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Write An Award Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay With These Tips

by Mary Walton March 29, 2023

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  • Scholarships & Funding

The BEST Scholarship Essay Tips

Scholarship deadlines are just around the corner, and if you want to study abroad , now's the time to get those scholarship applications in! You'll be writing a lot of scholarship essays, so it's important that you get it right. Essay writing is challenging, even for the most talented and dedicated students. Fortunately, technology can make a lot of things easier, and writing scholarship essays is one of those things.

Here's the best tips for writing scholarship essays to use if you want to make a good impression and get the funding you need to study abroad . With these scholarship essay tips in mind, you can surely write an award winning study abroad application essay!

Write An Award Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay With These Tips

Avoid “one size fits all” scholarship essays.

It's very likely that you're going to be applying for more than one study abroad scholarship. As this is the case, it's tempting to create a scholarship essay that will suit all of them, and then send it off to everyone. However, no essay will suit every scholarship application. Essays are very personal in this regard, and every team is looking for something different. Give yourself time to craft a scholarship essay that's designed to answer their questions.

Know your audience.

Before you start writing, think about what the scholarship committee is looking for in an applicant. Do they want someone who's overcome adversity in the past? Someone who's excelled in a particular subject? The answer should be in the question that they've set for you. Keep this in mind as you plan your scholarship essay.

A woman working on her laptop

Give yourself time.

Your teachers are right, no essay will be great if you hammer it out the night before it's due. It's especially true of scholarship essays. Start your plan at least a week before you think you should. This gives you enough time to start writing an outline, and start creating a rough draft of your scholarship essay. Once you're done writing, you'll still have plenty of time to edit. You can also use EssayPro ! If you don't have time for writing your essays, you can always try out this academic essay writing service to complete your assignments on time.

Make sure you're answering the question.

Many scholarship essays fail because the applicant didn't actually answer the question that was set for them. You may feel as though you are answering the question, but read the question carefully and thoroughly before you start writing your scholarship essay.

For example, you may be given the question: “Name a time when you challenged a belief or idea. Why did you do this? Would you do it again?” When you read this question, you may think about how you decided to study law, even though your family wanted you to something else. If the question was different, this would be a great answer. However, look at the question again. It's asking for a time you challenged one particular belief, and your reasoning behind it. Always keep your eye on the prize if you want to write an award winning study abroad scholarship essay.

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Be personal.

Your scholarship essay is all about you, so take the time to really delve into what makes you, YOU. Remember, you want to show the committee that you're the student they're looking for. If you're talking about a time when you volunteered, for example, give them the reasons why volunteering for that cause was so important to you. Really give the readers a sense of who you are (this is one of the most important scholarship essay tips ever!).

Use online tools to help you write your scholarship essay.

You don't have to write your essay alone. There are lots of online tools that will help you get the most out of your essay, and provide you with even more scholarship essay tips than this list. You can improve your confidence and skills by taking advantage of the following tools next time you sit down to write a scholarship essay.

  • Essay Map : This tool is great for visual learners. Give it all the details of your essay, and it'll create a fully formed plan for you. It’s fun and easy way to start writing.

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Anyone Can Win a Scholarship to Study Abroad!

And, you don’t have to waste a lot of time to do so. These scholarship essay tips will help you write the best award winning study abroad scholarship essay you can. Use them when you're planning and writing, and you'll have a scholarship essay that shows you off in the best possible light.

Find a study abroad program , search for scholarships , & start writing your scholarship essays!

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Fourteen Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Thousands 2024

Fourteen Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Thousands 2024

Learn how to write a scholarship essay, personal statement essay, or supplemental essay for college with these top examples of essays that won thousands of dollars in 2018.   How was your college application journey? Let us know over at collegeessay…

Winning a big scholarship can be life-changing, particularly for those with financial need.

BUT people often forget that winning lots of small scholarship applications can be life-changing too. The scholarship essay examples (and our strategy) below can take you from planning your college plans and career goals to living them.

A common problem soon-to-be college students face: Paying for college. They qualify for many scholarships but are daunted by the task of writing five to ten to fifteen (or more) essays. It can be a struggle to even start writing, particularly for those “why I deserve the scholarship” prompts.

One solution for how to write a scholarship essay for many topics at once: Pick topics that have overlapping subject matter and write an essay or two that fit lots of these essays at once. Below, we’ve given some more information about how to successfully earn scholarship opportunities with this technique and how to end a scholarship essay.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Kang Foundation and Legal Scholarship
  • New York University Scholarship
  • North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship
  • Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship 1
  • Questbridge Scholarship
  • Change a Life Foundation
  • Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship 1
  • Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship 2
  • Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship 3
  • Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship 4
  • National Association of University Women Scholarship 1
  • National Association of University Women Scholarship 2
  • Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship 2
  • Local School District Scholarship

What Makes These Examples So Great

These scholarship winners earned thousands in financial aid from writing these essays.

The key to many of these essays is that they describe a story or an aspect of the student’s life in a way that is dynamic: It reflects many of their values, strengths, interests, volunteer work, and life experiences. 

Many of these essays also demonstrate vulnerability. Scholarship committees reading your responses will want to know who this money will benefit and why it’s important that you receive this money. In other words, they want to better understand how your values, qualities, and skills will flourish in college--and how good your writing skills are. In fact, we’ve written a guide to what colleges look for that can help you skillfully write vulnerable scholarship essays.

Whether it’s a scholarship essay about yourself , a creative writing scholarship, or an essay about why you deserve the scholarship, the sample scholarship essays below can help you better understand what can result from following a scholarship essay format or applying tips for how to write a scholarship essay. 

But first! If you’re an international student (not from the United States) applying to scholarships, don’t forget to consider some common mistakes international students make when applying to college .

How to Save Time By Combining Essays

Want to save a lot of time during the process?

Write a great college essay and re-use it when writing scholarship essays for similar prompts. Why? Combining essay prompts will not only save you time, it’ll actually result in a better essay.

We sometimes like to call these “Super Essays” because the added benefit of writing a multi-purpose essay is that it makes the essay stronger overall. We have a whole guide for how to do that here . 

This makes scholarship essays similar to supplemental essays because many supplemental essays also overlap. We know many students will be writing both types of essays at once! To help, we’ve put together a supplemental essays course on how to tackle the daunting supplemental essays, including many skills that help with writing those “Super” scholarship essays too.

Scholarship Essay Example #1

Kang Foundation Scholarship ($1000), Kingdom Dreamer Scholarship Fund Scholarship through Sarang Church ($2000), and the national contest from the Lamber Goodnow legal team ($1000) by Peter Kang.

Prompt: Open topic.

Fedora? Check. Apron? Check. Tires pumped? Check. Biking the thirty-five minutes each evening to the cafe and back to work a six-hour shift was exhausting, but my family’s encouragement and gratitude for the extra income was worth it. A few years earlier, my family of nine had been evicted from the home we had been living in for the past ten years. With nowhere else to go, we moved into our church’s back room for three months, where I shamefully tried to hide our toothbrushes and extra shoes from other church members. Right then I made a commitment to my family to contribute financially in whatever way I could. My sacrifice translated to a closer bond with my siblings and deeper conversations with my parents, helping me understand the true meaning of a unified family and the valuable part I play in that. With the financial stability that my part-time jobs provided my mother could stay home to raise seven children, my learning-disabled older sister could attend college, my younger sister could go on a mission trip to Korea, and my twin siblings could compete in national math competitions. I’ve seen that even as a high school student, I have so much potential to impact my family and beyond -- how one small act can go a long way. Through the successes of my efforts, I also realized that poverty was just a societal limitation. I was low-income, not poor. I was still flourishing in school, leading faith-based activities and taking an active role in community service. My low-income status was not a barrier but a launching pad to motivate and propel my success. To additionally earn more money as a young teen, I began flipping bicycles for profit on craigslist. Small adjustments in the brake and gears, plus a wash, could be the difference between a $50 piece of trash and a $200 steal. Seeing how a single inch could disarrange the lining of gears not only taught me the importance of detail but also sparked my fascination with fixing things. When I was sixteen I moved on to a larger project: my clunker of a car. I had purchased my 2002 Elantra with my own savings, but it was long past its prime. With some instruction from a mechanic, I began to learn the components of an engine motor and the engineering behind it. I repaired my brake light, replaced my battery, and made adjustments to the power-steering hose. Engineering was no longer just a nerdy pursuit of robotics kids; it was a medium to a solution. It could be a way to a career, doing the things I love. I was inspired to learn more. Last summer, to continue exploring my interest in engineering, I interned at Boeing. Although I spent long hours researching and working in the lab for the inertial navigation of submarines, I learned most from the little things. From the way my mentors and I began working two hours earlier than required to meet deadlines, I learned that engineering is the commitment of long hours. From the respect and humility embodied within our team, I learned the value of unity at the workplace. Like my own family at home, our unity and communal commitment to working led to excellent results for everyone and a closer connection within the group. What most intrigues me about engineering is not just the math or the technology, but the practical application. It is through engineering that I can fix up my car... and facilitate submarine navigation. Engineering, in fact, is a lifestyle --  instead of lingering over hardships, I work to solve them and learn from them. Whether the challenge is naval defense or family finances or even just a flat tire on my bike before another night shift, I will be solving these problems and will always be looking to keep rolling on.   Success is triumphing over hardships -- willing yourself over anything and everything to achieve the best for yourself and your family. With this scholarship, I will use it to continue focusing on my studies in math and engineering, instead of worrying about making money and sending more back home. It will be an investment into myself for my family.

Scholarship Essay Example #2

New York University College of Arts and Science $39,500 Scholarship by Ana

Prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

“If you can’t live off of it, it is useless.” My parents were talking about ice skating: my passion. I started skating as a ten-year-old in Spain, admiring how difficulty and grace intertwine to create beautiful programs, but no one imagined I would still be on the ice seven years and one country later. Even more unimaginable was the thought that ice skating might become one of the most useful parts of my life. I was born in Mexico to two Spanish speakers; thus, Spanish was my first language. We then moved to Spain when I was six, before finally arriving in California around my thirteenth birthday. Each change introduced countless challenges, but the hardest part of moving to America, for me, was learning English. Laminated index cards, color-coded and full of vocabulary, became part of my daily life. As someone who loves to engage in a conversation, it was very hard to feel as if my tongue was cut off. Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell—these were my few constants. I did not need to worry about mispronouncing “axel” as “aksal.” Rather, I just needed to glide and deliver the jump. From its good-natured bruise-counting competitions to its culture of hard work and perseverance, ice skating provided the nurturing environment that made my other challenges worthwhile. Knowing that each moment on the ice represented a financial sacrifice for my family, I cherished every second I got. Often this meant waking up every morning at 4 a.m. to practice what I had learned in my few precious minutes of coaching. It meant assisting in group lessons to earn extra skating time and taking my conditioning off-ice by joining my high school varsity running teams. Even as I began to make friends and lose my fear of speaking, the rink was my sanctuary. Eventually, however, the only way to keep improving was to pay for more coaching, which my family could not afford. And so I started tutoring Spanish. Now, the biggest passion of my life is supported by my most natural ability. I have had over thirty Spanish students, ranging in age from three to forty and spanning many ethnic backgrounds. I currently work with fifteen students each week, each with different needs and ways of learning. Drawing on my own experiences as both a second language-learner and a figure skater, I assign personal, interactive exercises, make jokes to keep my students’ mindset positive, and never give away right answers. When I first started learning my axel jump, my coach told me I would have to fall at least 500 times (about a year of falls!) in order to land it. Likewise, I have my students embrace every detail of a mistake until they can begin to recognize new errors when they see them. I encourage them to expand their horizons and take pride in preparing them for new interactions and opportunities. Although I agree that I will never live off of ice skating, the education and skills I have gained from it have opened countless doors. Ice skating has given me the resilience, work ethic, and inspiration to develop as a teacher and an English speaker. It has improved my academic performance by teaching me rhythm, health, and routine. It also reminds me that a passion does not have to produce money in order for it to hold immense value. Ceramics, for instance, challenges me to experiment with the messy and unexpected. While painting reminds me to be adventurous and patient with my forms of self-expression. I don’t know yet what I will live off of from day to day as I mature; however, the skills my passions have provided me are life-long and irreplaceable.

ARE YOU A STUDENT FROM A LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD, HAVE A GOOD GPA, and are looking for free college essay and application coaching?

Learn more about the matchlighters scholars program & apply today..

