Photo Courtesy of Flickr User tamaki 
Low-income university students have many unique challenges. It’s a huge economic advantage in America to attend college—a college graduate will earn up to $500,000 more than someone than a non-graduate over their lifetime. But when a student has to worry about paying rent, tuition, and day-to-day expenses, without the option of asking their family for help, the benefits of a degree can feel very far away.
And what if a low-income student wants to do something adventurous? Like say, study abroad?
If you’re that type of student, you’re not alone. Chances are the idea of studying abroad seems insane. It’s expensive, and you’re likely used to thinking about every single purchase you make. Your gut instinct may be telling you to just can the idea, that it will be too much of a challenge for you.
But studying abroad as a low-income student is possible. You just have to be determined, and have the right perspective. Here are answers to some common concerns regarding studying abroad as a low-income student, so that you can begin planning as soon as possible.
“I’m embarrassed that I can’t afford the trip.”
Everyone’s been in a situation where we haven’t had money for what they wanted. But it’s absolutely possible for you to find aid before it’s time to pay up. You can’t afford to go study abroad right now, but that could easily change over time.
“No one would really understand what I was going through.”
There are people who would, you just have to find them. A great resource on the U of O campus is the Teaching and Learning Center in the basement of the PLC building. The advisers are used to working with low income students, and have access to a bunch of resources to help them. They can also hook you up with the Student Support Services (SSS) TRiO Program. This is a federally funded program that provides support for students that need support, financial or otherwise, setting through college.
In terms of your friends understanding, don’t be quick to assume. The economy’s been horrible all over, and many people have rethought their financial strategies. Also, thanks to the prevalence of federal financial aid, it’s not likely you’ll be judged on your family’s economic status at an American college. If you’re polite and take care of yourself (and haven’t been a whiner or a mooch throughout the friendship), your friends probably won’t think less of you because of your background. They might even admire you for working to accomplish your goals in spite of your circumstances.
“What will my family think?”
Family members will likely be jealous of you going abroad. After all, they’re in the same financial boat that you are, and are probably accustomed to putting aside their own desires to save money. In their eyes, you’re indulging in a luxury (travel) that you can’t afford. You may already be going into debt by attending college—why push it?
You just have to be resilient, because there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do something different that what’s expected of people at your income level. Yes, you’ll have to hunt for sources of funding, and maybe add to your post-graduation debt. But if you want a big experience like studying abroad, and are prepared to do the footwork, it will come to you.
“What about my job?”
You’d be surprised at how flexible workplaces can be about students studying abroad. Chances are if your workplace considered the fact that you might leave because of graduation, transferring schools, etc. before hiring you.
If you plan to go abroad for only one or two terms, your workplace might let you resume your job once you return (on-campus employers tend to be especially flexible). But if you plan to be abroad for a year, don’t count on automatically coming back to work upon returning. Some workplaces will let you jump back in, but many will not. Don’t be afraid if this is the case—your employer may let you re-apply for the position, or help you find work elsewhere. It all depends on the relationship you have with your employer. Just make sure to keep them up to date on your plans.
“How am I going to pay for this?”
Start by asking the Financial Aid office what you can do within your current financial aid plan. If you’re honest and upfront about how much you will need, they will work with you regarding loans and grants. The Mills International Center and Study Abroad Program also offer scholarships throughout the year.
Think about where you come from. Your high school may have funding available for alumni. Does your town have a Rotary or Soroptimist club? They can sometimes have resources for students from the branch’s town. The same goes for Elks Lodges and their equivalents (especially if you have a relative that’s involved). Were you a Scout of some sort, or a member of a society? Are you involved in Greek life?
And of course, ask for extra shifts at work. Sell off some (or all) of your extra stuff. Get a side gig cleaning houses or posing nude for the Art Department.Yeah, it might be awkward telling people that you need to save your money or that you’re looking for an additional job. But you’ll get the money you need, and it’ll be worth it.
“This is turning out to be so much work. Will this experience even be worth it?”
Yes! You just have to believe that you deserve it. If you’re itching to travel, there must be a reason for that. When you’re having the experience you’ve been longing for, all the work will feel totally worth it.