By Amber N. Johnson
August 21, 2024
(Ljubljana, Slovenia 2021)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different country? Or how to tackle an adventure studying or working abroad?
The methods of finding a way to move abroad, or outside of your home country/country of origin, are multifaceted and with just as many obstacles. One of the largest hurdles in my own experience, aside from taking the initial leap (additionally, see: caveats), is the financial ability to make it happen. While a small percentage of individuals are able to draw from savings, many will relocate through a job, studies, or social connections. Some may pursue remote work and a digital nomad lifestyle. There isn’t a wrong way to do it! Financing a mobility lifestyle certainly isn't easy or simple, but I will be sharing from my own personal experiences.
A large percentage of my global mobility has been through long-term educational tourism. I always preferred slow travel and long-term experiences abroad, but there are also amazing short-term opportunities. As a bachelor’s student at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), I had applied for my first scholarship before even finishing high school. As I made my way through college, with an International Studies major and Political Science minor, I dedicated myself to integrating direct-exchange and scholarship study abroad experiences within my degree. Additionally, during and after college I sought out other programs focused on language, volunteering, teaching, and nonprofit work in order to find myself across the U.S. and the globe. Cultivating a global mobility lifestyle has been a top priority in my life. And over the years I’ve met countless individuals demonstrating how to embrace different life paths and possibilities. Today, I’d like to do the same and share a little about the different opportunities I took as well as alternatives. And to encourage you to keep trying to find ways to see this beautiful planet!
[Feel free to skim through to what interests you! Links for opportunities are provided in the references.]
(Qingdao, China 2018)
Programs I have participated in:
University Scholarships & Exchange Partners
If you are a university student in the U.S. with financial need, you should apply for financial aid as well as local grants and scholarships. (Ditto in other countries, whatever financial aid is available!) The best way to identify these is to work with your university’s financial and scholarship offices. Oftentimes, if you have received a scholarship for tuition or fees, it may be applicable for specific study abroad opportunities. Furthermore, I suggest applying for any major-related scholarships in your degree program. There may also be specific education abroad scholarships offered by your university. As a scholarship student at my university, I was able to afford higher education. I was also able to seek out university scholarships for study abroad opportunities I had long dreamed of.
I strongly recommend seeking out the offerings for study abroad at your university. While there will be faculty-led, short-term packages, and study abroad provider exchanges, I would first dig into any direct-exchange university partners. These are specific universities that your home university has built a relationship with; typically they exchange students but still allow you to pay your local tuition to your home university. You also need to ensure that your academic credits will transfer, so be sure to discuss this with your academic advisor/program in advance. It took some work, but I always brought back major-relevant academic credits from abroad that aided in the completion of my degree.
At my state university in Nebraska, I was able to study at two partner universities, each for one semester: University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (2016); University of Tartu, Estonia (2017)
U.S. Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
If you are based in the U.S. (citizen/national) and a student at a U.S. university or community college with financial need (Pell Grant eligible) wanting to study abroad, you should apply for the Gilman. This program is run by the U.S. Department of State. They can offer up to $5000 (as of 2024) for a study or internship abroad program. This is an amazing program which requires a project proposal as a part of the application and prioritizes giving back to one’s community. It’s also diversity based and intent on aiding students with little previous experience abroad (link for specifics; 1).
I received a U.S. Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship in 2016 which made my semester in Slovenia possible and started my global mobility experiences.
(Tainan, Taiwan 2017)
Taiwan U.S. Alliance Global Ambassador Scholarship
While it may not be running currently, I participated in the TUSA ambassador program in the summer of 2017. It was a U.S.-Taiwan cultural initiative that sent approximately 50 U.S. students to Tainan, Taiwan for a summer of cultural immersion and intensive Mandarin Chinese language study. I studied at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) which had a beautiful, vibrant campus. Tuition, housing, and the cultural program were covered. It was an 8-week long summer program that also included a language buddy and lots of fun adventures. It was one of my favorite experiences abroad and when I began my study of Chinese. It soon became the language I prefer studying over any other. I was an absolute beginner at its start but the introduction to Asia thrilled me! And I continue to have fun reunions with my TUSA folks around the world.