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Scholarship Essay Example #3

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship for $1000 by Christine Fung

As a child of immigrant parents, I learned to take responsibilities for my family and myself at a very young age. Although my parents spoke English, they constantly worked in order to financially support my little brother and I. Meanwhile, my grandparents barely knew English so I became their translator for medical appointments and in every single interaction with English speakers. Even until now, I still translate for them and I teach my grandparents conversational English. The more involved I became with my family, the more I knew what I wanted to be in the future. Since I was five, my parents pushed me to value education because they were born in Vietnam and had limited education. Because of this disadvantage, I learned to take everything I do seriously and to put in all of my effort to complete tasks such as becoming the founder of my school’s Badminton Club in my sophomore year and Red Cross Club this year. Before creating these clubs, I created a vision for these clubs so I can organize my responsibilities better as a leader. The more involved I became, the more I learned as a leader and as a person. As a leader, I carried the same behavior I portrayed towards my younger cousins and sibling. My family members stressed the importance of being a good influence; as I adapted this behavior, I utilized this in my leadership positions. I learned to become a good role model by teaching my younger family members proper manners and guiding them in their academics so that they can do well. In school, I guide my peers in organizing team uniform designs and in networking with a nonprofit organization for service events. Asides from my values, I’m truly passionate in the medical field. I always wanted to be a pediatrician since I was fourteen. My strong interest in the medical field allowed me to open up my shell in certain situations— when I became sociable to patients in the hospital as a volunteer, when I became friendly and approachable to children in my job at Kumon Math and Reading Center, and when I portrayed compassion and empathy towards my teammates in the badminton team. However, when I participated in the 2017 Kaiser Summer Volunteer Program at Richmond Medical Center, I realized that I didn’t only want to be a pediatrician. This program opened my eye to numerous opportunities in different fields of medicine and in different approaches in working in the medicine industry. While I may have a strong love for the medical field, my interest in business immensely grew as I soon discovered that I didn’t only have to take the practical approach in the medical field. With this interest, I plan to also become a part of a medical facility management team. In the future, I hope to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor by attaining an MD, and to double major in Managerial Economics. I intend to study at UC Davis as a Biological Sciences major, where I anticipate to become extremely involved with the student community. After graduation, I plan to develop a strong network relationship with Kaiser Permanente as I’ve started last year in my internship. By developing a network with them, I hope to work in one of their facilities some day. Based on my values, interests, and planned future, I’m applying for the NCS Foundation scholarship because not only will it financially help me, but it can give motivation for me to academically push myself. I hope to use this scholarship in applying for a study abroad program, where I can learn about other cultures’ customs while conducting research there.  

Scholarship Essay Example #4

Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship $7,500 by Steven Fisher

Prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

“Oh well look at that one,” my uncle leans over and says about my brother-in-law in the living room wearing a dress. “I’d always had my suspicions about him,” he jokes with a disapproving sneer and leans back in his chair, a plate of Southern-style Christmas dinner in his hand. I was hurt. Why would my own uncle say that like it’s such a terrible thing that my brother-in-law is wearing a dress? That it was the worst thing in the world if my brother-in-law were gay or effeminite. “I think he looks beautiful,” my oldest brother Ethan chimes in. At that moment, I wish I could have hugged Ethan. No, not because he was defending my brother-in-law (who actually isn’t gay, as my uncle was suggesting), but because Ethan was defending me. My uncle has no idea that I recognized earlier this past year that heterosexuality wasn’t meeting all of my needs for intimacy with other people and that I’ve come to define myself as queer. It all started when I took a hard look at how my upbringing in Miami had taught me that the only way that boys are supposed to connect with others is by having sex with “beautiful” girls – that intimacy with other guys or “ugly” girls isn’t as meaningful. After freeing up that block in my brain that told me that I shouldn’t look at guys in a certain way, I could embraced the fact that I’m attracted to men (and people in general) in a lot of different, new ways. My growth as a person was exponential. I rewrote so many areas of my life where I didn’t do things I wanted because of social conditioning. Within two months, my world expanded to include polyamory. I looked back on my past relationship with my girlfriend and realized that I wasn’t jealous (angry, yes. hurt, yes. But not jealous) when she cheated on me. I realized that people’s needs — whether they are for sex, someone to talk to, someone to engage intellectually — don’t necessarily all have to be met with one person. It can be easier sometimes with one person, absolutely. But that’s not the only way. As someone who is both polyamorus and queer, I feel like parts of my family and large parts of my community marginalize me for being different because society has told them to. I want to change that. Since I will be studying for an entire year in Prague, I will have the opportunity to attend the annual Mezipatra, an international film festival in November that screens around a hundred top-ranking films on lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer themes. I feel really connected to going to this event because I crave being in an environment of like-minded people who strive to do that same thing I want to: balance the images of people typically portrayed through cliché and stereotype. When I came out to my sister-in-law, she told me that people who are really set in their ways are more likely to be tolerant to different kinds of people after having relationships with these people. If my uncle can learn to love me, to learn to love one queer/poly person, he can learn to love them all. If I can be an example to my family, I can be an example to my classmates. If I can get the opportunity to travel abroad, I can be an example to the world. Not just through my relationships, but through my art. Give me a camera and a screen and I will carry the message of tolerance from the audiences of Mezipatra in Prague to my parent’s living room. Fade in: Two men with thick beards kiss – maybe for once they aren’t wearing colorful flamboyant clothing. Fade in: A woman leaves her house to go to her male best friend’s house and her husband honestly tells her to enjoy herself. Fade in: A college student wanting to study abroad tells his conservative parents the truth…

Working on your scholarship essay or personal statement?

Get help from my free guide, scholarship essay example #5.

Questbridge Finalist essay earning $3,000 in application waivers plus $3000 in local scholarships by Jordan Sanchez

Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Recall the most cherished memory with your father figure. For some it may be when he taught you how to ride a bike, for others it may be memories of him taking you out for pizza when mom said the family has to eat healthy, for others it’s the ability to confide in somebody that won’t judge or stop loving you because of the mistakes you have made. When a child is born, he or she is given a birth certificate, which provides information such as name, date and place of birth, but most importantly it provides the names of the parents of the child. On my birth certificate I have the name the name of my beloved mother Lurvin, but right above her name is an empty space where my father’s name should be. As a child I would often compare my life to my peers; I would often go through all of these hypothetical scenarios in my mind thinking, “If my dad were around I could be like all of the other boys.” As the years went by I always had a sense of optimism that one day I would meet him and he would tell me “I love you and I’ll never leave your side again.” But when the time came and I met him on January 2014 I learned that a man can reject his only son not once, but twice. My father left when I was one year old and I will soon be turning 17; I did the math and found that for about 5900 days he has neglected me. He was able to sleep 5900 nights without knowing whether or not I was dead or alive. Even though he’s been gone for 5900 days,  my life did not get put on hold. In those 5900 days I learned how to walk, talk, and I became a strong young man without the provider of my Y Chromosome because he is nothing more to me than that. In the past I believed that my father was necessary to rise but instead I found that false hope was an unnecessary accessory and now I refuse to let the fact that I am fatherless define the limits of the great things that I can accomplish. It’s said that boys learn to be a man from their fathers, that they learn what it means to be a man that has values and can stand up for what’s right. I, however, have found that grit can come from anywhere. When I was in middle school I was overweight and many other boys would call me names, and even after going to administration several times nothing changed and for several years I kept myself at bay because if I had done anything in return I would be no better than those guys who bullied me. I previously had this perception that somebody else would come to my rescue, that somebody else would provide the mental strength to combat the hardships that were sent my way. But as time passed I grew tired of waiting for help that was never going to come so I had to become my own hero. Since making that decision I have been liberated from the labels that previously confined me and I took back control of my own life. My ability to be self motivated has assisted me in becoming a leader in several of my extracurricular activities. I was one of the 4 male students of my school district that was selected as a delegate by the American Legion to participate at the Boy’s State program and I am also the captain of my group in the Young Senator's Leadership Program that is run by California Senator Tony Mendoza. I also developed skills on the wrestling mat.  On one occasion I wrestled the person who was ranked the 9th best wrestler in the state and although I did not win there was not a single second that I was afraid to fail because I knew I gave it my all. Similarly I have put the same effort into becoming a successful. My father’s name is not on my birth certificate, but it is MY birth certificate. My origins are not the brightest but I was given a life that is mine to live and because “Life is made of two dates and a dash..” I have to “...Make most of the dash.” I am not going to live forever but if I were to leave this world today I would feel content with the person I see in the mirror. I know the difficulty that latinos face in this day and age I can envision assisting other young latinos achieving their dreams. I believe the most valuable thing in this world is opportunity because sometimes all it takes for someone to be successful is a chance to do so. Consequently I would like to be part of that chance that can foster the growth of future success.

Scholarship Essay Example #6

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay Examples by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Prompt: Please explain a personal hardship or catastrophic life event that you have experienced. How did you manage to overcome this obstacle? What did you learn and how did you grow from it? This answer is critical to your application as Change a Life Foundation’s vision is to assist individuals who have persevered and overcome a hardship/catastrophic life event.

Filling out this application, and my college applications, has forced me to face head on the realities that I've grown up in. Looking back and describing my life I see all the ways in which I am disadvantaged due to my socioeconomic status. But I think it's important to note that I wasn't fully aware of any of it growing up. I knew that my parents couldn't buy me everything, but I also knew that they hardly ever said no. I was a very normal child, asking for chicken nuggets and looking at mom and dad any time I was scared or unsure of something. As I've grown I've learned to fight my own monsters but I now also battle the ones that frighten my parents, the monsters of a world that they weren't born into. Monsters of doubt and disadvantage that try to keep them stuck in a cycle of poverty; thriving in a world that casts them to the side and a society that, with its current political climate, doesn't welcome them with the warmest hello. The baby sitter, the house keeper, the driver, it's taken my dad 10+ years of night shifts to attain financial stability, and become an asset to his workplace. He's been one of the millions of people who has been laid off in the last couple of decades and has had to start over multiple times. But each time he's re-built himself with more resilience. I've grown up living in section 8 housing because my parents often found themselves living paycheck to paycheck, not by choice, but by circumstance. They've endured bankruptcy over credit card debt, have never owned a home, or been given access to resources that allow them to save. Every time we've readapted, we get struck by a new change. I currently live in Manchester Square, a ghost town, byproduct of the Los Angeles Airport expansion project. The 16 steps I have always known, soon to be demolished. My neighbors are empty lots, enclosed by fences. Homeless people’s pitch tents, under the roar of airplanes. My home is soon to become an accommodation to an airport, soon to be nonexistent. Knowing that my family has to relocate as I'm applying to college makes me feel a tad guilty, because of my lack of resources, I fear it will become a barrier into my transition to college. My parents finances are not a secret, I know their struggles as I hear about them day after day. My parents now deal with the burden of relocating, no longer having subsidized housing and again, struck by yet another need to readjust and reassemble. Relocating a family of 5 in an area plagued by gentrification of stadiums and demolition is no simple task as rent prices are as high as mortgages. It's odd they don't want me to stress or have it become my problem but I know it is, and I want to do whatever I can to help. My older sister is the first in my family to go to college. I was always the shyer one. She's taught me through her efforts that the only limits you have are the ones you place on yourself. With my sister's example I have followed in the footsteps of never letting money become a reason why I can't or won't do something. If my sister can do it, I can do it. I see the leadership characteristic is genetic and it runs in my entire family. I witness my parents be leaders everyday as they tackle cultural obstacles in a country that wasn't the one they were born into, speaking a language that is not their own, and raising children to succeed in a system of higher education; one they never had the privilege to be part of. My family and I are one. We stack our efforts, and obstacles on top of each other to further our successes as a whole. When I think back to my family's story I'm amazed to think that my grandpa came to the US in the midst of WW2, a bracero, leaving his family to help feed millions of Americans in time of war. My grandpa, a man of the fields, paved the way so I could defy the odds with my prosperity. At home, the teacher role often switches within my family. I am responsible for translating documents to my parents and explaining procedures and concepts as I, myself, am learning them. I have had the responsibility of helping assist my younger sister who has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. Due to her pre-existing condition, she is a slow learner. I have dedicated a lot of time this past year, helping her with her transition from elementary to middle school and helping her adapt to such a drastic change. Sometimes, I only sleep 4 hours as I wake up and rush out the door in order to make it on time to 6am tutoring. Having to manage my schoolwork and home responsibilities has been difficult but I've managed to maintain high academic achievement by managing my time correctly and being persistent. If I truly want something, I need to go after it, and I will get it done. Sometimes being tired isn't an option.

Scholarship Essay Example #7

Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship and $3,500 in Outside Scholarship Essay Examples by Famyrah Lafortune

Prompt: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela. Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way. * (No more than 400 words)

Nothing is more important to me than ending racial inequality and discrimination in America, as I do not want my younger siblings to face the discrimination Black people continue to face in our present society. After winning our fight to freedom and provoking the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, why do Black teens face higher poverty rates than Whites and are still four times more likely to be incarcerated? “That was such a long time ago. You really need to get over it,” my White peers say when referring to racial inequalities. But, why then, in 7th grade, after winning Nazareth Academy’s Spelling Bee competition, did my fellow White classmate state with a heavy dose of surprise, “You know…when I first saw you, I didn’t think you were going to be smart?” I hope to contribute to ending racial discrimination by utilizing our present interconnectivity and running a social media campaign titled #It’sNotOver. #It’sNotOver aims to oppose the widespread misconception that, because racial inequality was legally outlawed, de facto racial inequality does not still persist in our society. Our recent presidential election may have brought life to a ‘Divided America,’ but it also exposed how influential social media is. By raising awareness of racial disparities that occur everywhere, I might encourage a new wave of change in our country like that of the present Time’s Up movement. Furthermore, if I can access the influence of celebrities in my #It’sNotOver campaign, like that of Time’s Up, I might similarly capture the attention of millions of people and inspire action against this issue across the globe. I know that social media can only do so much in addressing these issues as not everyone can afford the luxury of having internet access. However, I hope that my campaign can inspire all those who do have access to take it upon themselves to be the change by being inspired by the fact that we are globally united in this issue. Although I expect negativity and criticism from people who either do not believe that this issue exists or do not believe in our cause, I am willing to encounter it if it means our society as a whole irrevocably can grow to accept each other’s differences.

