Whether you’re studying abroad for a semester through our GO Long program or spending a few weeks in another country through GO Short, scholarships and other financial aid can help reduce your costs.
Managing Costs
Save. The average cost of a GO Short programs is about $5,000. Work with your family to arrange a savings plan that will guarantee that you have what you need when the time comes to make payment.
Borrow. More costly than saving ahead of time, there are two loan options for your consideration. The best option is direct parent PLUS loans, but private education loans are also available.
Combine saving and borrowing. Save as much as you can. Only borrow what you need. These are good words to live by in all financial decisions.
Ultimately, choose a program that best suits your educational goals and fits your budget. Planning ahead will make all the difference.
GO Short programs range in cost from $3,000 to $8,500 depending on the distance traveled and the length of the program, while GO Long programs can differ significantly in cost based on housing arrangements and exchange rate.
Cost-saving tips
Choose a smaller city or a town in a rural area that will have a lower cost of living.
Pay attention to where and what locals eat and drink.
Study-away programs do not include extensive travel to lots of other countries and cities. While some students may choose to take such excursions, they should be thought of as vacations.
Consider a low-cost semester program.
Scholarships
There are many organizations and foundations that provide funding for study abroad. See a list.
Anyone can apply for these scholarships. We recommend that you don’t apply for any scholarships that require you to pay money to apply.
If you need help writing the application essay or personal statement, consult The Writing Center in The Center for Academic Success.
Keep in mind that scholarship applications through study abroad programs themselves (e.g. IFSA-Butler) are separate from the application for acceptance into the program. Many of these forms will require additional input and signatures from our student financial services staff.
If you are notified of a scholarship award, you must report the award to the student financial services office so that your overall aid package can be adjusted accordingly.
Program Cost Information
The GO Short program cost includes:
International flights
Meals
Activity fees
Housing
Transportation in the host region
The GO Short program cost can be found on the budget sheet for the program. Costs are updated upon the announcement of programs for the upcoming application cycle.
Some estimated personal expenses not included are: getting to the departure airport, laundry, toiletries, purchase of personal items and resources (including a passport).
Financial aid is available to those studying on a GO Short program who demonstrate need. During your first semester at Susquehanna, the student financial services office will notify you if you are eligible for a GO Grant. The GO Grant is a flat percentage off of the GO Short Program Cost. You may apply it to any GO Short program to which you are admitted.
Two important notes:
A GO Grant can be used only once.
If you use a GO Grant and then participate in a GO Long program, the amount of the GO Short Grant will be deducted from financial aid for the GO Long semester.
If you study through a semester-long GO Long program, you’ll be charged Susquehanna tuition and continue to have access to your Susquehanna financial aid. Tuition exchange may be applied to all SU in GO Long programs. Other approved GO long programs are not eligible for tuition exchange. Tuition exchange recipients should contact our student financial services staff.
With the exception of Federal Work-Study, you’ll receive the same scholarships, grants and loans that you would if you remained on campus.
Since living and travel expenses vary by program, our student financial services staff will determine a budget for a particular program of study. The financial aid that the university can provide will be based upon these total expenses.
The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program offers awards for U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means. We encourage all Federal Pell Grant recipients to apply for this award.
Listed below are the least expensive semester programs from each region. The combined cost of airfare, immigration fees, and room and board for these programs is about the same or less than room and board would be for a semester at Susquehanna.
