Financing Study Abroad: Fundraising

Financing your study abroad trip can seem like a daunting
task. It doesn’t have to be, though. Fundraising is a great way to help finance
your trip. By following these steps to fundraise, you can raise money and be
one step closer to your dream study abroad trip!

Steps to Follow When Fundraising

  1. Draft
    a proposal.     Discuss your study abroad plans, the reason you need
    financing, what you hope to accomplish while overseas and how that will
    contribute to your career goals. Then, prepare a written and/or oral presentation:


·       
What you’re going to say to potential financial
backers.

·       
Practice your presentation so you appear prepared and
polished.

·       
If you are targeting different audiences, adjust your
proposals appropriately.

  1. Compile
    your target list.     Look through your local phone book and compose a list of
    local businesses, organizations or community groups that may be willing to
    contribute to your study abroad fund.

·       
Contact the people on your list – explain what you’re
doing and request a meeting. At the meeting, give your presentation.

·       
Offer them something in exchange – for example, offer
to hold a presentation upon your return. Some travel companies may be in need
of photos that you can provide for a fee, or descriptions or some sort of local
landmark or event.

  1. If you
    are in college and have a study abroad advisor    … meet with them! This
    list is a great place to get started, but you’ll also want to take
    advantage of the years of experience your study abroad advisor has with
    helping students. He or she may have great ideas that have simply never
    crossed your mind.
  2. Start
    saving NOW.     Forgo the movies; watch TV instead. Don’t go clubbing; a quiet
    night in will save you cash that will contribute to your study abroad
    fund. Be frugal, and save every penny you can.
  3. Be
    very creative.     Take extra shifts at your job. Look for local fairs, and
    buy a table—do face painting for a small fee. Save, save, save. You’ll
    thank us (and yourself) later! 

You can succeed with fundraising as long as you keep some
things in mind:

  1. Rejection
    is all part of the game    . Don’t let it get you down. If one thing doesn’t
    work, try another.
  2. Always
    tell people why you’re raising funds.
  3. Be
    creative!
  4. Show
    your appreciation     – even a postcard from abroad with a small thank you to
    those who helped you will be a welcomed gesture.

If you would like to read more about fundraising and
financing your study abroad trip in general, download our free e-report,
Financing Study Abroad here.

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