|
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:1. Your college/university
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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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! |
