The Top Scholarships for Studying Abroad in Costa Rica
Here are some scholarships specifically for studying in Costa Rica and the Latin American countries for you to start your search.
When faced with the opportunity to study abroad, I looked at Central American countries where I could improve my Spanish language skills. I settled on studying abroad in Costa Rica and was so excited about the geography of the country. From volcanoes to beaches to the jungle, there was always something exciting to do, when not studying of course.
Studying overseas can be expensive, and I opted for a study abroad program in Costa Rica where I lived with a host family. This made it easy for me to come and go, without having to set up an apartment. Looking for funding and scholarship opportunities is time-consuming and often frustrating. So, we did that for you. Here are some scholarships specifically for studying in Costa Rica and the Latin American countries for you to start your search.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Costa Rica?
Fund for Education Award
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.
- Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
- Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.
The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
- A citizen of the United States;
- An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application
- In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program, or a virtual international program.
Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant Travel Grant
The Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Travel Grant helps cover outbound and return airfare to all CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. All students who receive a Federal Pell Grants are guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant. CIEE GAIN Travel Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Program
Stipends of $500 are available for those who successfully apply to become a Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador. The money is put towards a Spring or Fall semester volunteering or studying abroad program. Ambassadors are expected to blog about their experiences for the Diversity Abroad community with the aim of inspiring other members to travel.
- Must be enrolled full-time in, or recently graduated from, a U.S. university or college
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA at an accredited U.S. university or college
- You are energetic, creative and have a passion for international engagement
Looking for scholarships to help pay for your study overseas program can be intimidating and overwhelming. You don’t want to spend hours pouring through scholarship lists that don’t even apply to your financial situation or the country you’re planning to discover. Oh the other hand, there’s no reason to limit the number of scholarships you apply to, take advantage of every one you can! Studying in and experiencing Costa Rica is a once in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss.