Study abroad event today can help ease financial woes

A chance to become immersed in another culture through a study abroad program can be daunting when it comes to finances.However, Cindy Kraft, assistant director for the University of Colorado's Study Abroad Program, believes that financial constraints shouldn't restrict students.The program will host an event today to help those interested in exploring their options.The best strategy is to pick an affordable program, said Kraft, who will host today's presentation.

According to the program, the majority of accredited programs by the university cost an average of $15,000 per semester which is estimated to include every expense, from airfare to food.This figure is substantially less than out-of-state tuition, but more than in-state tuition, even after the cost of living.The university estimates that in-state students pay an average of $11,000 to attend CU, after bills. Making up a couple thousand-dollar difference to study abroad can be difficult for many.With roughly 200 programs to choose from, the possibilities abound. One money-saving tip Kraft suggested: choose institutions outside the big and expensive cities, "then apply to all applicable scholarships.All students accepted into CU-approved programs are eligible for government financial aid, and additional loan money is made available if the cost of the program is greater than the cost of tuition, according to the program.

The average student is eligible for two scholarships, said Kraft.Of the students that apply, at least 50 percent receive something.Due to a sluggish economic recovery, the program has seen an increase in students applying for financial assistance and one of the goals is to make more scholarship money available, said Kraft Of more than 1,000 students CU sent abroad last year, only three withdrew early, said Kraft.CU in-state geography junior Annie Brashear, 19, is fresh from a field-based learning program in Bolivia.She spent the spring traveling the country and learning from a different instructor each day. To afford the $18,000 program, Brashear took out loans and received a scholarship from her host institution, the School of International Training in Vermont.Brashear opted to spend an estimated $500 once in Bolivia, but every mandatory expense was covered.It was the best thing that has ever happened to me.the highlight of my life, said Brashear.