As a note for those interested, USINDO and the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) programs offer similar language summer programs. In fact, we actually ran into CLS folks participating in a nearly identical study program to us at our university that summer, except they were also taking a language pledge (promise to only speak target language). For those seeking language immersion as well as a shorter, more flexible program (summer) these can be a great option as well!
I applied for this scholarship in 2015 and was waitlisted, then reapplied in 2017 and was accepted! (A reminder to keep trying for those opportunities that you’re passionate about).
(Qingdao, China 2019)
Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) via AASCU application
The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) offers Chinese Government Scholarships (CGS) to international students wishing to pursue academic study degree programs as well as intensive Mandarin Chinese language courses in China. It offers comprehensive funding for the duration which includes a monthly stipend, tuition, and housing. For those seeking degrees in Mandarin, this offers an additional year or more of language study prior to starting the degree. During the application process, you can select several top universities/cities and if accepted, CGS will share the official destination. Qingdao was my top destination choice but I also listed Chengdu and Chongqing. The more popular or well-known destinations (Beijing and Shanghai for sure) may be more competitive but it depends on the individual universities participating. It truly is an amazing scholarship and it changed my life for sure! I applied via the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) which specifically allows for an allotted 15 scholarships annually.
The CGS is open to numerous countries and I met students from Thailand, Japan, Hungary, Pakistan, Ukraine, South Korea, Australia, the United States, France, Belgium, Romania, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Russia, Spain, Italy, Uzbekistan and more, as well as local Chinese students! Check your own country’s website to find relevant details. I feel like this was the turning point of me truly enjoying the ongoing process of a mobility lifestyle. At the time, it was the longest time I’d been abroad. I also deeply enjoyed studying Mandarin (still do! Thanks Duo! XD) and living in China. It’s one of the destinations I most dream of living again (2; 3).
I studied with the CGS in 2018-2019 at Qingdao University in (Qingdao) north-eastern China.
(Philadelphia, PA, USA 2020)
Volunteer Service Year (2x)
In the U.S. there are numerous programs that allow you to take on a volunteer service year. During this year, you are typically provided a stipend, a job placement, and potentially housing/healthcare depending on the program. Most placements have you working full-time, but some are part-time. Essentially, you are a regular employee supporting the organization where you volunteer but with fringe benefits allowing you the ability to relocate and give back to your host community. They typically require a high school degree (and sometimes) a college degree. Many individuals take on a service year following their graduation as a transitional opportunity before seeking other employment (although I’ve met volunteers of various ages!) It provides job experience, immersion in a new city/state, and often comes with a lot of personal transformation. These programs attempt to serve those in the U.S. who are in a low-income bracket and often are connected to education, medical care, nonprofit work, and state and national park systems. There are also some short-term summer volunteer opportunities!
One of the well known programs is AmeriCorps. It’s basically the nationally based Peace Corps. There are also numerous organizations that do similar work, religious and secular. Regardless of affiliation, you often meet other volunteers doing the same work from other organizations. I participated in a program called Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC). I served for two years, one in Philadelphia, PA, and the other in New York City, NY. I first worked as a food and health access liaison at a refugee resettlement organization called Nationalities Service Center. There, I assisted clients in obtaining healthcare and benefits, escorted clients to medical appointments, and ran a food pantry. It was taxing work but eye-opening as I met and learned from many recent refugees and immigrants to the U.S. It was also my first time living on the east coast, allowing me to explore a different region of my home country more intimately.
Following my master’s degree abroad, I returned to Nebraska and began exploring a career in education. I returned to MVC, serving for a second year, teaching at a private high school (Cristo Rey Brooklyn) with a work placement program for its students in NYC. I worked as an educator on the freshman team, in humanities and job skills, and as the campus ministry assistant. While commuting from my residence in Queens to Brooklyn every day was grueling, the teaching experience and relationships with my students and colleagues remain an immeasureable gift. On top of that, community living was a key touchstone from both of my years of service–living with a small group of other volunteers in the same city doing different work and sharing a cozy home life together. I recommend looking into such programs if you have any interest (4; 5). They can be great for career exploration, a fresh change, dedicated community service, and experiencing a different part of the U.S.!
I served as a MVC volunteer in 2019-2020 in Philadelphia, PA and in 2023-2024 in NYC, NY.
