Finances
The financial component of an education abroad program is an important aspect to consider. As you compare program options, take care to note the costs associated with the program as well as the expenses that are not included. In some cases, you will find that education abroad programs are less expensive than attending WSU, while in other cases it will be more. By enrolling in a full-time study program, you are eligible to use financial aid (loans, grants, and most scholarships) to help fund the experience. There are also a number of study abroad scholarships that you can apply for.
Financial Aid
For general Financial Aid information, check the WSU Office of Student Financial Aid website's Education Abroad Frequently Asked Questions and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website. In order to use your financial aid for your education abroad program, you will need to follow these steps:
- Complete the FAFSA as usual, listing WSU as your school of record. Remember that March 1 is the priority deadline.
- Ensure that the program in which you plan to participate operates at an accredited institution by checking with an Education Abroad Advisor.
- When completing the WSU Education Abroad Application, check the box that indicates that you plan to use financial aid and/or receive scholarships. Fill out the top portion of the Program Expense Form.
- The Education Abroad Office will supply the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services with cost information for your program. The Office of Student Financial Aid will then review your award according to actual program costs and adjust the award based on your financial eligibility. You will then receive a Revised Financial Aid Award Notification Letter and need to submit any required documents.
- Provide the Office of Student Financial Aid with a signed Financial Aid Checklist for Education Abroad. Your aid will not be released until this form is submitted. You may also want to check out the Office of Financial Aid website's Education Abroad Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Complete an Authorization for Direct Deposit and return it with the required forms to University Receivables. This will allow your financial aid fund to be deposited into your personal bank account and available for your use.
- Update your address on METRO as well as with any banks, creditors, or others that may need to contact you while you are abroad.
Some important points to remember:
- Washington State University does not pay education abroad costs for you. Your financial aid will be distributed to you by check or direct deposit (if you previously arranged for it). It is then up to you to pay your program costs directly to the program.
- According to federal regulations, if your program begins after the first day of the regular WSU semester, your financial aid funds will be released 10 days prior to the month your session starts. You may have to make other plans to pay any charges due before your aid is available.
- Waivers for Housing and Reciprocity are not applicable to education abroad programs. Do not count on them to help fund your education abroad costs.
- Take all important phone and fax numbers with you. If you have access to a fax machine abroad it will help you keep up with all your required paperwork for the program.
- If you are borrowing a Federal Stafford Loan for the first time, you need to complete the required Entrance Interview at www.finaid.wsu.edu.
- If you plan to graduate at the end of your semester abroad you will have to complete the Exit Interview for your Federal Perkins or Health Professions Loan. You will be mailed an Exit Packet for any of these loans you may have borrowed. Contact University Receivables by email at univ-receivables@wsu.edu if you do not receive the packet. If you borrowed a Stafford Loan you need to complete the required Exit Interview at www.finaid.wsu.edu.
- An Education Abroad reference list of University contacts is available from WSU Financial Aid
Program Payment and Financial Aid
Washington State University does not pay education abroad costs for you.
Your financial aid will be distributed to you by check or direct deposit (if you previously arranged for it). It is then up to you to pay your program costs directly to the program.