Getting Started

• Sign up for the Study Abroad Newsletter -- it contains scholarship information & reminders.
• Start early! Application deadlines can be one year or more prior to studying abroad. You don't need to have applied for a program, but you do need to know where you plan to go.
• If after reading all requirements and application forms you still have questions, for further information contact (a) the Unit/Department/College sponsoring the internal scholarship, or (b) the Office of Scholarships for International Study for nationally competitive awards.

The Essays

• Make sure your essays clearly and in some detail answer each of the questions presented. When you are finished writing, go back, read each question, and see if your essay provides an ample response.
• Create an interesting application - decision-makers may be reading 100 applications - how can yours stand out? E.g., How are you different from other 3.5 GPA international study majors?
• Construct essays like personal statements -- share (show, don't tell) all of your great experiences!
• Demonstrate maturity and the ability to be adaptable and flexible.
• Discussing your weekend tourist plans while abroad takes away from the rest of your application.
• Often, it is helpful to state specifically how study abroad fits with your career goals.
• If a scholarship is not need-based or heritage-based, placing financial need or "returning to the homeland" statements in your application does little to help you.

Final Steps

• Ask a roommate or peer to read over the instructions and your response.
• Take your draft to the Writers Workshop.
• Submit essays for nationally competitive scholarships (those marked with an asterisk on the "Study Abroad Scholarship Listing") long before the deadline to the scholarships office for feedback. Email them as attachments to scholarships@uiuc.edu, along with a few times you can meet to discuss your application.
• Submit your completed applications before the deadline or risk disqualification.