9 Ways to Fund Your High School Semester Abroad Program
Attending high school abroad as a U.S. teen is a fantastic opportunity to experience a new culture and broaden your perspectives.
Though your high school semester abroad program covers all the basics, including your flight to and from the country, placement in a local high school, three meals a day, and comprehensive medical and travel protection, tuition costs can be daunting.
If you're hunting for ways to fundraise for study abroad, here are 9 practical ideas to fund your tuition costs and cover your entire cost of living while abroad.
1. Host Community Fundraising Events
Get your community involved in your study abroad goals with some fun fundraising events!
Host a bake sale, car wash, or even a mini carnival, setting up games and activities and selling tickets upfront.
These events raise money and bring people together, making the whole process enjoyable and rewarding. People are generally happy to support a student’s dream of studying abroad.
2. Start a GoFundMe Page
Consider starting a GoFundMe to raise money for your trip. Be sure to tell your story through words and video and explain what high school study abroad means to you. Share your page with friends, family and those in your community as often as possible (and more so as your program start date approaches).
Check out this YouTube video that Global Navigator alum Borja R. filmed for his successful GoFundMe campaign to study abroad.
3. Host a CIEE Student in the U.S.
CIEE not only gives American students the opportunity to live and study abroad, but there are also programs available for international students to study in the U.S., live with a host family and go to a U.S. high school.
For American families that host CIEE students in the U.S., CIEE offers USA Hosting discounts for you to use toward a Global Navigator High School Study Abroad Program.
4. Babysit and Pet Sit
Babysitting and pet sitting are classic ways for high schoolers to earn money.
This is especially true in the summer, when kids are out of school and families go on vacation, but there are ample opportunities throughout the year for you to win these gigs in your community.
Make a fun flyer, advertise your services at community boards at local cafes, the library, and the YMCA, and ask family and friends to spread your information via word of mouth.
5. Tutor
If you're a whiz at certain subjects, why not share your knowledge and make some money?
Offer tutoring services to younger students or classmates who need a bit of extra help. You can do this in person or online, allowing you to fit it around your studies.
To help find clients, try creating a profile on tutoring websites, look for community Facebook groups, or reach out to the library or your local middle school or elementary school to see if they know of anyone needing tutoring services.
6. Get a Nonprofit Sponsor
Contact local nonprofits for sponsorship, including religious groups or community service organizations. Many of these groups may have experience and be eager to support educational and cultural exchanges.
Explain your study abroad plans and how this experience can create opportunities for you to give back to the organization, either during your time abroad or when you return home. For example, maybe you can plan on giving a lecture or hosting an event related to your experience abroad.
7. Find Freelance Work
Use your tech skills to take on freelance work. High schoolers are often great at managing social media accounts, setting up computers, or training people on Microsoft Word or Google Suite.
Post signs around your community, like in local cafes, advertising your services. Ask adults in your life, such as teachers, parents, and family members, to pass on your services through word of mouth.
8. Become a Sports Coach, Referee, or Lifeguard
If you're into sports, think about coaching, refereeing, or lifeguarding. These jobs are fun and can pay well, letting you stay active doing something you can really enjoy.
Check with local sports leagues, schools, and community centers for opportunities.
9. Apply for a CIEE High School Semester Abroad Scholarship
CIEE offers a limited number of scholarships to high school students who want to attend a high school abroad for a semester. They are available to high school students from certain parts of the U.S.
Check out the scholarships available to spend a semester abroad and be sure to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Fundraising for Study Abroad in High School
While fundraising for your semester abroad can be challenging, don't let it stop you from pursuing this incredible experience.
Attending high school abroad allows you to gain valuable life skills, make new friends, and step out of your comfort zone in a new country.
With determination and creativity, you can make your dream more affordable and make it a reality!