Scholarship Essay Example #8

Prompt: “It is very important to know who you are. To make decisions. To show who you are.” – Malala Yousafzai. Tell us three things that are important to you. How did you arrive at this list? Will these things be important to you in ten years? Why? * (No more than 400 words)

The three things that are important to me are my family, being successful, and leaving a legacy. As a result of my past, I keep these three crucial things at the forefront of my mind every day to help myself be successful. Above all, my family is the most important thing in my life. The meaning of family may differ for everyone, but for me, my family is life. I almost died in the 2010 Haitian earthquake, as Jacmel was one of the worst damaged areas, had it not been for my grandmother and my mom. Later, if it was not for my uncle, my mom would not have been able to come to America to give me a better life. Without my family, I wouldn’t be here. I am forever indebted to their sacrifices, and I am so grateful that I have their eternal love and support. Success is also very important to me. I hope to accomplish many things in my life, but most importantly, I would like to make my family proud so that they know that all of their sacrifices were worth it. Success to me is having a career that I love and allows me to help my family members financially. I hope to no longer experience hardships such as homelessness, poverty, and economic difficulties, as I had in my young life. Ultimately, however, I would like to grow into someone who is loved and remembered by people who aren’t my immediate family members and my friends. I do not wish to be glorified, but I want to be more than a nonentity in this big, vast world. I hope that if I can inspire the change that I want to make, I can leave a legacy that continues to influence and shape the landscape that follows me. After coming to the epiphany that if I died today, nothing would change except for the lives of those extremely close to me, I find myself unwilling to be just another Jane Doe. I want to leave a part of myself behind, whether it is a building or a popular hashtag, that is meaningful and permanent once I die.

ANOTHER GREAT READ: HOW TO COMBINE YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY PROMPTS (TO SAVE 20+ WRITING HOURS)

Scholarship essay example #9.

Prompt: “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” - Cesar Chavez. What does it mean to you to be part of a minority community? What challenges has it brought and how have you overcome them? What are the benefits? * (No more than 400 words)

Being part of a minority is very conflicting for me as I feel both empowered as a part of a Haitian minority community but also disconnected from my non-immigrant peers. Coming from a background of poverty in Haiti, I knew that, even at a very young age, I had to be a good student in order to succeed. This work ethic--found throughout my Haitian community--has been very beneficial in my life as we all came here to pave ourselves a better future. As my mom held two jobs, went to college, and was temporarily homeless just to secure me a better future, I feel invigorated to be part of such an indefatigable community. And, it is because of this strong work ethic, central to my community’s core values, that I am now the salutatorian of a class of 679 students. As I was so young when I came to the US, I didn’t know how American society functioned, specifically elementary school. I was the only immigrant in a class of forty, barely spoke English, and had no friends because of these limitations. Every day of those first few years, I felt an almost physical divide between my peers and myself. I never experienced a sense of belonging, despite my efforts. Already a double minority as a woman and a Black person, I tried to relinquish my language and culture in favor of American language and values to better fit in the crowd. By doing this, however, I almost completely lost my cultural identity as both a Haitian and an immigrant, and also my language. It was in the halls of my first high school, International Studies Charter High School, that I realized the enormity of what I had lost. Where my peers retained their cultural identities and language, I had almost lost mine. It was there, I learned to embrace a part of me that was virtually buried inside, as I was encouraged to be more open: speaking Creole with my Haitian math teacher and peers. As a senior, I now volunteer weekly helping Haitian ESOL students with their homework. I am both a teacher and a student in that small classroom as I help them with their homework, and, in return, they help me in perfecting my use of Creole. They are my daily reminder of what unites us as Haitians—our ability to triumph in the face of adversity.

Scholarship Essay Example #10

Prompt: “The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.” - Wilma Mankiller. Tell us about a time when you failed at something. What were the circumstances? How did you respond to failure? What lessons did you learn? * (No more than 400 words)

I’ve danced ballet since I was seven-years-old. But, even after almost eight years, I could still barely extend my legs as high as my peers nor could do as many pirouettes as them. My flexibility was incredibly subpar and I easily wore out my Pointe shoes, making them unwearable after a couple of months. Where the average lifespans of my peers’ pointe shoes extended into months, mine could barely last ten classes. I was the weakling of my class at Ballet Etudes, and I was too absorbed in my insecurities to do anything to better myself to become the dancer I aspired to be. After a humiliating recital, wherein my pointe shoe ribbons untied in the middle of our group performance, I all but gave up on dance. I was in the middle of doing a Changement de Pieds (Change of feet jumping step) when I glanced down in horror to see my beautiful ribbons untied as I forgot to tape them with clear tape as I usually did before my performances. Glancing to my right, I saw that my ballet teacher backstage had also taken note and was rushing me to get off the stage, her hands beckoning me in a frantic manner. After berating me for not having properly tied my laces, I was not allowed to finish my part. Later, I could barely get back on stage that evening for our final performance as I didn’t want to fail myself and my team again. But, because of my move to Port Saint Lucie in the summer before sophomore year, I was able to rekindle my passion for ballet and pointe at South Florida Dance Company. South Florida Dance Company was my saving grace, a place where I was able to restart my experiences in dance and renew the joy I once felt in my art. It was an incredible feeling regaining my confidence and surety in my abilities, as a result of the additional help that I received from my dance teacher, Ms. Amanda. Presently, I always remind myself to be the best that I can be and to positively use my dance role models, like Misty Copeland, as encouragement to be a better dancer. From this experience, I learned that to overcome personal failures, I needed to move forward and think positively because change doesn’t happen when you sit still.

Scholarship Essay Example #11

National Association of University Women Scholarship Essay Examples by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

I didn’t really understand my community until I was forced to see it from the outside; sort of like when you see a picture of yourself someone else took that you weren’t aware of. It took a 3,000 mile flight for me to gain a different perspective of the world, of my world. When I landed in Maine it was nothing like the place I called home. There was no traffic, there were lots of trees, and absolutely no spanish to be heard anywhere. I missed my people, my home, and my community the most as I saw the ways in which other communities fostered creativity, advocacy, and community involvement. I talked about my community every chance I got, writing a public backlash to Donald Trump and reading out to the group of parents to show them my unique struggle. The election of Donald Trump has forced me to come to terms with the harsh realities of this world. The lack of respect he has for women, minority groups, and factual evidence are alarming. This presidency makes me want to prove wrong all of his perceptions of people like me, the poor, the immigrant, the woman. I left people in awe, leaving me empowered. I had people come up to me and explain that they can relate to my poem about not fitting in, being Mexican American and not feeling like you can consider yourself American or Mexican because you’re both. I emphasized that I, like many others, am in between and we have the same platform that anyone else does to succeed. I explained that many of us, hold this pressure of first generation children of immigrants to prove that we are the proof that our parents sacrifices of restarting in a new country was worth it. I was the visible representation of a first generation child of immigrants, branching out into a new environment despite where I had come from and shocking everyone with my prosperity. If I was the only visible representation available, I was going to use my voice to echo the feelings of my entire community and make it known that we are all here-- all of our struggles, our efforts, and our passions, are not absent from places where we are not seen. Maine helped me branch out in my own community now as a Student Ambassador. From this experience, I’ve learned that I can represent my high school and have the responsibility to assist staff at events for prospective students and organize presentations for parents. I spend a lot of time interpreting for parents at meetings and explaining the current events that are ongoing and new educational opportunities that students should take advantage of. I have had the privilege to work alongside office staff and the Principal, where I get to positively dedicate my time to parents who have general questions regarding the schools upcoming events. By dedicating my time as a Student Ambassador, I have allowed myself to excel at communicating with others and improving my customer service skills. I want my education to change the negative stigmas surrounding my community, by showing that it's possible to expand your access to the world and allow you to leave, by choice, through receiving a post-secondary education. I am someone who has grown up in an area with limited resources fostering limited mindsets. My neighborhood has 4 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and a strip club feet away from a library. What message does that send to children? It's normal in my community to have pregnant classmates in high school. People aren't aware of the world outside, they aren't encouraged to ever leave. Through my experience as a volunteer that communicates a lot with parents, I have learned that the American Dream does not simply belong to first generation students like myself. I have found that our accomplishments are stacked upon the sacrifices of our parents. I used to think that growing up was like the passing of a baton where you’re the next runner and it’s your turn to run your best race, but I now see that this is a team effort, as you expand your horizons your family also gets to experience the benefits. I want to demonstrate to my community that there can be a female, bilingual, Latina doctor. I want to showcase that one's zip code, doesn't determines one's success. One of the most common questions I get at these parent meetings is “what’s better college or university”? This question didn’t make sense to me at first then I realized that parents wanted to know the difference between community college and a four year. Concepts like financial aid, grants, loans, are all foreign concepts as most of our parents never went to college. They want to be able to help but do not know where to begin. As a student ambassador I helped bridge that gap. We often held meetings where we explained to parents within our community what resources were out there and available and what the difference were among the different options for each student. Being the student face for Animo, I’ve learned that I as a student and daughter, can provide assistance to my own community through the knowledge that I have gained. I am the communication that is needed in my community that’s necessary for further successes by using my personal knowledge and experience to help uplift and educate others in similar situations.

Scholarship Essay Example #12

Prompt: Discuss in your essay any challenges or obstacles you have dealt with and overcome in life and how this will help you succeed in college and beyond. Describe how volunteer, community service or extra-curricular activities have shaped who you are today and what it has taught you. May also include future educational plans and career goals. [250-500 Words]

I have encountered an emotional barrier making it difficult to manage my schoolwork, extracurricular activities and family responsibilities. I have had to deal with being viciously raped by a peer during my sophomore year, resulting in severe depression. I am no longer allowed to be alone for a long period of time, as I’ve attempted to commit suicide twice, but I do not regard those as true attempts to end my life. I just wanted someone to know how I felt and how much I needed help. My past has only made me more resilient, as I choose to prove to myself and those around me that I am more than the barriers I’ve encountered–but overcome. It took a 3,000- mile flight for me to gain a different perspective of my world. Landing in Maine was nothing like home. There was no traffic, lots of trees, and absolutely no Spanish to be heard anywhere. I was a 10th grader when I found myself at Coastal Studies for Girls, a marine science and leadership school; I would be there for a whole semester. I was surrounded by strangers who looked different, sounded different, and could recite tide pool specifics in casual conversation. I was the visible representation of a first-generation child of immigrants, branching out into a new environment. An environment where I wanted to prove wrong all perceptions of people like me, the poor, the immigrant, the brown woman. I used my voice to echo my community and make it known that, we, are here–all of our struggles, our efforts, and our passions, are not absent from places where we are not seen. Returning home, I had the privilege to work alongside school administrators as a student ambassador. I got to positively dedicate my time to parents who have general questions regarding the school and help translate information. I have learned that the American Dream does not simply belong to first generation students like myself, but I now see it is a team effort, as you expand, your family also gets to experience the benefits. One of the most common questions at parent meetings is “what’s better college or university”? This question did not make sense to me, I then realized that parents want to know the difference between community college and a four year. Concepts like financial aid, grants, loans, are all foreign concepts as most of our parents never went to college. As a student ambassador, I help bridge that gap. We often hold meetings where we explained resources available and different options for each student. I have learned, that as a student, I can provide assistance to my own community through my knowledge. I am the communication necessary for further successes, using my personal knowledge and experience to help uplift and educate others in similar situations. My pursuit is to not only go to college but thrive and come back ready and able to help students like myself that have to fight for their seat in the lecture hall.

Scholarship Essay Example #13

Prompt: The Rainbow Scholarship is awarded to a deserving LGBTQ student who aims to participate in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program. If you would like to be considered, please explain why you would be a strong candidate for the Rainbow Scholarship. What will this scholarship enable you to achieve for yourself and your LGBTQ community?

It is my life goal to make films that will change the way society see groups of people typically defined by stereotype and cliché. By immersing myself in Prague’s culture through the American Institute of Foreign Study year-long program, I will gain the cinematic and philosophic tools to create films that will help others to better understand the LGBTQ community. I’ve been making movies since I was old enough to hold a camera, but now I’d like to take it a step further. While abroad, I’ll visit the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague. The Hollywood Reporter puts FAMU at the top of the list of best film schools in Europe. I put it at the top of my list of prospective graduate schools because it was the center of Czech filmmakers’ during communist rule in the 1960s. FAMU was where rebellious film makers broke the bonds of censorship by creating films that depicted the perspectives of marginalized people. I want to do the same thing today. I ask: What can the Czechoslovak New Wave filmmakers and their struggle for social equality teach me about making films that will help to free the LGBTQ members in my own community? I will find my answers here: In November, the international film festival held in Prague called the Mezipatra will screen around a hundred top-ranking films on lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer themes. What better place for a queer filmmaker obsessed with Czech New Wave film to meet people to learn and collaborate with? I’d also like to volunteer to work on a photography project at the Lobkowicz Palace and Nelahozeves Castle, 15km from Prague, where I will find one of the world’s largest private collections of world-famous artworks, artifacts, and a library of over 65,000 volumes. I hope to hone my skills with a camera and take a zoomed-in look at the Prague history. I’m going to wear my Canon t2i like a glove. And finally, I hope to better understand Czech culture as it pertains to film making by studying at Charles University and taking classes like “Central European Film: Search for Identity” and “Hollywood and Europe”. I will get more in touch with the performance and character elements of film by taking the theater class “Prague Theater Scene: Performance Analysis.” Finally, I’ll learn to better listen to what my community in Prague has to say (literally and figuratively) by taking Czech language classes in a two-week intensive course that includes two language-focused events where students engage with the local area. Through traveling abroad in Prague, I give myself to a new perspective and open myself up to influence. I want to use my experience to create films that will convince others to do the same—as a representative of the LGBTQ community, I want to send the message of acceptance and tolerance to the world, from the screens of Mezipatra in Prague to my conservative parents’ television sets.