(Girona, Catalunya 2022)
Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree Programme
If you’ve never heard of Erasmus Mundus, pay attention. The European Union (EU) has a catalog of master’s programmes in various fields that include a mobility scheme (between 2-3+ countries) and a whole lot of international collaboration. While the tuition costs are typically lower than in the U.S. (a perk within itself), many of these programmes offer funding via scholarships. These scholarships can cover tuition and fees, a monthly stipend, relocation costs, field trips, etc. They are very competitive and open to many nationalities (see specifics for individual programmes).
I received a scholarship to complete my master’s degree in the European Master in Tourism Management (EMTM) programme. EMTM (while not currently renewed for funding in the catalog) was a wonderful 2-year programme that included a semester each at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU Kolding), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), and the University of Girona (Catalunya, Spain). Additionally, I had a final semester at a location of choice (mobility partner countries or partner university). In my case, I chose Sevilla, Spain where I successfully completed my master’s thesis and enjoyed exploring Andalucia. In this programme, I studied global tourism and sustainability and completed training as a philosophic tourism practitioner. An amazing key element of this programme was the cohort of 25 people from 24 countries who became a second family and with whom I shared the experience of a lifetime. We collaboratively mastered a degree together during a worldwide pandemic. This work and study field continues to spark joy and curiosity for me, guiding me further in my academic professional life (6).
I was a part of the 2020-2022 Erasmus Mundus EMTM cohort and graduated with my master’s degree in September 2022.
(Brooklyn Bridge, NYC, USA)
Fulbright U.S. Student Program (ETA)
The last program I’ll share here is the U.S. Fulbright Program. This is a government initiative to foster mutual international academic exchange between the U.S. and other countries. There are various scholarships for students, educators, professionals, and special initiatives. Several programs bring international candidates to the U.S. while others send U.S. citizens abroad. These programs typically provide funding through a stipend, tuition/fees or job placement, travels costs, etc. Applications are directly for a specific program, country, and study/research or English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) placement. Specific city placements vary (7).
I am currently participating in the U.S. Student Program. There are several different types of grants available, including study/research and ETA positions. Typically, ETA candidates work in elementary/middle/high schools but some positions are in higher education. I have been accepted to serve as an ETA in Baia Mare, Romania at a local university teaching humanities courses. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one that I applied to several times over the last 6 years and it has an extensive process, so I am thrilled to have finally passed through the semi-finalist and finalist statuses to where I am today. I am extremely excited and look forward to entering more fully into the process of this next opportunity.
I will be serving as an ETA for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Romania for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Programs I didn’t do but applied for/looked at:
There are also a large number of programs I’ve applied for or looked at over the years but didn’t do (either didn’t get in or it didn’t align). There are a variety of timeframes too, so for those looking for more flexible/short-term opportunities, look through some of these. I have also applied to jobs abroad; in that case, search for fields/positions and places you have an interest in! I’ll just share scholarships and programs. Here are a few to look at!
U.S. Fulbright Research/Study Programs–short-term and long-term study/research experiences abroad as a part of U.S. cultural diplomacy and exchange
Schwarzman Program–1 year international master’s in Beijing
Yenching Program–2 year international master’s in Beijing
Peace Corps–2.5 year service work for U.S. citizens abroad
UNO Grants/Scholarships
FUSE grant at UNO–grant for proposed research project
Nene Field at UNO–summer program and cultural ambassador to selected partner university
US-INDO Summer Studies Program–funded summer language/cultural immersion program
NYU Shanghai Global Writing & Speaking Fellowship–employment at NYU campus in China at their writing center
U.S.-U.K. Summer Fulbright Institute–U.K. based summer program for those with little experience abroad to study humanities
U.S. Critical Language Scholarship–funded summer language immersion study programs for select key languages
Boren Scholarship
Pickering Fellowship/Rangel Fellowship–to use for U.S. based master’s programs funded for those seeking U.S. Foreign Service employment
EPIK (English Program in Korea) Program--government sponsored English teaching placements with funding (salary, housing, etc.)
JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme–government sponsored English teaching placements with funding (salary, housing, etc.)
