INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

For many, the most difficult part of embarking on an international journey is being able to fund your experience abroad. The program fee allows us to organize, support, and guide you through all aspects of your expedition, and it also helps cover certain costs related to the actual projects. There are many other aspects of the program that are covered through the fee such as health and medical insurance, accommodation and meals, and more.

Luckily, there are many organizations and individuals out there who are happy to donate money to a good cause, i.e. you. There are numerous resources to explore. If you are a student, your university is an excellent and very resourceful place to begin. Contact the abroad office, or any other relevant department to inquire about all of the scholarships, loans, grants, financial aid, etc. that they offer.

Individual Donations
Make a list of all family, relatives, family friends, peers, teachers, co-workers, mentors, etc. and write a letter to everyone explaining the program and asking for donations. For example, if you ask for $50 from 100 people and only half of them donate, you will have raised $2500!

Local Businesses and National Corporations
Many local businesses are eager to support you. Write letters and network with all connections that you may have. Contact large banks and major corporations to see if they give donations or scholarships.

Organize an Event
Host a themed party related to your program’s country or the volunteer project. Some common ways to raise money in America are garage sales (selling used, household belongings), bake sales (selling baked goods), raffles (organizing a lottery in which people buy chances to win), etc. Be sure that you don’t expend more money and energy than what you will receive in return.

Scholarship Websites
There are thousands of websites that offer free money. Search the internet to discover all of the services which give away money to young people like you. A few examples of sites for college students (in the USA) are: fastweb.com, collegeboard.com and scholarships.com

Places of Worship
If applicable, contact your place of worship or other places with similar religious affiliations.To find additional information and tips on how to research scholarships and to utilize online scholarship resources, check out the Scholarship Searching Secrets Guide. This publication of the Student Loan Network provides a variety of tips and “secrets” for finding college scholarships, and will only require a little time on your part to apply the tools necessary for implementing a successful scholarship search.

Before you get started:

• Get creative and try to utilize every resource you can think of.
  
• Inform potential donors of the program you are participating in. A great way to educate individuals and companies is by writing a short, informative letter outlining details of your project and its importance to you and the host community.
  
• Decide if you want to ask for a specific amount of money or allow donors to contribute at their own discretion.
  
• Offer to give donors a presentation of your journey upon your return, and don’t forget to send a thank you as you receive donations. It is also an excellent idea to keep in touch with contributors throughout your adventure, as this allows them to tangibly understand and appreciate how their donations are a benefit.
  
• Be direct and stress the importance of this program for you and the host community. Just remember: don’t let finances hold you back from realizing your dreams. If there’s a will, there’s a way!