Scholarship Essay Example #14

$1,000 local school district scholarship by Amani Davis.

Last February, I partook in a Divas in Defense workshop. Within this class, our group met a woman who was a survivor of domestic violence. She was also close to becoming a victim of sex trafficking. From this I learned that intimate partner violence is the leading cause of female homicide and injury-related deaths during pregnancy. Although it is not a common hot topic, many people go through it everyday. These people are not only women but men and children, too. Therefore, domestic violence is an issue that is under-discussed, yet extremely important. Every 1 in 4 women will be a victim of severe violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This means our mothers, sisters, grandmothers or even daughters can be victims of domestic violence. We have to be the ones willing to initiate the conversation because many victims are scared. Everyday more people are speaking up about their own stories. Celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Rihanna, and Halle Berry have spoke about their personal accounts with domestic violence. Through these views, people are seeing domestic violence as a bigger issue and an issue that needs to be opened up about. All in all, domestic violence is all around us. Additionally, abuse can hurt people physically, mentally, and financially. Physical abuse results in injuries that cost money in order to be fixed. Many remain in or return to an abusive relationship because they lack the financial resources to live on their own. Also, children who grow up around domestic violence are 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually abused than the national average. In short, abuse can have various effects on those involved. To surmise, domestic violence is often kept quiet within minority communities. As a whole, we have to be proactive and reactive in order to fight the current problem with abuse. Nevertheless, we have to be the change we want to see.Ultimately, domestic violence is not an issue that can be completely rid of, but we can make a true difference through education and prevention. Some issues have to be dealt with in house before we see a major turn around.

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study abroad scholarship essay examples

63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics

Looking for study abroad topics to write about? Studying in another country is one of the most beneficial experiences for students.

  • 🏆 Best Essay Examples
  • 📌 Research Titles
  • 🗺 Topics to Write about

❓ Questions About Studying Abroad

In your studying abroad essay, you might want to write about advantages and disadvantages of being an international student. Another option is to describe the process of making application for a scholarship. One more idea is to share your personal experience. Whether you’re planning to write an argumentative, descriptive, or persuasive essay, our article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected top studying abroad essay samples and research titles ‍‍‍‍for scholarship papers.

🏆 Best Studying Abroad Essay Examples

  • Why Studying Abroad Results in Better Education For most people, especially in developing nations, the only way to gain an education that will satisfy the demands of the international job market is by studying abroad.
  • Should Students Study Abroad? Studying abroad offers students an opportunity to travel to new countries and have new experiences that expand their perceptions of the world.
  • Specifics of Studying Abroad The purpose of this paper is to discuss the most common benefits and drawbacks, as well as overall outcomes that are related to studying abroad and to recommend the ways to handle the drawbacks.
  • Challenges of Studying Abroad A closer look at the information provided by the majority of the companies specializing in student transfer and the related services will reveal that a range of essential data, especially the information concerning the financial […]
  • Declining Direct Public Support for Higher Education in USA Partisanship interest in the debate for renewal of the Higher Education Act and a Senate inquiry to validate the governance of the non-profit economic sectors of the United States has demonstrated the complexity of public […]
  • The Social Role of Higher Education in UK In addition to this, higher education provides a set of values that changes the students to face the existing and the future problems facing the society and the various sectors of work that they operate […]
  • International Education in Australia China is a good market for Australian education and in the year 2010 a sum of 284700 students from China left the country to further their studies most of them on their own expenses.
  • The Criteria and Benefits That Allow Students to Work Abroad The most direct experience that a person gets while studying abroad is the understanding of the business world and economics. There is no doubt that the environments and culture of a country are the major […]
  • Education in Australia as a Tool of Promoting Equality of Opportunity The main objective of vocational education and training is to promote the people, the society, and the economy and to upgrade the labor market.
  • A Benefits of Education Abroad One of the qualitative aspects of the educational reality in today’s world is the fact that, as time goes on, the number of students who decide in favor of studying abroad increases rather exponentially.

📌 Research Titles about Studying Abroad

  • Do Study Abroad Programs Enhance the Employability of Graduates
  • The Effect Of Study Abroad On Studying Abroad
  • Culture and Study Abroad and Some Drawbacks
  • How Does Study Abroad Affect A Student ‘s View Of Professional
  • Analysis Of Some Of The Benefits Of Study Abroad
  • Do People Who Study Abroad Become More Successful
  • Increasing Number Of Worldwide People Go Study Abroad
  • The Lowering Ages of Students Who Study Abroad
  • Colleges Should Make It Mandatory: For Students To Study Abroad For Specific Major’s
  • Should Students Spend Lots Of Money For Study Abroad

🗺 Study Abroad Topics to Write about

  • The Cultural Shock That Students Face When They Study Abroad
  • Advantages and Dis Advantages of Further Study Abroad
  • Interlanguage Pragmatic Competence in the Study Abroad
  • The Study Abroad Trip On Australia
  • History Of Study Abroad And Exchange Programs
  • An Analysis of Many Students Wishing to Study Abroad
  • Most Study Abroad Program Should Be Rename Party Abroad They Are Waste of Time
  • Why College Students Should Study Abroad
  • Analysis Of Michelle Obama ‘s Reasons For Study Abroad
  • Study Abroad Is Beneficial For All College Students
  • The Journey of Traveling and The Study Abroad
  • Analysis: Why Student Chose to Study Abroad
  • The Benefits of Choosing to Study Abroad
  • How Is Studying Abroad Helps Improve Language Skills?
  • Which Country Are More Successful for Studying Abroad?
  • Is Studying Abroad a Good Idea?
  • Does Studying Abroad Induce a Brain Drain?
  • Why Is Studying Abroad Beneficial?
  • How Is the Studying Abroad Effects Learning About Different Cultures?
  • What Are the Cons of Studying Abroad?
  • Is Studying Abroad a Waste of Time?
  • Does Studying Abroad Enhance Employability?
  • What Are the Positive and Negative Influences of Studying Abroad?
  • How Capital Accumulation Through Studying Abroad and Return Migration?
  • Which Country Is Best for Studying Abroad?
  • What Is Culture Shock When Studying Abroad?
  • What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad on Global Awareness?
  • What Are the Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
  • Which Country Is Cheapest for Studying Abroad?
  • Is Studying Abroad Expensive?
  • What Are Important Reasons for Studying Abroad?
  • Is It Difficult to Studying Abroad?
  • What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad?
  • Which Country Is Hard for Studying Abroad In?
  • What Is the Impact of Studying Abroad?
  • What Are the Effects of Studying Abroad on College Students?
  • What Are Main Hardships While Studying Abroad?
  • Is It Better to Studying Abroad or Locally?
  • Does Studying Abroad Help Academic Achievement?
  • Does Studying Abroad Cause International Labor Mobility?
  • What Are the Differences Between Studying Locally and Studying Abroad?
  • Do Students Who Studying Abroad Achieve Tremendous Success?
  • What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 26). 63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/

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IvyPanda . "63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/study-abroad-essay-examples/.

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10 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples From Real Students

Make your application shine.

Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell—these were my few constants.

Writing a scholarship essay can be intimidating. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high, so students are bound to feel the pressure. It may be helpful, therefore, to look at essays that were successful. What did those students do to impress the committee? These scholarship essay examples will give you a better idea of how to make an application shine! 

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

We’ve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you haven’t read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started. 

Carefully read the rules

The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didn’t do the right thing. 

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process. 

Get to know the provider

Think of the scholarship provider as your target audience. You want to tailor your essay to impress them, so do your research. What kinds of candidates are they looking for? What causes do they support? Dig deep for the information you need!

Think about who you are, what you want to say, and how to appeal to the scholarship committee. Write everything down and then choose the best ideas. 

The scholarship committee will be reviewing many applications. How can you make yours unforgettable? Highlight your strongest assets, share hard lessons if they showcase your growth as a person and/or student, and be honest. Never lie in a scholarship essay!

Be professional

Consider this the most important academic paper you’ve ever written. Don’t use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay that’s been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.

One last tip

Don’t reuse scholarship essays! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but students need to put the same effort into every application. Use the same process and it will get faster and easier every time!

Scholarship Essay Examples

Afc visionary scholarship essay by nicole kuznetsov.

Award Amount: $5,000

Essay prompt: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

Why it was successful: The  beauty of this essay is that it’s well-organized and simple. Nicole Kuznetsov chose to outline her story by using chronology and provided a clean, concise story following a linear path.

As a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom.

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Essay by Christine Fung

Award Amount: $1,000

Why it was successful: Christine Fung masterfully shared how her upbringing instilled strong values, a love for education, and a passion for medicine .

The more involved I became, the more I learned as a leader and as a person.

The Bill Browning Scholarship Essay by Gabby DeMott

Award Amount: $10,000

Essay prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Why it was successful: Gabby DeMott shared her experiences with personal growth and overcoming fears in Germany. She also appealed to the very human feeling of wanting to belong in a way that was inspiring. 

Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn’t even mine, so part of something I didn’t really belong to.

Life Happens Scholarship Essay by Emily Trader

Award Amount: $15,000

Essay prompt: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.

Why it was successful: Emily Trader fully addressed the prompt in honest, beautiful detail. She knew her audience and tailored her essay to appeal to them while telling her compelling story. 

If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable.

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Essay prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

Why it was successful: Isabella Mendez-Figueroa shared an empowering story about her parents overcoming financial adversity so that she and her sister could be the first in their family to go to college. 

As I’ve grown I’ve learned to fight my own monsters but I now also battle the ones that frighten my parents, the monsters of a world that they weren’t born into.

Giva Scholarship Essay by Joseph Lee

Essay prompt: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

Why it was successful: Joseph Lee offered a captivating , personal story that was essentially a list of things that make someone a good doctor without it feeling boring or calculated. 

I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a

New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana

Award amount: $39,500 

Essay prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

Why it was successful: Ana discussed how early experiences w ith learning difficult things has contributed to her passion for teaching and supporting students. 

Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell—these were my few constants.

The Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship Essay  by Steven Fisher

Award amount: $7,500

Essay prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

Why it was successful: Steven Fisher’s powerful essay   connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world. 

My growth as a person was exponential. I rewrote so many areas of my life where I didn’t do things I wanted because of social conditioning.

Women’s World Banking Founder’s Scholarship Essay by Rosaisha Ozoria

Essay prompt: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.

Why it was successful: Rosaisha Ozoria   focused on a very specific topic , financial literacy for Hispanic women, and emphasized its importance and relevance to her own life. 

This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference – in my neighborhood and for my Spanish community.

The Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship Essay by Famyrah Lafortune

Award amount: $3,500

Essay prompt: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

Why it was successful: Famyrah Lafortune starts with a strong statement about ending racial inequality and then details the steps she’ll take to make it happen. 

By raising awareness of racial disparities that occur everywhere, I might encourage a new wave of change in our country ...

Do you have any great scholarship essay examples? Share them below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more suggestions be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

Need money for college? These scholarship essay examples will help your application stand out over the competition!

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Articles & Advice > Financial Aid > Blog

How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a big and expensive part of many students' education, and scholarships can help with that. Here's how to ace those study abroad scholarship essays.

by Ashley Halsey Professional Educator and Writer

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Nov 23, 2019

Studying abroad is a dream opportunity that can have so many benefits, some of which you may not even realize as you head into your application or daydream about having the chance to go. The most obvious benefit is that you get to experience a different culture, different people, or a different way of life. This is fascinating on its own and could be considered reason enough to start your application. Add to that the opportunity to freshen your perspective with a change of scenery, make new friends, potentially pay lower tuition and living fees, learn a different language, and broaden your understanding of the world, and you’ve got something all students should at least think about doing while at university.

Of course, study abroad isn’t as easy as signing a form and away you go. Most of the time, you’ll need to have some financial support from an institution before you can go galloping off. To earn this, you’ll almost always have to write an essay and compete with your peers for the opportunity. So, here are some tips for making sure that it’s you getting on that plane and not anyone else.

Read the prompt carefully

The most classic error students make with any essay is not answering the question. This goes for travel abroad writing as much as anything else. “You can write the most incredible essay full of perfect demonstrations of your intelligence and passion, but if it doesn’t answer the question, it won’t get considered at all,” says Jake Cole, an educator at Writinity . You’ll also write a more informed essay if you really understand the parameters of your question. You might easily be vague in how you respond if you don’t really know what you’re responding to. A good technique is to reread the question several times, highlighting operative words when they occur to you as a way to keep things under control.

