Education Abroad

• Many education abroad programs cost the same as a semester at UMaine, check out our direct exchange programs under the ‘Programs’ tab at the bottom of the page. 

• Saving is part of planning for your semester abroad.

  • Monitor your spending leading up to going abroad.

  • Your family can be a great resource to help you with an education abroad savings account.

• Remember that some countries are more affordable than others. 

  • Each country is a unique travel experience. 

  • Cost of living and travel expenses are lower in different countries. Costa Rica, Bulgaria, and Thailand are each amazing countries to travel to at a lower cost. 

• Check out the scholarship page to find even more resources to help pay for your time abroad.

• Students should also take into consideration the possibility of needing to quarantine while in their host country. Each student should look into the protocols for their host country to calculate a possible budget for quarantine costs which should include: quarantine housing, food, and testing. For more information on COVID-19, please review our COVID page.

UMaine funds can be used for any approved programs. When completing your FAFSA, be sure base it on your usual UMaine costs.

• The Office of Financial Aid can increase your loan eligibility to accommodate higher semester costs if needed. 

• You may be eligible to apply for alternative loans. 

• The Office of International Programs will help provide you with an official budget that includes travel costs to your Financial Aid Advisor.

• You must be enrolled as a full time student before and during your time abroad. 

• You cannot use federal work-study funds while abroad.

• Financial Aid funds are released a week before classes start at UMaine. Funds will not be disbursed based on when your program starts. 

• All your pre-departure forms must be completed before your financial aid will be released. 

• Airfare, visas, and housing deposits (usually) must be paid before UMaine Financial Aid is distributed.

For External Scholarships or Grants

*Be sure to contact the donor/provider and discuss you education abroad plans