U.S. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)--funded high school opportunity to study language immersively abroad for one academic year
WWOOF (Worldwide opportunities on organic farms)-mostly short-term volunteering opportunities to do gardening, outdoor work, and creative projects in return for house and board
Trusted House Sitters/Pet Sitters–short-term opportunities to volunteer to take care of someone’s home and pets in return for accommodation and potentially food/other support
I also recommend searching for key countries of interest related to degrees, language studies, teaching, or other jobs you’d be interested in. Oftentimes, you will find similar programs hosted by different countries. For example, Türkiye also offers government scholarships similar to China (and many other countries do as well!) I recommend finding programs/grants/scholarships specific to your home country/country of origin as they will often have opportunities only offered to citizens/residents. There may also be special cultural initiatives between your home country/country of origin and your ideal destination country. I’ve collected an ever growing list over the years, for myself and for my previous employment. Here’s a good place to start. The research is half the fun so definitely go all out!
(Mdina, Malta 2022)
A few caveats:
Applying for scholarships, grants, and programs tends to be incredibly competitive. Some have far lower acceptance rates. Personally, I have this rule where “for every one YES, you receive nine NO’s” playing in my head as I approach these. This rule has proven pretty accurate for me during the past 8 years. I have applied for WAY WAY WAY more things than I have been accepted to. It’s often a personal motivation game. The best personal feedback I give myself is connected to the feeling of the ‘no.’ It’s always a disappointment. But it might be a ‘no,’--Okay then, I’m not doing that! Or it might be a ‘no,’--Okay, I actually really wanted this. How can I tackle it again or find something that is similar? It also takes a hell of a lot of work. When seeking these opportunities, be aware. It will take time, effort, patience, support, and care. But if it’s something you feel passionate about, keep at it!
The privilege of passports is a phenomenon not often discussed in frequent travelers’ circles, although unsurprisingly it is likely due to the high barrier to entry to such regular travels. Depending on your country of birth/origin, you may have a passport that greatly limits or expands your accessibility to other countries. The “visa-free” experience that many frequent travelers enjoy is highly dependent on often arbitrary relationships between one’s host country and a destination country that have little to do with the people who live in either. An individual has no control over this. There are several indexes out there ranking countries’ mobility access, including the Henley Passport Index (8). As an American citizen, I am able to visit 186 countries either visa-free or visa on arrival/e-visa as of 2024. In global rankings, that’s within the 8th place group. If you’re at the top–from Singapore or Spain (or others)–it’s 195! If you’re at the bottom or close, it can be quite the jarring difference: Afghanistan (only 26) or Somalia (35) or Nigeria (45).
I recommend checking your own and comparing it to other destinations in order to better grasp the levels of accessibility out there. There is a high disparity. Globally, individuals even apply for citizenship of alternate nations solely for the purpose of obtaining a more flexible passport (9). Additionally, many struggle with a lack of passport or national ID altogether. This can limit their ability to legally travel anywhere outside of their current destination. Understanding these layers is definitely key in tackling issues in sustainable tourism, and I am well aware that the process for accessing different countries around the world is varied depending on these factors.
Another note, the ability to access finances (personal, scholarship, grant, employment, etc.) to either A) travel, B) work/study, or C) obtain alternate citizenship are extremely unequal across the planet. Despite having financial need myself, and factoring in costs of living and relativity, it’s important to acknowledge the privilege of quality of life (QoL) available to me in the U.S. In some ways, I have seen other countries that excel at improving on financial inequality/QoL/cost of living but I have also seen many places that struggle from a lack of resources when compared to the U.S.
In sharing these resources, I acknowledge that individuals will all be starting at different levels. I strongly recommend seeking out the resources that are available to you and do not attempt to share this as a ‘one shoe fits all’ scenario. Identifying individuals from your home country/region and their personal experiences, resources, etc. is a great place to start. The modeling of mobility lifestyles has served as inspiration to me and I am grateful to be in a place where I can share my own personal experiences with others as well. I have benefited from several scholarships and programs which are very competitive, with eligibility factors that are financial as well as merit based. My tips and resources here are shared in order to invite more folks to find the resources they need to pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals and dreams.
Best of luck out there!
~Amber
#ambrosiaelsewhere #sustainabletourism #travel #blog #finances #scholarships #studyabroad #volunteerservice #international #global
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