Related: How to Read a College Application Essay Prompt

Surprise your reader

It’s easy to write formulaic essays —an intro, a few body paragraphs, a conclusion, and you’re done. A study abroad essay is unorthodox by nature, so you definitely don’t want to limit yourself in form or substance. The other thing you’re up against is how much competition there is for each spot in the program. The people who make decisions will read hundreds of essays, and you want to make sure yours stands out so come decision time, they haven’t forgotten yours exists. Take an approach to your essay that’s different from what you suspect others are going for. Use your alternative approach as a connection to how strongly you feel about the application. It’s easy to dash off a standard essay, but it’s difficult to slowly piece together something more unusual and specific. It shows care and attention, two traits they’ll want to see to prove you actually deserve the scholarship. 

Run your essay past the right people

It’s easy to get too insular as you work on an essay. They tend to take a good amount of time, and most people prefer to work in isolation. This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. “Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to, and your professors are going to be your biggest resources as you try to put something of consequence together,” explains Kaya Gopal, tutor at DraftBeyond and ResearchPapersUK . Always get second, third, and fourth opinions on your content to make sure you’re in the best position to avoid getting lost in your own work, which can definitely happen if you aren’t careful.

Related:   Secrets to Writing an Amazing Scholarship Essay  

This is always important! Making mistakes in a standard essay is bad, but you’re fighting so hard in a study abroad scholarship essay that if you aren’t vigilant about the small things, those judging your work will be eager to cut you out to save themselves the trouble. Proofreading is a complex process. It’s harder than just passing an eye over your work. There are different layers to it: Does your essay’s logic stand? Have you done everything you said you’d do? Is it structured correctly? Is all the spelling correct? The grammar ? The syntax? Each of these details is as important as the rest. Again, getting these things correct helps demonstrate to readers how committed you are to your application and how much work you’re willing to put in to be accepted. Conversely, if you fail to proofread, it comes across like you don’t care about your application.

Do your research

Before you write your essay, you need to research the country, city, and institution you’ll attend if you get the scholarship and, in a different sense, you need to research yourself. Researching yourself means knowing why it is that you actually want the scholarship and how it will be instrumental in making a difference in your life. This means taking some time for reflection.

Related: List: The Experts’ Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is such an incredible opportunity, so you have to do everything in your power to ensure the application you put in to secure funding is as strong as possible. Hopefully these tips will help as you think about writing your essay.

Find scholarships to fund your study abroad goals with our Scholarship Search tool.

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study abroad scholarship essay examples

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Ultimate Guide to Writing a Study Abroad Scholarship Essay 

It's no secret that young people can study abroad for free today. For example, if they speak the state language of the country in which they intend to study and have chosen a state university, or they have successfully passed the competitive selection and received a scholarship. Grants and scholarships to study abroad partially or fully cover the cost of education and allow students to save money.

Enter your text here ...

In most cases, when applying for a scholarship and participation in the contest, the student needs to write an essay. But often students have a lot of questions regarding writing this type of paper: how to write, what to write about, etc. Students try to write an essay as best as possible because they dream of receiving a scholarship. Some decide to turn to scholarship experts and get essay writing help online , while others try to complete the assignment without any professional assistance.

In this article, we will tell you how to write a good essay for an international scholarship.

8 Scholarship Essay Writing Tips for Students

Tips to help students write stellar essays are listed below:

  • First of all, you need to understand what the main idea of the essay should be, or what global question it should answer. In order to understand this, you need to study all the information on the grant. Perhaps it indicates what the essay should be about. You can also contact the representatives of the educational institution in order to find out what topic should be represented in the paper;
  • Then, you can start collecting the necessary information for writing an essay. This information should include the main problems or difficulties of the issue that will be discussed in the paper. It is also important to use personal experience and personal qualities that will help you solve these problems and difficulties. It is advisable that you show your future contribution to the development of a particular sphere. Try to write as concretely as possible, avoiding common phrases and high-profile statements;
  • To make your essay more interesting, try to focus on some competitive ideas. If you already have these ideas, describe them, and if not, try to highlight and describe a few. It is important to move from simple to complex. You should write down all the ideas that come to mind and do not omit anything. Then you can choose something suitable. Do not forget to pay attention to such eternal difficulties as cultural traditions, professional features, etc.;
  • When writing an essay, you can use the question-answer technique. Ask a question that will reveal the topic of the paper and answer it with the help of your main idea (you searched for it in the previous step). Do not forget to describe the main advantages of your idea and its influence on the problem in general;
  • Now you can work in draft. Define the structure of your paper, describe the problem, ask a question, represent the idea, as well as your experience and personal qualities. In general, write on your own how you feel, do not abuse the headers and clichés. Remember that your essay will be read by a jury member who wants to see a living story. This person will decide: to give you a scholarship or not;
  • It is important to re-read the essay after writing it in a draft. If, in your opinion, the essay is well written, proceed to the final version. Pay attention to the introduction and conclusion. These small structural components of an essay plan a very important role: the introduction usually attracts the reader and conclusion briefly describes the results. Do not forget to create a list of literature in accordance with the requirements of the university;
  • Timeout is the final step in writing an essay. Leave your paper for a while and go about your personal affairs: take a walk, read an interesting book, watch a movie, etc. After a while, re-read your essay, highlight those points that need to be adjusted and correct them. Be sure to check for errors. It is better to do this several times, and even better — ask your parents or friends to check your paper;
  • And most importantly — send the application, essay and other necessary documents as early as possible, but no later than the day before the end of the reception. Very often a situation arises where the preparation and collection of necessary documents, as well as work on an essay, take a lot of time and energy, so the young man is simply lost in time. Therefore, make sure that the work you have done is not in vain.

We hope that these simple tips will help you write a winning essay , represent yourself in the best way and get a scholarship to study abroad !

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  • Scholarships /

What is a Scholarship Essay?

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  • Updated on  
  • Oct 19, 2022

Scholarship Essay Examples

Scholarships are one of the most convenient methods to ease the financial stress for students who plan to study abroad. However, the majority of the scholarships come with an essay that requires writers to explain “ Why do they deserve the scholarship ”. This helps the scholarship committee shortlist who really deserves the scholarship. The essay must reflect on certain points that can help you earn the particular scholarship. In this blog, we will discuss the scholarship essay format and tips for an effective essay with scholarship essay Examples.

This Blog Includes:

How to write a scholarship essay, scholarship essay format, points to add in your scholarship essay, tips for scholarship essay, essay to study abroad, essay to study in india.

Also Read: Top Scholarships to Study Online

Scholarships are programmes that offer needy students financial aid. Whether you are in high school or in college, these programmes are available to students at all levels. You must write essays in order to be considered for the majority of scholarships. Your opportunity to persuade the scholarship committee that you deserve financial aid will come in the form of the scholarship essay you submit. You must present a distinctive perspective on yourself in your scholarship essay in addition to your academic accomplishments, GPA, and achievements. You must demonstrate your writing abilities and do so in an interesting way, regardless of the essay prompt. The award money will go to the essay that captures the scholarship committee’s attention and keeps them reading.

Essays are written on various topics however there are some fundamental ways to write an essay. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you in penning down a remarkable scholarship essay:

  • Take more time than needed to write your scholarship essay because great things take time. Write the essay in a relaxed atmosphere rather than in a haste manner.
  • Understand the essay question asked and answer that in a comprehensive and to the point manner.
  • Be clear about the question asked in the scholarship statement as it lays the foundation of the essay.
  • Write it in a genuine and authentic manner and don’t give false details just to impress the scholarship committee. As in the long term it is honesty and authenticity which makes an individual stand out.
  • Research about the scholarship committee and understand what they actually desire from the applicant tp write your essay on similar lines to grab the scholarship.

A pervasive and generalised scholarship format exists tells you what to include while penning down a scholarship essay. The format of the scholarship essay should ideally be like the following-

  • In a Scholarship Essay, first, the applicant has to elucidate upon their personal background.
  • For the second paragraph, they get to write about their educational background in a brief and comprehensive manner.
  • The Third paragraph must explain why they want to get the scholarship and course for which they have applied.
  • In the last paragraph, the applicant explains why they are suitable for the scholarship and the course for which they have applied.

Before moving on to the Scholarship Essay Examples, read about Report Writing Examples and Tips!

While writing your scholarship essay, you must include components that have worked out before for others. Together, the points mentioned below thread your scholarship essay into a story of a candidate worth giving a chance- 

  • Leadership – Funding parties go for the candidates that have leadership qualities all the time. You can write in your essay that you are a leader but how will you prove it? That is why we suggest that you add certain special circumstances where you took the lead and got success. 
  • Extracurricular – Maintaining academic records is a lesser important criterion when it comes to scholarship. Anyone can be book smart and get higher grades. Your overall performance in various other aspects of life- sports, community, skills, etc that add value to your scholarship essay. 
  • Community – We talked about community in extracurricular but the significance of your connection to the community is much larger. Scholarships, funded by organisations, governments or universities, wish to invest in a candidate who puts community needs before his/her own. Try adding instances of community service (working with NGOs, cleaning drives, campaigns, etc) without sounding boastful about the same. 
  • Emotion – Subtle emotions make a scholarship essay worth reading till the end. At the end of the day, the main purpose of it is to sell your story to earn the scholarship. So add those subtle yet important emotions of perseverance, patience and dedication quietly into your scholarship essay.

Popular Scholarships to Study in London

Here are some tips/hacks that will help you write a good scholarship essay- 

  • Know the word limit so you don’t overwrite. 
  • Don’t start with a quote as it will eat up space for your profile. 
  • Keep the tone formal yet descriptive . 
  • Make notes of what you wish to add before you start on your first draft. 
  • Avoid overcrowding of achievements and only add those relevant to your course and scholarship nature. 
  • Use communicative vocabulary and don’t add difficult words to sound more formal or knowledgeable. 
  • Your conclusion should be brief with a thank you.
  • Research about the scholarship provider and their motive so that you can match your essay to that. 
  • Don’t oversell yourself as it only bores the reader. 
  • Read the scholarship statement thoroughly to know what they expect out of you and your scholarship essay. 
  • Emphasize how the scholarship will be instrumental in achieving your dreams.
  • Proofread the scholarship essay draft more than a couple of times to avoid silly mistakes.

study abroad scholarship essay examples

Scholarship Essay Examples

It is really important to learn how to express and elaborate our views and passion in a scholarship essay. It also serves as a medium to communicate one’s goals and dreams. To reach your dream University, mastering the art of writing scholarship essays is crucial. Given below are two samples for a scholarship essay to study abroad and a scholarship essay to study in India.

I have always been a people person right from my childhood and every friend and family member of mine used to compliment me on my people’s skills like empathy, compassion, altruism, and patience. During my teen years, I slowly and steadily realized that destiny is unfolding the answers to my unresolved questions and I realised after profound analysis and contemplation that careers that involve dealing with people are the best fit for a person like me. I have always been proactive in volunteering activities so I genuinely understand the value of kindness and communication skills. I can clearly recall my school days when my friends used to come up to me for sharing their problems and I used to empathize with them and patiently listen to what they are going through and during those moments, a huge sense of satisfaction dawned upon me when I used to see my friends happy because I helped them feel better.

Instances like these gave a boost to my decision of pursuing a Psychology major in my Bachelors and during my bachelors apart from scoring High marks in my semester exams, I did numerous practical learning based internships, published my research paper on well-being in the workplace, and worked as an HR intern in 3-4 well-known firms to get practical insights into Organizational Psychology. I was an associate member in the Enactus and Placement cell of my college which developed my personality to a great extent and honed my communication skills in the best possible manner.

I have a strong desire to pursue an MA in Organizational Psychology and receive this scholarship. I have also had a genuine interest in the well-being of people in their workplace and thus, helping them lead a balanced life. And adding on to that I come from a lower-middle-class family, so the high fee of prestigious Ivy League Universities is not affordable and that is the reason I am applying for the scholarship. Rest assured, I never believe in a victim mentality as my parents have always taught me to be a warrior and their encouragement has propelled me to walk the whole nine yards for my dream University

I strongly believe that I am the best fit for this scholarship as I have everything ranging from a high GPA to a Strong ECA, which makes the profile of a student remarkable.I have left no stone unturned in exploring things, developing skills, and shaping up my personality in the right direction.

To get admission to a prestigious university like yours in the USA would definitely help me scale up to huge heights of success and along with that, it is my commitment that I will leave no stone unturned in contributing positively to others’ lives through my work.

Right from my childhood, I have had the knack of explaining things well to people of any age group be it children, adolescents, or adults and because of my great public speaking skills, I have always won debate and oratory competitions. Everyone in my family and School used to appreciate my public speaking skills and confidence which I considered as a regular compliment but in my high school I was renowned for teaching my peers and they used to understand it so well and the smiles on my friends’ faces brought me immense satisfaction. In the first year of my college, I started teaching to students and that was a turning point in my life as from that moment I had decided that I will be a college professor

I have pursued a major in psychology and a minor in management in my bachelor’s and further pursued MBA in HR from Delhi University. I have an ardent desire to get a Scholarship and admission to an esteemed and top-notch University for the realisation of the dream which is really close to my heart. Adding on to that, I come from a lower-middle-class family, and affording the fees of top institutions would be really tough but problems bring with themselves potential opportunities. I will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of my dream. I have realised that my true calling lies in teaching school and college students and for fulfilling that dream of mine I want to pursue a B.ED and P.hD in Management.

