Fundraising for Studying Abroad

Many people overlook this our never think about it at all, but this is a perfect way to begin your quest for the fountain of money. This is a somewhat out of the box method but realistically all you’re doing is asking for financial help. Here are some quick and easy ways to begin developing a fund-raising campaign that can yield big payday payoffs helping you bridge the gap and make ends meet.

Step 1 Create A Study Abroad Plan:

In this plan you should write all the things you want to do, how studying abroad will contribute to your career goals, what you plan on gaining from studying abroad and how you plan on doing so.

The more information you give in your plan the better it will be for more information on how you can make this plan better check out the blog post Why Study Abroad  & Why Study Abroad pt2. Answering the questions in these videos will definitely get you on the right path to create a very well thought out plan and proposal. Once you have thought of the answers to these questions the next thing is to create a written or oral presentation.

Step 2 Compile Your Target List

Look through the phone books for a list of local businesses, organizations and community groups to give to your fundraising efforts. Local travel agencies may be extremely interested in your experiences abroad. Once you have created this list give them a call, give them information on what you’re doing and try to set up a meeting allowing you the opportunity to present your plan. Remember to offer something in exchange for their participation in assisting with the fund-raising efforts. This may be something as small as granting access to your photos or writing descriptions of local landmarks and promoting their business on your Facebook and twitter accounts.

Step 3 Seek Assistance

Make sure that you schedule a meeting with your advisor for ways and more advice on how to appropriately target more contacts. You never know they may be able to give you some very valuable leads.

Step 4 Start Now!

This may go without saying but as soon as possible begin saving every single penny that you have. If there are expenses that you can do without for several months make sure you cut back on them during this time.

Step 5 Think Outside The Box

Pick up extra shifts at your current workplace and find different ways to make some spare change. Think outside the box setting up a booth at your local fair and doing kids face painting for a small amount may bring the extra money needed. Selling old clothes or doing a yard sale could also give you some extra cash.

Some other key things to remember while doing this process is to stay consistent rejection is part of the game and realistically what it comes down to is just a numbers game, the more people you ask the more people you will find that are willing to help.

Remember to let people know why you want to study abroad and be creative when coming up with new ideas and strategies to fund your international travels.

The very last thing you should do is show your appreciation so even if somebody was not able to aid you financially but allowed you the opportunity to present your proposal or even listen to you over the phone make sure you tell them thank you.