Studying abroad.?

Question

How would I go about studying abroad? I'd like to study Irish language and culture, etc..Are there any programs to do that and if so are there any grants I can get to pay for me to do that and my expenses while I'm doing that? I'd like to spend enough time over there to really get to know the country and people and a sense of them. I don't have a lot of money myself. My birthday is St. Patrick's day and I am part Irish, so that is part of my reason for doing that, but I also find Ireland and the Irish interesting from what I've studied on my own at home.

Answer 1

I spent a year in Venezuela with YFU (youth for understanding) and half a year in France with the Erasmus-project (a great university-thing in Europe).
They were both great experiences and I would recommend them to anyone.
In exchange programs like YFU, AFS, Rotary.. you live with a local family and the main purpose is to get to know the culture. Studies are less important. Most programs they have are meant for 18-year-olds and they sent you to last year in high school. Though they have small university and volunteer programs too. Those programs are all rather expensive and if you want a scholarship you mostly have to look for it yourself.
In the erasmusprogram, to study is the main purpose. The degree you'll have will really mean something. You'll live in student houses, or the university will help you to find an apartment. There are scholarships for it. But I don't know if it exists in the States...


There are always funds and possibilities. If you are already studying, try to go and talk with the school's educational service.
Remember that you'll have to start planning these things at least a year in advance. (To apply, fill out all the forms, get a scholarship etc etc)

Answer 2

Hello. Are you in high school? Or have you already finished an undergraduate degree?

Because if you are still in high school: Check www.fastweb.com or scholarships.com because there are lots of listings for scholarships/grants for study abroad programs. Venezuela, France, China, Japan, etc.

If you are currently a college student, you might want to check your school's study abroad programs, they often do send a lot of their students for a semester or a year of study abroad. They set you up with a school there and they arrange for your accomodations.