As I mentioned earlier, work-study funds aren’t included in your financial package, but GW offers a solution! The GW FWS Supplemental Scholarship provides support to Federal Work-Study (FWS) recipients who must forfeit their FWS job while studying abroad. To apply, you’ll need to submit a letter from your current FWS supervisor detailing your hours and pay. Keep in mind that, like most scholarships, this one is competitive, and not all applicants will be selected.
Most applications require a combination of essays, letters, follow-up projects, and contractual agreements. While this may seem overwhelming, it’s more manageable than it looks! For instance, many of the essay prompts overlap, which allows you to draw on responses from different applications. Invest the time and effort now, so your future self can fully enjoy the experience! For more details and scholarships, please reference the OSA scholarship page.
Alternative Scholarships
Host-University: Erasmus+ Scholarship
There are even host-university-specific awards available. For instance, I received the Erasmus+ grant through my host university, Sciences Po, which has a partnership with GW. This is a direct monetary award, received a fixed grant per month, rather than an eBill credit. While it is not means-tested, a monthly inclusion supplement of €250 may be available for financially disadvantaged students.
If you're considering studying abroad at Sciences Po, definitely consider this scholarship. Just be aware that it requires more paperwork than other GW applications and necessitates a French bank account. Be sure to stay connected with host-university resources to access deals on student bank cards and receive support throughout the process.
External Providers
Don't overlook local and external scholarships. Explore grants available for specific fields of study (e.g., critical languages) and host regions!
Conduct your research on scholarships now, and consider exploring job opportunities offered by your host university or informal work, such as dog sitting. Be mindful of work restrictions if you are not a citizen.
Tips and Tricks for Budgeting
As a student, take full advantage of discounts available at restaurants, attractions, and more! Always keep your student ID on hand and don’t be shy about asking for reduced rates.
For example, in France, many museums and monuments offer free admission to students under 26. Even though some discounts appear limited to EU residents, a French university student ID often works for discounted or even free entry. I’ve been able to visit the Musée d’Orsay multiple times for free—and even skip the line—just by showing my Sciences Po card!
Affordable Travel
Public Transportation: Researching the Best Rates for YOU
Public transport passes tend to save you money in the long run (compared to buying individual tickets) and make it easier to explore your host city. Before making a metrocard investment, consider how long you'll be in your host country; for example, since I am in France for the year, I opted for an Imagine R card, a year-long student metro pass that provides access to all zones (1–5) of Paris on all types of public transportation (Metro, Bus, and RER). The price totals €350 per school year, which is a significant discount to a similar monthly pass for adults. For students staying just a semester, a monthly subscription is the less expensive choice.
International Travel
When planning international travel, be sure to book trips in advance, as ticket prices can get expensive quick! If you don’t get motion sick and the option is available, bus tickets tend to be much cheaper than flights or train tickets.
Keep in mind that most scholarships do not cover recreational travel, but can often be put toward tickets to and from the U.S.—just be sure to check the regulations!
Housing Hacks and Cheap Food
Homestay
If you have the option, consider opting for a homestay. This not only provides a more immersive cultural experience, but, in my case with ATOME, includes meals as part of the arrangement (breakfast every morning and 5 dinners a week), which significantly reduces overall food expenses.
Budget-Friendly Food Options
There are usually budget-friendly food options available as well. In Paris, Crous is an organization that offers subsidized meals for students at various university dining facilities, making it an affordable dining choice. Another great resource is the app Too Good To Go, which lets you buy leftover food from restaurants at a fraction of the original price. These options may vary by host country and program, but regardless of location, meal prepping is always a smart way to save money and eat well.
Studying Abroad is a Worthwhile Investment
Available scholarships and grants make international study financially accessible, so don’t let the initial cost prevent you from pursuing an international education. Studying abroad offers far more than an extra line on your resume—it helps you build a global network, opening doors to new academic, internship, and career opportunities. On a personal level, it offers invaluable lessons fostering independence and cultural immersion. With scholarships and thoughtful budgeting, this dream can become a reality for you, too!
Bronwyn Metz
Academic Year 2024-25
GW Paris - Sciences Po (GW Study Program)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major