Staff Answer
Nov 04, 2022 - 02:27 AM
This is a good question. For many African students, studying abroad presents a range of financial challenges. International flights are not cheap. For instance, a one way ticket from Kenya to the United States can easily cost 1000 US dollars. The visa application itself can cost up to 300 dollars. And the necessary vaccinations can also cost 200 to 300 dollars.
If you add up these costs, you will realize that even if you already have a full tuition scholarship, there are other expenses you have to think about. So, how do you raise the money needed to cater for these pre-departure expenses? The first option is of course your family. You have to harness all the resources you possibly can from your family members.
If your family does not have the resources to support you, you can consider charity organizations next. It is your job to research as many organizations as possible that support African students in their quest for international studies. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation occasionally supports students to cater for their expenses abroad.
Third, you can consider your own university. For example, Amherst College gave me a full scholarship, and when I explained that I wouldn't be able to handle my flight expenses, they booked a flight for me. In other words, it is possible for your university abroad to consider your circumstances and offer the right support. Finally, you can consider organizations that give loans to international students. Depending on the circumstances, some organizations will be willing to give you a loan to handle these initial expenses.
In summary, you have to be proactive when looking for funding to cater for your study abroad expenses.
If you add up these costs, you will realize that even if you already have a full tuition scholarship, there are other expenses you have to think about. So, how do you raise the money needed to cater for these pre-departure expenses? The first option is of course your family. You have to harness all the resources you possibly can from your family members.
If your family does not have the resources to support you, you can consider charity organizations next. It is your job to research as many organizations as possible that support African students in their quest for international studies. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation occasionally supports students to cater for their expenses abroad.
Third, you can consider your own university. For example, Amherst College gave me a full scholarship, and when I explained that I wouldn't be able to handle my flight expenses, they booked a flight for me. In other words, it is possible for your university abroad to consider your circumstances and offer the right support. Finally, you can consider organizations that give loans to international students. Depending on the circumstances, some organizations will be willing to give you a loan to handle these initial expenses.
In summary, you have to be proactive when looking for funding to cater for your study abroad expenses.
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