As APJ Abdul Kalam said, rightly that the future of the nation lies in its young minds and I have always believed that I have the potential to shape up the young minds and help them channelize their energy in the right direction. I have great communication skills and a strong sense of altruism and putting these strengths of mine into use will help me contribute positively to society through my work. The above-mentioned reasons clearly illustrate why I am the best candidate for this course and scholarship.

Scholarships can be a godsend for a student who desires to pursue higher education and lead an extraordinary life. Writing an essay that is worthy of a scholarship will help you get the best grants. We hope that this article has given you a clearer understanding of how scholarship essays are produced and the techniques you should employ to write an essay that will convince the scholarship committee to select your essay as the winner.

Also Check out: Statement of Purpose: Format, Samples and Tips

Your essay must stay inside the allotted word count. Before composing the essay you will submit, draught it since you need to create the biggest effect possible given the word limit.

No, scholarships are not a requirement for admission, but they do offer financial assistance that lessens the load that students frequently bear.

Yes, the majority of scholarships are open to students from throughout the world. Find the ones that work best for your financial condition and will enable you to cover your living expenses while visiting the destination.

This was all about scholarship essay examples and format. We hope that now you have enough tips and the ways to pen down an impressive and genuine scholarship essay. If you further need help, our Leverage Edu experts are just a call away!

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Disclaimer: This paper has been submitted by a student. This is not a sample of the work written by professional academic writers.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of StudySaurus.

1) A Study of the Performance of International Students in American Schools

Each year, universities in America accept a number of international students from various countries. Attending a school in a different country is more than simply acquiring an education in a new part of the world. It also involves adapting to the language, people, and society throughout the process of receiving that education. American students and international students will have their own experiences in learning based on their familiarity or unfamiliarity with American culture and society. Domestic students, those that have been raised in America, are much more comfortable due to the familiarity they have with their culture whereas international students raise their focus and efforts in order to assimilate and become “American.” Compared to domestic students, the new conditions to which international students are unaccustomed drive them to rise to the occasion and maintain a relentless focus, resulting in better performance.

Education is one of the most valuable resources in this world. Students will travel around the world, often to America, to receive a college education. In 2012-2013, an astounding 819,644 undergraduate and graduate international students arrived in America to receive a college education. (Haynie, 2013). Integrating into the American culture is a difficult decision due to many factors such as cost of education and cultural differences. International students often try new things, to meet more people, make more connections, and actively make the most of their education. These students have a very strong drive to learn. They are making the conscious choice to study in America, whereas domestic students often feel they have to follow a set track. Whether or not there is an interest, it is expected of the domestic students that they undertake high school immediately followed by college. At times, this opportunity is taken for granted. Furthermore, these domestic students are familiar with the cultural norms and have developed close social interactions with their peers.

[unfinished essay]

2) Foreign Students in America: What Attract Young Students to Study in America

Worldwide Experience

Study in an American university is much more than a student experience. It is as life learning, an experience that will teach you how to live. According to a news survey, in 2012, 764,496 students came to study in the USA that year, and the numbers continue to rise.

Why America attract so many foreign students? Probably because of the quality of the learning, the high level of acceptation in the economy market, or maybe there, they have a chance to be educated. Sometimes move to another country is a hard journey, new language, new people, new culture, a new way to learn. Knowing this, the purpose of this text is to guide international students in an American college, demonstrating the most important points, helping them succeed in their academic life.

The lessons, like, biology, math, kinesiology are pretty different, in the USA you have to be a dedicated student, you have to participate, and also it is a way to grade you, effort on it. Do your best in every class and take notes about the most important points. Copy what is written in the blackboard, also add your own information, what you understand about the topic, write the speech of the teacher. In addition of this, make sure that you have English proficiency, after all, in a university, is necessary every single day interact with people and talk with professors, solving your doubts, asking for advices. Have the ability to write and interpret texts are important as well, because as a student, many papers will be required, and know how to write them is important. In the other hand, interpret texts is necessary too, otherwise, you will not be able to read books required for some class, or even understand a text in a test.

One of the most important points to know is university resources. Resources like math lab, writing lab, international office and your advisor office are …. [unfinished essay]

3) The Evolution of the International Students in American Universities

International students always worry about cultural differences and surprised when they find that there are more important aspects to worry about. They find that there are many problems besides adapting to American culture to overcome. Moreover, there are more than 800.000 international students enroll in American universities, despite the number of international students in the United Kingdom are 436,585 students. American Universities become target for most international students. Therefore, the huge numbers of international students in American universities are making a big different aspect of responsibility to its students because the students are part of their classes and campus’ community. In fact, American researchers investigate on international problems to help them master their difficulties. Some of the researchers articles have interviewed the students and some of them collect the data through the survey. Also, in their article they provide some suggestions for the university stuff’s members and for the students themselves to overcome the difficulties. In fact, we need more researches in international students difficulties. Furthermore, American universities understand the culture differences among international students, in particular, they should consider the differences in teaching methods, language difficulties, and intellectual property as active area to search in.

American universities show their attention for international students by doing researches on the students adjusting to the new environment. Hartshorne & Baucom (2007) state that on their study they found that one of the students culture is similar to American culture. However, the other student has adjustment difficulty because his culture is different from American culture (83). At this point, we can infer that we need to do more research on the students’ difficulties. In fact, culture background is significant problem, but the students have more significant problems. In addition, Kim (2010) indicates that international students do not have a problem with English only, yet they have problem understanding American culture too. Now, we can realize that international students face a number of problems besides culture differences. Furthermore, American universities are considered the cultural background as an important part, but there are more significant problems stand on the students …. [unfinished essay]

4) Study Abroad Application Essay

An Introduction to the Many Reasons for Studying Abroad. What I Hope to Gain through Studying Abroad

I am interested in how people from different cultures and societies interact and live. I was born and raised my entire life in the Bay Area of California. I want to live, learn and experience what life is like in another country.

Studying abroad seems to offer a new perspective of education. It provides a foreign environment in which students can engage themselves both academically and socially. Such first-hand experiences are what I believe to be the key elements of true learning, as they allow one to attain knowledge based on personal experience and understanding.

Through studying and living in another country, I hope to expand my knowledge and perspective of others. I plan to do as much traveling as possible during my study abroad. I am excited to meet new people from diverse backgrounds along the way. I hope to engage in a mutually beneficial exchange of viewpoints with these people.

Since I have always lived in one central area, I feel that my overall perception of the world is somewhat shallow. I want to see how the world appears to others through their own eyes, thus developing a broader spectrum of values and ideologies. I believe this experience will enable me to be a more productive and empathetic world citizen.

5) Study Abroad Scholarship Essay The Advantages of Studying Abroad

International Study Abroad Scholarship Essay: Why study abroad?

Does globalization ring a bell? The reality of today world is our interdependence on one another both economically and socially. As time passes, we find that no country can be economically independent or socially exclusive, especially here in the United States where there is a plethora of cultural identities. Countries have discovered that they are not self-sufficient. Perhaps in the past, it would not have been so necessary to learn the skills required to deal with cultural and language differences, but today globalization has changed that fact. Nowadays, the business workforce needs to be trained in dealing with cultural and language differences in the world. I, as an international trade major, believe that going to France would provide me with these essential skills in order to be more valuable to my employer.

If somebody wants to be a successful businessperson, that person must be able to communicate efficiently in the language of that country. We have to remember that we are living in a world that is changing from independent to interdependent. Languages are becoming as important as any other subject in school. Cultural understanding is also important. Business people know that every country has a different mechanism to do business. In my country, Venezuela, we do not like to do business with somebody that we just met. In order for any business person to have a successful business in my country, they have to meet several times until they are familiar with the person that they are doing business with. In addition, some cultures are more resistant to change than others. In France, there was a big controversy about the McDonalds opened in Paris. French resisted to it because it was very different from their customs. They thought that France was going to be Americanized, and they wanted to keep their culture intact. Businesspeople are faced with the task to smooth these differences to do business successfully. In order to be able to do business in a foreign country, we not only have to know the language, but we must also be able to understand the culture of that country. Going to France will provide me with the experience of having already interacted with the French. I will be able to improve my conversational skills as well as understanding how they think, which will benefit me significantly in the future.

At the present time, the business world has a very competitive workforce. In order to be successful, one must learn as many productive skills as possible. Going to France will open the doors for me to a thirsty business world looking for professionals who can deal with the different countries around the globe. I believe that the best way to learn another culture is going to that country and living in it. This new experience will provide me with the knowledge necessary to be a successful businesswoman in the future.

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Studying abroad is one of the most exciting activities you can do as a college student, especially if you’ve never been abroad before or are trying to learn a foreign language. But like college, study abroad programs can cost a pretty penny, which is why you should definitely apply for study abroad scholarships.

In this guide, we'll go over how much study abroad programs typically cost, what kinds of study abroad scholarships are available and what these scholarships usually cover, how to find study abroad scholarships, and finally how to make your scholarship application stand out.

What Are Study Abroad Programs?

Study abroad programs allow a student, usually a college student, to attend a foreign college or university, typically for a semester, summer, or full school year. The purpose of study abroad programs is to broaden students’ horizons and expose them to new experiences and challenges by letting them live in a foreign country and adapt to another culture (and possibly another language).

Study abroad students typically earn college credit through the foreign institution they study at, which can then be transferred back to their home institution (exactly how these grades transfer will vary depending on the university).

As an example, in my spring semester as a junior at USC, I participated in a study abroad program with Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. There, I got to take a full class load, and those grades were later transferred to USC, ultimately appearing on my undergraduate transcript.

Some study abroad programs offer internship and/or volunteer opportunities or require them as part of the program. In addition, some programs might require you to live with a host family, whereas others will simply provide you with a dorm or apartment.

There are many benefits to study abroad programs besides merely exposing you to new cultures.

For one, you can put the experience on your resume, which might give you a leg up in your job applications after you graduate college, especially if you're thinking of working in an international setting or for a more globally minded business.

Studying abroad can also give a big boost to your language skills if you’re in a country whose language you’re trying to learn, particularly if you’re living with a host family that doesn’t speak any English!

Finally, all the experiences and challenges you’ll more than likely face abroad will help you mature and grow as a person. Ideally, you’ll become confident in your everyday abilities and learn to trust and rely on yourself even more than you were able to before you went abroad.

How Much Do Study Abroad Programs Cost?

As we’ve explained, there’s a huge array of study abroad programs out there. And these don’t just vary in length and location but also in cost.

A semester-long study abroad program will normally cost just as much as, if not more than, a semester at your home university.

Why? In addition to paying for study abroad tuition and fees, you’ll generally need to pay for things such as meal plans, housing, airfare, books, field trips, and foreign ATM fees.

The cost of your study abroad program will vary depending primarily on the following factors:

  • Location of the foreign college: Private universities based in well-off countries mean higher tuition and living expenses
  • Length of the program: The longer the program, the higher the cost
  • Whether you get any study abroad scholarships: Such scholarships could be internal (via your home institution) or external (via the US government or other organization) ⁠— we'll talk more about them in the next section

Because there are so many types of study abroad programs out there, it's difficult to come up with an average cost of a program. According to GoAbroad.com, the average cost of a single semester-long study abroad program is around $18,000.

This website also offers an extensive analysis of the average costs of a wide array of study abroad programs around the world .

But the reality is that there’s huge variation in how much you’ll pay to study abroad.

Ultimately, how much you must pay to study abroad will depend on a lot of factors. But one thing is for sure: if you manage to snag a study abroad scholarship, you’ll be able to reduce the amount you have to pay overall —and that's a great feeling!

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What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

Study abroad programs can be pretty expensive ⁠— even more expensive than a semester at your home university.

The best way of countering these costs is to apply for (and hopefully win!) some study abroad scholarships. There are study abroad scholarships not just for undergraduates, but also for high school students (usually graduating seniors) and graduate students.

Here are the main categories of study abroad scholarships:

  • Need-based scholarships: These are based purely on financial need. You’ll usually have to provide evidence of how much you have in your savings, how much your family makes, etc.
  • Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are based on your academic achievements, typically your college transcripts/GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and essay(s).
  • Program/school-specific scholarships: These scholarships are given out by specific study abroad programs or the schools running the programs. The CIEE scholarships and the CEA scholarships are two examples of this scholarship type.
  • Language/location-specific scholarships: These scholarships are for students studying a particular language and/or in a particular country. Examples include the Boren Scholarship and the Critical Language Scholarship .
  • Major-specific scholarships: These scholarships are geared toward students studying a certain field, such as art or STEM. One example is the Generation Google Scholarship for those interested in computer science.
  • Scholarships for underrepresented minorities: These scholarships target those who are part of a minority group, such as a racial/ethnic group, women, people with disabilities, etc. For example, the Robert B. Bailey Scholarship and the Global Experiences Scholarships .
  • Specialized scholarships: These scholarships are for students who meet specialized criteria, such as those who belong to a certain group, those with a unique interest or hobby, or those who complete a special requirement. Two examples are the Corinne Jeannine Schillings Scholarship and the Study Abroad Journal Scholarship .

