American Councils established the US Study Abroad Assistance Fund to help American students who need help covering pre-program expenses as they participate in programs we implement. The Assistance Fund, which was created with support from our Board of Trustees and senior leadership, provides awards for costs that most scholarships or programs do not cover, including passport fees, medical exams, luggage, and other incidentals. Eligible program finalists can apply for up to $300 in support towards covering these extra costs.
The Assistance Fund also has limited funding available for virtual program participants, up to $100 per participant, to assist with Wi-Fi, technology and equipment needed to participate in virtual programs.
We offer this initiative as a way to decrease the financial barriers some US students face as a part of our ongoing efforts to make study abroad truly accessible to all students.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Program finalists from the following programs administered by American Councils (both in overseas and virtual formats) with a start date on or before August 1, 2025 are eligible to apply:
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Spark Program
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
AC Study and Research Abroad Programs
Overseas Flagship Programs
Professional Fellows Program (PFP)
Additional eligibility requirements:
US citizen or permanent resident.
Pell Grant eligible, Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) eligible, or TRiO Program participant.
Agree to provide testimonial (written and photo/video) about participant program experience.
Graduate students may verify their eligibility in one of two ways:
Proof of eligibility or enrollment in work study program or other verification from their university showing they receive funding or support based on income or personal circumstances, such as income-based award specific to their university or graduate program.
Proof of having taken out a loan (in their name) for graduate or PhD studies, or a copy of SAR (Student Aid Report that shows they have applied for FAFSA)
The Assistance Fund provides support to summer, fall, spring, and academic year program finalists. Applications are collected in April, August, and November, prior to a student’s intended program start date.
Next deadline: May 26, 2025
Questions?
Please contact our team at: assistancefund@ameicancouncils.org