How To Get An International Scholarship

Introduction

In this section, the presenters introduce themselves and explain what the webinar will cover.

Webinar Introduction

• Bryanna Davis and Victoria Troupe are Marketing Coordinators at International Student Loan.

• Jennifer Frankel is the Director of Financial Services at International Student Loan.

• The webinar is about how to get scholarships for international education.

• Scholarships are free money that don't need to be repaid, making them a great option for funding education.

Asking Questions

In this section, the presenters explain how attendees can ask questions during the webinar.

How to Ask Questions

• Attendees can send questions through the webinar chat feature or on Twitter using @InternationalStudentLoans and #FinancialAidTalk.

• Questions will be addressed at the end of the program.

Types of Scholarships

In this section, the presenters discuss different types of scholarships available for international students.

Academic Scholarships

• Based on GPA or test scores such as SAT or ACT.

• Different requirements within this type of scholarship.

Athletic Scholarships

• Available for those who excel in sports.

• Can be advantageous because it pays to play sports and represents your school through that sport.

Special Interests Scholarships

• Available for those passionate about choir, art, music instruments etc.

• Fewer people apply compared to general school scholarships.

Situational Scholarships

Income-Based Scholarship

• Grants financial aid based on income level

Achievement-Based Scholarship

• Awards based on achievements in volunteer work or organizations

Field of Study Scholarship

• Awards based on field of study pursued by student

Country Specific Scholarship

• Based on home country or country where student plans to study

School Specific Scholarship

• Given based on the fact that student will be attending the school

Finding Scholarships

In this section, Jennifer Frankel explains how to find scholarships.

How to Find Scholarships

• Identify what sets you apart from everyone else.

• Compile a list of your interests, skills, and achievements.

• Consider where you are from and look for country-specific scholarships.

• Identify whether you should apply for need-based or merit-based scholarships.

• Think about your academics and what you enjoy studying.

Conclusion

In this section, the presenters conclude the webinar.

Conclusion

• Scholarships are a great way to fund international education without having to repay later.

• There are many different types of scholarships available for international students.

• To find scholarships, identify what sets you apart from others and consider your interests, skills, achievements, and academics.

Finding Scholarships for International Students

In this section, the speaker discusses where international students can look for scholarship funding.

College and University

• When applying to a college or university, international students can opt-in for different kinds of scholarships through the admissions department.

• The international center at the college or university can be a great resource as they usually assign an international student advisor who will be able to guide you throughout your education.

• Talk to your department of study about your passions and where you want to take your education. This could lead to partial or full scholarships.

Athletics

• Many universities in the US offer academic or athletic department scholarships. These awards are usually given by coaches in areas such as basketball, football, and soccer.

Government Awards

• Home country government awards provide funds to help students in exchange programs. Check with the government of your home country to see if they support international exchange funding.

• Host country government awards are also available. For example, Education USA provides extra funding for international students coming to the USA.

International Organizations

• Nonprofit organizations, international organizations, and multinational companies can provide different funding options for international students depending on their mission.

Scholarship Search Websites

• www.iefa.org allows you to search grants and scholarships by award name, field of study, nationality, and location.

• www.fundingusstudy.org allows you to search by program, sponsor organization, area of study, state location, and region.

• www.internationalscholarships.com allows you to search by field of study, nationality, and location. You can also search for independent award listings specific to your institution.

Making Your Scholarship Application Stand Out

In this section, the speaker discusses how international students can make their scholarship application stand out above the competition.

Required Application Materials

• A typical scholarship application requires an essay (sometimes with an assigned topic), a resume or CV, and transcripts.

Tips for Standing Out

• Make sure your essay is clear and concise. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

• Tailor your essay to the scholarship requirements and mission.

• Highlight any relevant experience in your resume or CV.

• Ensure that all required materials are submitted on time and in the correct format.

Tips for Winning Scholarships

In this section, the speakers provide tips on how to win scholarships. They discuss the importance of submitting a compelling essay, creating an outline, and emphasizing strengths. They also talk about letters of recommendation, references, resumes, cover letters, and transcripts.

Importance of a Compelling Essay

• An essay is oftentimes the only time the decision committee will hear your perspective on why you feel you deserve the scholarship.

• Start brainstorming early for your essay and create an outline that includes everything you want to write about in a logical order.

• Emphasize your strengths and why you deserve the funding for college.

Letters of Recommendation and References

• Letters of recommendation are usually required for scholarship applications and are written by faculty in your field of study or colleagues in your career field who can speak to your character and work ethic.

• A list of references may be required as well. List two or three references with their name, title, and contact information.

Resumes and Cover Letters

• Customize your resume for the scholarship you are applying for by putting relevant or impressive information at the top.

• Include keywords from the scholarship description or qualifications in your resume to catch the reader's eye.

• A cover letter is also a great addition to any scholarship application.

Transcripts

• A transcript is usually required to prove that you are academically capable of pursuing higher education.

• The scholarship application will tell you which type of transcript is required, sometimes an unofficial transcript that can be downloaded from your school's website or an official transcript that needs to be signed and sealed by your school and mailed directly to the scholarship application office.

Conclusion

• Scholarships are available especially for international students, and it's important to perfect your application to increase your chances of winning.

• Resources are available to help you with resume building, essay writing, and everything else you may need to create a great application.

• Follow @InternationalStudentLoans on Twitter for more scholarship sources.