As you can see, there’s a big variety of study abroad scholarships. This means that there's also wide variation in what costs scholarships can cover. For example, CEA offers travel vouchers for offsetting the costs of travel to and from your study abroad destination.

Most study abroad scholarships will give you a specific amount of money ⁠—often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars ⁠— that can be applied to things such as tuition and fees, housing or homestays, meal plans, travel, books and other school supplies, etc.

Other scholarships might specify how and where you can use the award.

In terms of eligibility, whether you qualify for a study abroad scholarship will, once again, depend on the scholarship you apply for and its eligibility requirements.

  • A high GPA ⁠—often a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA is required, though some scholarships, such as those given out by CEA, require upwards of a 3.7 !
  • An impressive resume/CV, ideally with relevant work, leadership, or volunteer experience
  • Strong letters of recommendation
  • A compelling and well-written essay

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How to Find Study Abroad Scholarships: 4-Step Guide

You know what kinds of study abroad scholarships exist, but how do you actually find ones you can apply for? In this section, we give you a step-by-step guide to help you track down the best study abroad scholarships for you.

  • Step 1: Apply for FAFSA

First things first, every year before the new college academic year starts, you should apply for FAFSA , or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. With FAFSA, you can become eligible for government-funded loans or grants, which you can usually apply toward tuition and fees ⁠, including those of your study abroad program.

FAFSA can also tell you whether you're eligible for a work-study job , which lets you earn some extra cash at your home university before you go abroad.

Step 2: See If Your Study Abroad Program Offers Scholarships

Once you’ve decided which study abroad program you want to participate in, start doing research to see whether that program or the organization that runs it offers any study abroad scholarships to students.

Some popular organizations you’ll likely see running study abroad programs are the following:

For example, say you’re a current student at the University of Pittsburgh who's thinking of studying in Paris for a semester. This study abroad program in Paris is run by CIEE , so you should go directly to the CIEE website to see what study abroad scholarships they offer.

Step 3: Check Your School’s Funding Resources

Most universities have a wealth of resources and links you can use to help you find study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships.

I first advise getting on your home university’s official website and going to the study abroad programs pages. You should be able to find a section somewhere about funding for study abroad programs. For example, on the University of Michigan study abroad page , there are links for "U-M Funding" and "External Funding Sources."

You can also check your university’s general funding page to see whether there are any regular scholarships you might be able to apply toward study abroad.

Note that I recommend seeing whether you’re eligible for internal (university-based) scholarships before you start looking for external study abroad scholarships (see Step 4 for tips on doing this).

If you can’t find any scholarships on your school’s official website, make an appointment to see your study abroad advisor. They should be able to tell you what scholarships you're eligible for and which scholarships can be applied to which programs, countries/languages, and majors.

Your advisor might also have some suggestions for external funding resources you can use if funding isn’t available through the school or the program you want to do.

Step 4: Search for Study Abroad Scholarships Online

If you haven’t secured any funding through your home university or study abroad program, then it’s time to start looking outward at external study abroad scholarships.

The best way to find these, besides asking your school and study abroad advisor, is to search for them yourself online. Tons of study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships are available to high school, college, and graduate students.

You can use the following resources to browse study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships you might be eligible for:

  • Abroad101 : One of the most detailed study abroad scholarships lists that organizes scholarships by program/organization
  • Go Overseas : An annually updated list of the most popular study abroad scholarships
  • Diversity Abroad : An extensive list of study abroad scholarships that mainly target first-generation, minority, and low-income students
  • StudyAbroad.com : A long list of study abroad scholarships
  • GoAbroad.com : A list of study abroad scholarships with updated information on eligibility, costs, deadlines, etc.

Note that when looking for scholarships, don’t feel the need to limit your searches to study abroad scholarships specifically — in actuality, many regular scholarships for college or graduate-level education can be applied toward study abroad programs, too.

As for regular scholarships that aren’t necessarily specific to study abroad (but might be able to be applied toward a study abroad program), here are some of the best search engines you can use:

  • The College Board
  • Scholarships.com

For more tips on how to find scholarships for college, check out our comprehensive guide .

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6 Tips for a Great Study Abroad Scholarship Application

So far we've looked at how to find study abroad scholarships, but how can you ensure that you’re giving yourself your best shot at winning one? Below, we go over six crucial tips to keep in mind as you apply for study abroad scholarships and summer study abroad scholarships.

#1: Maintain a High GPA

One of the most important parts of your study abroad scholarship application will be your GPA (typically your undergraduate GPA, assuming you’re applying as a college student).

The majority of merit-based study abroad scholarships require a minimum 2.5 GPA ⁠— possibly a minimum 3.0 ⁠ — but your GPA should be a lot higher than this minimum if you really wish to stand apart from other applicants. A 3.5+ GPA will be your best bet, though the higher, the better!

More importantly, be sure that your major GPA (if you've already declared a major) is pretty high ⁠— ideally, 3.7+. This tip is crucial if you're applying for study abroad scholarships that are for students interested in particular majors or fields of study.

If your GPA isn’t super high but meets the minimum requirement, don’t feel discouraged. You can always make up for a lower GPA by strengthening other parts of your scholarship application.

#2: Write a Persuasive, Interesting Essay

Most merit-based study abroad scholarships require an essay or statement (possibly more than one) about your achievements, your goals, and your reasons for wanting to study abroad.

If you’re applying to a need-based scholarship, you might also have to submit an essay explaining your financial situation and how you plan to use the scholarship money to reach your goals.

The required essay length will vary depending on the scholarship, but you’ll usually have to write around one to two double-spaced pages.

Here’s an example of a basic study abroad scholarship essay prompt (this one's for the CIEE study abroad scholarships ):

In 300 words or less, explain to us how your CIEE program will impact your college experience and/or future career plans.

Other study abroad scholarship essay prompts might be more specific than this, especially if the scholarship is aimed at students who belong to a particular group or who are in a specific major.

One example of this is the current essay prompt for the API diversity scholarship :

Students are sometimes concerned about how they will be perceived in their host country and for some, it’s a matter of how their race, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. will impact their experience.

Describe an encounter that demonstrates the importance of diversity to you and what significance it has for your study abroad experience in your respective host country. (2 pages maximum)

These are just some of the forms your study abroad scholarship essay prompt might take. Make sure to read the directions for your scholarships closely.

In addition, keep in mind the following essential tips as you write your scholarship essay:

  • Take your time: Don’t rush the essay-writing process, as the essay is often one of the most important parts of the scholarship application. Carve out plenty of time for brainstorming ideas, writing, and editing.
  • Be authentic: Write in a way that's true to your voice and who you are. Use anecdotes and be honest about why you want to study abroad and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
  • Be specific: Don’t just say you want this scholarship so you can study abroad and enjoy a different culture. Clearly explain why you want to go to this country, how the program will help you in your academic or professional goals, and what makes you the best candidate. Concrete examples and anecdotes are your friends!
  • Edit your essay and have others help: Writing a scholarship essay and then immediately turning it in will likely doom you to rejection. Make sure you spend at least a few days editing and proofreading your essay, and have someone else, such as a parent or teacher, look it over, too.

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#3: Get Glowing Letters of Recommendation

Some study abroad scholarships require you to submit one or more letters of recommendation, so you’ll need to make sure that your letters are top-quality and present you as a strong candidate for the scholarship.

In general, you'll want to ask a professor (or a teacher, if you're in high school) for a letter of recommendation. But which professors should you ask?

Here are the ideal types of professors to consider approaching about writing you a letter (note that you'll have an even stronger letter if a professor fits more than one of these criteria):

  • A professor who knows you well and can speak to your specific strengths and goals
  • A professor whose class(es) you've excelled in (even better if these classes are in your major!)
  • A professor whom you’ve worked with outside of class on research or an extended project
  • Your thesis or dissertation advisor (if you’re a grad student)

Although we have a separate guide on how to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation , here’s a recap of some of the most important tips to keep in mind:

  • Give your professor a lot of time to write it ⁠ —at minimum a month, but six weeks or longer is ideal.
  • Ask in-person ⁠. Scheduling a face-to-face meeting to talk about the letter of recommendation will make you appear more mature, confident, and prepared. It also gives you time to discuss the nitty-gritty of the scholarship.
  • Give your professor lots of information ⁠. Writing a letter of recommendation is no easy feat, so be sure to provide your writer with info about the scholarship, the program, the deadlines, and yourself (e.g., your resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, essay draft, etc.).
  • Check in often via email. Once your professor has agreed to write you a recommendation letter, make an effort to keep in touch and check in every so often on their progress on your letter. It’s also a smart idea to send a polite reminder for the letter submission deadline as it draws nearer.

#4: Find Ways to Showcase Your Talents and Skills

Many study abroad scholarships require you to submit a resume/CV ⁠— ideally one that illustrates your strengths, accomplishments, and talents.

You’re in charge of what goes on your resume, so think about the most impressive items you could put on yours (that are also relevant to the study abroad scholarships you’re applying for).

For example, if you’re an engineering major applying for an engineering scholarship, you should highlight specific engineering- or STEM-related extracurriculars, accomplishments, and skills you have, such as participation in your school’s engineering club or an award you received at a math competition.

Here are some ideas for what you could put on your resume:

  • Volunteer experience
  • Internship/work/research experience
  • School clubs you’re in
  • Awards/honors/scholarships you’ve won
  • Organizations you’re an active member of
  • Languages you know or are learning
  • Other relevant proficiencies/skills

For specific examples of accomplishments you could put on your resume, check out our list of 70+ academic honors examples .

I also recommend looking at our sample resumes and CVs and our free resume and CV templates . Even though these articles are mainly for those applying to graduate school and not study abroad scholarships, most of the tips and examples in them should still apply to you!

#5: Take Your Time

One of the most important tips to remember as you work on your applications for study abroad scholarships is to not rush them.

These applications can take a long time to complete, especially if you need to write more than one essay, so give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, gather all the materials you'll need, and check your application before you submit it.

It’s best to give yourself at least a few months to work on applications and a minimum of six weeks (since you’ll most likely need to get a letter of recommendation).

If you’re applying for multiple study abroad scholarships, you'll definitely want to keep track of all your scholarship deadlines. Put on your calendar or in your planner every upcoming scholarship deadline along with the name of the scholarship so you don’t miss any crucial dates or accidentally confuse two different scholarship deadlines for each other.

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#6: Ask Someone to Look Over Your Application

Our last tip is to get someone you trust, such as a parent, a friend, or a professor, to look over your study abroad scholarship applications before you submit them. This tip is especially important if you have an essay component because having someone else read it will ensure it has no obvious errors or inaccuracies.

Make sure the person who is checking your application knows exactly what kinds of materials were required for it, such as whether it needed official transcripts or an essay of a particular length.

Once you get the green light from the person, look over your study abroad scholarship app one last time, referring to the application instructions as needed, before you submit it.

Recap: How to Get Study Abroad Scholarships

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience for college students, and one that I myself highly recommend doing.

But as we know, study abroad programs can be pretty costly, especially if you don’t have any scholarships to help you out. This is why it’s vital that you apply for as many study abroad scholarships as possible.

Many kinds of study abroad scholarships are available, from those based purely on financial need to those that target students in specific minority groups or specific majors.

For most merit-based study abroad scholarships, you’ll need to have the following to be a strong candidate:

  • A high GPA (3.5+ is ideal)
  • A well-written essay
  • An impressive resume/CV
  • Step 2: See if your study abroad program offers any scholarships
  • Step 3: Check your school’s funding resources
  • Step 4: Search for study abroad scholarships online
  • Maintain a high GPA
  • Write a persuasive, interesting essay
  • Get glowing letters of recommendation
  • Find ways to showcase your talents and skills
  • Take your time
  • Ask someone to look over your application

After reading this, you should be well on your way to winning some study abroad scholarships!

What’s Next?

Most people study abroad in college but what about in high school? Read our expert guide to figure out if studying abroad in high school is right for you .

Part of having an impressive study abroad scholarship application is achieving great grades. Learn what an impressive high school GPA is and what the average college GPA is by major .

Looking for other college scholarships? Then check out these amazing full-ride scholarships you could win for college !

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Study Abroad Scholarship, Essay Example

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In the process of earning an International Business Major it is vitally important to enrich the already received Bachelor’s theoretic knowledge with as much practical experience as possible. For this reason, a participation in a Study Abroad Scholarship in Dubai is, without any doubts, a wonderful opportunity to not only enhance educational goals but also to start building up future career perspectives.

Dubai nowadays is an advanced commercial center, situated on the cross roads of Middle East, Africa, India and Europe. Its logistically sophisticated infrastructure has already made it the most favorable business destination in the region with a great amount of companies from all over the world redirecting their operations in this particular emerging market. For this reason, a Scholarship participant will be able to witness how international business owners adapt their business conduct and activity to new environment and market in order to take advantages of the strategically advantageous positioning and get ahead of the competitors. Furthermore, the participant will be able to visit numerous trade and commercial fairs that are taking place in Dubai. Those events will be quiet efficient in enriching the promotional and marketing sides of the international business conduction. All in all, the majority of the above mentioned kinds of experience will be beneficial in the view of the educational discussions and problem resolutions in the sphere of international business activity as well as can serve as sufficient experience and knowledgeable background in terms of future professional practice.

