How Your Teen Can Fund High School Study Abroad

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    Justine
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    Studying abroad in high school is an excellent way for your teen to gain valuable global understanding and expertise, as well as acquire awesome leadership and language skills for their resumes and college applications. But, the question is: how do you fund it? Here is a list of ways to do just that:

    1. Check out your scholarship options. This is undoubtedly the best way to help stave study abroad costs. Think about it — the funding sources are already out there; the money is simply yours for the taking! For instance, SPI Study Abroad ( offers two partial scholarships for the program of your choice, as well as a full scholarship for a summer in Costa Rica. The money and scholarships are out there —

    2. Work part-time jobs during the school year or summers. Yes, higher-paying jobs for high school students are a bit limited. No, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pinch pennies while making minimum wage at your local McDonald’s (though, of course, that works, too). Instead, you may want to consider these money-making options:

    Babysitting/nannying — you’ll make good money and likely have more fun, if you enjoy kids. Create a cool, informative flyer or blog that advertises your services. And remember, if you offer to include light housekeeping or cleaning, you’re likely to make the big bucks!
    Student brand ambassador work — marketing companies are always looking for high school and college brand ambassadors to help with promoting their products. Best of all? You could potentially make $15-25, depending on the kind of work you can get. Google search “student brand ambassadors” or check out Craigslist under “marketing/advertising/PR jobs”.
    Tutoring — if you’re good at a particular subject, why not consider tutoring for your fellow students? Parents will likely shell out some serious cash in order to help their kids make better grades. Talk to your counselor/principal/teachers about offering your tutoring services.

    3. Start fundraising and letter-writing. Indulge in your creative side and create an original blog or Facebook page that explains your motives for studying abroad, and how people can help you get there; write letters to local businesses, rotary clubs, church groups, and people in your community asking them for whatever help they can give; hold events such as yard sales or raffles (or yes, even bake sales — they work!) to promote your cause. Be honest and straightforward about the benefits of study abroad, and how this education will be beneficial to your future. You’ll probably find that there are lots of people (in your community and beyond) who would be willing to provide you with some financial help to achieve your goal.

    It’s entirely possible for your teen to fund their abroad education. Keep in mind the fact that studying abroad is worth every cent — not only will your child gain invaluable knowledge of a foreign language and culture, become an outstanding college candidate, and globalize his or her education; he or she will have an amazing life experience that will be beneficial for years to come.

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