Scholarships and Awards

Stories from Study Abroad: BC Study Abroad Scholarships

The BC Study Abroad Scholarships celebrate the study abroad experience through student-generated content and financial support. Scholarship recipients will receive $500 for a virtual study abroad program and $1000 for an in-person study abroad program, and the opportunity to share their in-person and/or virtual exchange study abroad experience via blog and photos.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the BC Study Abroad Scholarships, applying students must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be currently enrolled at an active BC Study Abroad Consortium Institution.
  2. Enrolled in or accepted into a short-term in-person or virtual study abroad program.

Expectations:

For In-Person Programs ($1,000):

  • During the program: Submit a 300-400 word blog post with photos.
  • Within 60 days of completion: Submit a second 300-400 word blog post with photos.
  • Submit 8-10 high-resolution photos (at least 150 dpi) documenting your experience, accompanied by a document with:
    • Image file names;
    • Captions;
    • Locations.
  • Present your experience at your home institution, once back in BC.

For Virtual Programs ($500):

  • During the program: Submit a 300-400 word blog post with a screenshot or photo/video illustrating your learning.
  • Upon completion: Submit a second 300-400 word blog post with a screenshot or photo/video.
  • Submit 5-6 screenshots/photos/videos (150 dpi) capturing your virtual exchange, with file names and captions.

How to apply:

Prepare the following:

  • Transcript from your home institution (unofficial or official).
  • Confirmation letter of program acceptance from the host institution.
  • Reference letter from a staff/faculty member at your home institution supporting your study abroad application, describing your dedication and aptitude for intercultural work.
  • 300-500 word essay answering:
    • Why are you applying for the BCSA scholarship?
    • What do you hope to learn from your study abroad program?
    • How will you share your knowledge after completing the program?
  • A writing sample (1-5 pages, e.g., blog post, creative writing, essay).
  • Submit your application here.
  • If you have any questions or comments, please email info@bcstudyabroad.ca

Application deadline is November 1, 2024

Content Use

Photos and blog posts will be featured on the BC Study Abroad website and associated social media channels. They may also be featured on our Study in BC and BCCIE websites and social media.

Diversity statement:

BCCIE is committed to an inclusive learning environment that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. BCCIE welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, and all groups protected by the BC Human Rights Code.

BC Study Abroad and the BC Study Abroad Scholarships are administered by the British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) on behalf of the BC Study Abroad Consortium.

Student Loans

You may be eligible to apply for student loans to support your study abroad experience. Ask a financial advisor at your home institution for further information on student loans.

Budgeting Tips

Studying abroad can be very affordable; it depends on many factors, including your destination, the time of year, your personal spending habits. For example, the cost of living is higher in Western Europe and Australia than in China. You can expect to spend more if you are living in a big city versus living in the countryside. To get a better idea as to what the costs might be the Foreign Currency Exchange Converter offers an easy way to translate foreign costs into Canadian dollars.

Some programs will be more expensive than others, depending on added features, such as meals, accommodation, field trips and tours. 

In addition to asking an advisor and past participants for budgeting tips, make sure to investigate available student discounts offered such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Another way to learn about costs and money-saving tips is to read personal reports written by past current or past study abroad students which are available on the study abroad website at your institution. 

There may be external sources of funding available to help you meet the financial requirements of your study abroad experience.