Another advantageous point of the individual’s participation in the Study Abroad Scholarship for the International Business Major is an opportunity to receive a first hand experience in the legislative side of the international business activity. On the one hand, the participant will be able to see how the Dubai’s government is attracting both local and foreign businesses to conduct operations in this particular location by means enforcing favorable economic policies and building up a respectful and trustworthy business reputation. On the other hand, however, the Scholarship participant will be able to get a diverse inquiry of how businesses from all over the world shape their operations and conduct in order to suit the existing national and local laws and legislative practices. Moreover, an interesting observation will also be that of how businesses try to adapt to cultural, ethical and societal norms of this particular region and their perception of the external business partnerships and alliances.

Summing up, I find it important to point out that for the person earning an International Business Major any kind of Study Abroad Scholarship is professionally helpful and advantageous. It opens up new horizons for knowledge gathering and outlook enrichment, giving a wonderful opportunity to meet international business people and learn from their experience. It also provides first hand experience along with real life witnesses of the practical side of the business activity, which once again proves that such kind of scholarships are able to enhance educational goals and serve as sufficient backgrounds for future business practices.

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How to Write a Scholarship Essay for Study Abroad

Study Abroad Scholarships | Updated 15 Jan, 2024

How to Write a Scholarship Essay for Study Abroad

The opportunity to  study abroad can be exciting, invigorating, and can help you attain educational experience. Living abroad and discovering new things can change your perspective on life but many students wonder how they can afford to pay for the costs associated with study abroad courses. Traveling to other countries is not cheap, and living there can be expensive.  

study abroad scholarship essay examples

Follow these few tips to enhance your scholarship essay for study abroad. Here, scholarships play a significant role as they can help you cut down on extra expenses. Of course, receiving a scholarship cannot be guaranteed just because you ask for one. So, you have to create a scholarship application essay that will help you stand out from your competitors. To get ahead of the competition, you need to excel through the quality of your writing. Remember, many scholarships have thousands of applicants all looking for the same money. You need to be the best of them. To help you stand out, we’ve assembled a few tips that can make your study abroad essay has a powerful impact.

Tips for Writing a Classy Scholarship Essay 

a. Write with passion and use the words from your heart:  First things first, make sure that the essay you will write is veracious and captures your real self. Only by being honest and sharing your inner self with your readers can convey your passion for studying abroad. If you try too hard to write an essay, assessors will know as   writing is an art and must come from within the heart. Falseness is always detectable, and it will make it more difficult for the scholarship committee to evaluate who you are. Be yourself and use your feelings and emotions to honestly explain why you deserve the scholarship.            

b. Write what you know, not what they want to hear:  When you write, focus on your own experiences and the unique perspective you bring through your writing. An authentic essay is worth more than all the Google research in the world. You should always write the truth about your own experiences, and that means that you need to avoid faking facts, embellishing stories, or relying on outside research to report on events you did not personally experience. The committee will not care whether you can research a topic or report on other people’s lives. They want to hear from and about you.            

c. Always read the essay question carefully before you begin:  Scholarship essay questions are often broad and intentionally allows a variety of responses. However, that does not mean you can write about anything with no rules whatsoever. Instead, you need to read your essay question carefully and review it to determine what you need to include in the essay to meet the requirements. An off-topic essay will end up in the discard pile. You would not want to lose out on the scholarship money because you did not write on the right subject. 

d. Do not settle for your first draft:  When you finish writing the first draft of your essay, congratulate yourself for completing the first step. But that does not mean you have finished writing. Never send your first draft. Consider it as an invitation to the circular file — the trash can. Other students will spend hours or even days editing and perfecting their essays, and you should, too. Take the time to carefully revise each sentence and paragraph to make sure everything is as perfect as it can be. Ask yourself at each stage whether the words are clear and whether the audience will understand what you mean. Spare yourself extra time to fully revise your essay. After all, the first draft is never the best. There is always room to improve. 

e. Take inspiration from great essays:  You cannot learn to write well without being a great reader. Review collections of great essays to find inspiration for your own. Doing so can provide you with the tools you need to develop for intense writing and have a better instinctive knowledge of the best way to start an essay. But there is one thing you need to be careful about i.e. when you read numerous essays, there may be a tendency to unconsciously mirror what you have read. Be sure that you are not plagiarizing any of the essays that you read. You would not want your essay to turn out to be so close to a well-known essay that the scholarship committee will recognize the text or the essay you are referring to. There have been multiple cases where a scholarship applicant has been caught borrowing too much from popular essays.

f. Seek professional help:  If you find yourself completely at a loss and need help to write your papers, turn on to a professional essay writing service like WriteMyPaperHub. These online writing companies use professionals to produce custom-written papers that can set you apart from the crowd. When you need a little help or are looking to hire someone to create great writing for you, feel free to contact a reputable service and say: I want to  pay someone to write my essay  like experts from WriteMyPaperHub do online.

Stop Trying — Get Things Done

When writing a scholarship essay, your major goal is to put the substance over the form. Yes, the form is important, as it plays a major role in any academic assignment. There are rules in the academic world, and it is a good idea not to forget about them if you want yourself in. However, formality should not go before the substance of what you have to say about yourself in a scholarship essay. You need to understand that 98% of candidates are applying for the same spot with a similar background, equivalent grades, and test scores. For a scholarship committee member, you all look very alike, and your major task is to look different in a good way. Follow the tips above, but do not forget about your own experience. At this point, you already have written some essays — more and less successfully. Choose the most successful articles and analyze what you did right. It is the best way to determine your strengths and use them to achieve another bigger goal.

Note:  WeMakeScholars  is an organization funded and supported by the Government of India that focuses on International Education finance. We are associated with 10+ public/Pvt banks/ NBFCs in India and help you get the best abroad education loan matching your profile. As this initiative is under the Digital India campaign, it’s at free of cost. The organization has vast experience dealing with students going to various abroad education destinations the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, China, France  among others.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Study Abroad Scholarship

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Essays on Study Abroad Scholarship

What makes a good study abroad scholarship essay topic.

When applying for a study abroad scholarship, one of the most important aspects of your application is the essay. The essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations to the scholarship committee. Therefore, choosing a compelling and relevant essay topic is crucial.

When brainstorming and choosing an essay topic for your study abroad scholarship, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, consider your own experiences, passions, and goals. What sets you apart from other applicants? What unique perspectives do you bring to the table? Additionally, think about the scholarship's mission and values. What topics align with the scholarship's goals and objectives? Finally, consider the broader impact of your essay topic. How does it relate to your academic and career goals, and how will it contribute to your overall study abroad experience?

A good study abroad scholarship essay topic should be specific, personal, and impactful. It should showcase your individuality and provide insight into your character and aspirations. Additionally, it should align with the scholarship's mission and values, demonstrating your commitment to its goals. Ultimately, a good essay topic will leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee, setting you apart from other applicants.

Best Study Abroad Scholarship Essay Topics

When it comes to choosing a study abroad scholarship essay topic, creativity and originality are key. Avoiding cliché topics and instead opting for something unique and thought-provoking will make your essay stand out. Here are 20 creative study abroad scholarship essay topics to consider:

  • The impact of cultural immersion on personal growth and development
  • Overcoming language barriers in a foreign country
  • The role of global citizenship in today's interconnected world
  • Exploring sustainability and environmental stewardship in a new cultural context
  • Navigating identity and belonging while studying abroad
  • The transformative power of international education
  • Embracing diversity and inclusivity in a new cultural setting
  • The intersection of art and culture in a foreign country
  • Challenging traditional perspectives through cross-cultural exchange
  • The influence of history and heritage on contemporary society
  • The importance of cross-cultural communication in today's globalized world
  • Exploring social justice and equity in an international context
  • The role of technology in bridging cultural divides
  • Reflecting on the value of experiential learning abroad
  • The impact of travel on personal and professional development
  • The significance of cross-cultural friendships and relationships
  • Adapting to new educational systems and learning environments
  • Exploring local traditions and customs in a foreign country
  • The influence of food and cuisine on cultural identity
  • The intersection of politics and culture in an international setting

These topics are designed to spark creativity and originality, allowing you to showcase your unique perspective and experiences.

Study Abroad Scholarship essay topic prompts

  • Imagine yourself as a cultural ambassador in a foreign country. How would you leverage this opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration?
  • Reflect on a specific cultural experience that has deeply impacted your worldview. How has this experience shaped your aspirations for studying abroad?
  • Consider a global issue that is important to you. How do you envision addressing this issue through your study abroad experience?
  • Describe a moment of cultural exchange that challenged your preconceptions and expanded your understanding of the world.
  • Share a personal story that illustrates the transformative power of international education and cross-cultural immersion.

These prompts are designed to inspire introspection and creativity, allowing you to craft a compelling and impactful study abroad scholarship essay. With thoughtful consideration and a unique perspective, you can choose an essay topic that resonates with the scholarship committee and sets you apart from other applicants.

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How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

September 26, 2023

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Writing a personal statement is an important aspect of the study abroad application process. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the practice, it can seem overwhelming. Have no fear – CIEE is here! Let’s review how to write a personal statement for study abroad.  

What is a Study Abroad Personal Statement?  

First things first. What even is a study abroad personal statement? Knowing the definition of what it is will help you write one.  

Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, specifically in the CIEE scholarships and grants portion (which every student should fill out, by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans.  

Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps

What Are Study Abroad Personal Statement Examples? 

To give you a better idea of how this content should develop, take a look at a few short study abroad personal statement examples:  

  • “Partaking in the Arts + Sciences program in Cape Town , South Africa will further my passion and dream career in public health by volunteering with local health and medical organizations and learning how to better support people in historically complex socioeconomic situations and aid them in finding the resources they need equitably.”  
  • “The Sustainability + the Environment study abroad program in Monteverde , Costa Rica will provide me with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of different environments, like the Lowland Rainforest, and conduct research alongside professionals in the field. Eventually, I want to be a researcher that helps bring sustainability and conservation issues to the forefront of each and every country.”  
  • “I want to be a Spanish teacher. I have always loved the language and learning more about diverse Spanish traditions, and there’s no better way to do both than by living and breathing the language and local culture during a study abroad program in Seville .”  

While your own study abroad personal statement will be a bit longer than these quick topic sentences, these examples directly explain how a CIEE Study Abroad experience will enhance a student’s passions and general career aspirations.  

cape town abroad meeting

How to Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad? 

how to write a personal statement for study abroad

We have a few quick tips that will help you write your personal statement for studying abroad.  

How do you start a personal statement?  

Step #1: identify your “why”.

The best way to start a study abroad personal statement is by identifying what you’re truly passionate about. This should be an easy start – if you’ve always been enthusiastic about history, explain why. If you love Japanese manga, explain how you got into it. If you’re an avid hiker, describe when you first fell in love with a trek. Be yourself when writing about topics or activities that are important to you – we want to hear about it!  

Read More: What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?

Step #2: Explore How Your Passions Translate into a Career

Next, think deeply about how you can turn your passions into a career, or at the very least, how you plan on practicing your interests in the future, whether in college or in a professional capacity.  

Referencing our former examples, if you’re fascinated by history, you might have plans to go to graduate school and study archaeology. As a manga lover, you might start a youth club on the topic in your local community. As an avid hiker, you might want to become a professional conservationist to not only keep your beloved trails intact, but also to protect wildlife and natural sanctuaries.  

Read More: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps

Step #3: Align Your Goals with a CIEE Program

The last step is putting it all together and aligning with CIEE study abroad programs. Once you’ve detailed your passions and how you want to incorporate them into your future plans, pinpoint which CIEE study abroad program will help you fulfill your goals.  

As a history and archaeology lover, studying abroad in Greater China , with ancient battlefields and some of the most impressive structures ever built, might be the best opportunity to kickstart your career. As a Japanese manga fan, heading to Kyoto , home to the world’s first manga museum, will help you dive deep into the subject matter. To continue your hikes, traveling to the iconic Blue Mountains in Sydney will be your best bet.  

Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad

How long should a personal statement be?  

Word counts for your study abroad personal statement will vary by CIEE program and by host institution (the university you’ll be studying at overseas). Prepare to write at least 300 words, which is a little more than half a page, single-spaced.  

seville spain residence rooftop study abroad

Does CIEE Require a Personal Statement?  

CIEE’s study abroad personal statement requirements vary by program and not all guidelines are the same. Generally speaking, you should expect to be required to complete a personal statement if you decide to apply for CIEE funding (which, you totally should, as CIEE awards thousands each year to students like YOU!). Outside of any CIEE personal statements you may be required to complete, you should also check with your school’s study abroad office to see what their requirements may be.

Make the World Your Classroom

While writing a personal statement for studying abroad may not be required based on your program of choice, it’s still incredibly valuable, at the very least, to think about how a study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or future plans. Establishing this will provide a lot of meaning to your adventure and will really help you become the best version of yourself.  

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  21. How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

    Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, specifically in the CIEE scholarships and grants portion (which every student should fill out, by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans.

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