Paying for GO Programs
Study Abroad Does Not Have to be Expensive
At Susquehanna University, we believe every student should have the chance to explore the world—without financial barriers standing in the way.
Managing Costs
Program types vary in costs based on host location, housing, exchange rates and program length, so be sure to do your research. Program types vary in costs, so be sure to do your research. Some variables in program costs include distance traveled, length of the program, cost of living and exchange rates.
- Save. The average cost of a GO Short programs is about $6,000. Work with your family to arrange a savings plan that will guarantee that you have what you need when the time comes to make payment.
- Borrow. More costly than saving ahead of time, there are two loan options for your consideration. The best option is direct parent PLUS loans, but private education loans are also available.
- Combine saving and borrowing. Save as much as you can. Only borrow what you need. These are good words to live by in all financial decisions.
Ultimately, choose a program that best suits your educational goals and fits your budget. Planning ahead will make all the difference.
Cost Saving Tips
- Set a budget: While we provide an overview of estimated expenses for each program, it’s important that you stick to your budget
- Choose wisely: Programs in smaller cities or rural areas often have a lower cost of living.
- Live like a local: Eat, travel, and shop the way locals do—it’s not only more affordable but more enriching.
- Prioritize your goals: Extra travel is optional and should be treated as a vacation expense, not part of your study abroad plan. If you do travel, investigate student discounts.
- Take advantage of Passport Caravan: Each semester the GO office coordinates a passport event assisting students in funding their new adult US passport.
GO Scholarships & Grants
For GO Short and GO Your Way programs, Susquehanna students get a need-based GO grant to help finance program. During your first semester at Susquehanna, the student financial services office will notify you if you are eligible for a GO Grant. Students do not need to apply for the GO Grant – it will automatically be applied to their account when they are ready to go.
There are many organizations and foundations that provide funding for study abroad. See a list.
Anyone can apply for these scholarships. We recommend that you don’t apply for any scholarships that require you to pay money to apply. If you need help writing the application essay or personal statement, consult The Writing Center in The Center for Academic Success.
Keep in mind that scholarship applications through study abroad programs themselves (e.g. IFSA-Butler) are separate from the application for acceptance into the program. Many of these forms will require additional input and signatures from our student financial services staff.
The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program offers awards for U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means. We encourage all Federal Pell Grant recipients to apply for this award.
If you are notified of a scholarship award, you must report the award to the student financial services office so that your overall aid package can be adjusted accordingly.
Program Cost Information
The GO Short program costs typically range from $3,000 to $8,500, depending on destination and length. This cost includes airfare to the program location, housing, meals, onsite transportation, and program activities. Some estimated personal expenses not included are getting to/from the departure airport, laundry, toiletries, international phone plans, purchase of personal items and resources (including a passport). GO Short program fees are updated every year and announced when applications are open.
Financial aid is available to those studying on a GO Short program who demonstrate need. During your first semester at Susquehanna, the student financial services office will notify you if you are eligible for a GO Grant. The GO Grant is a flat percentage off of the GO Short Program Cost. You may apply it to any GO Short program to which you are admitted.
Two important notes:
- If you use a GO Grant and then participate in a GO Long program, the amount of the GO Short Grant will be deducted from financial aid for the GO Long semester.
- A GO Grant can be used only once.
GO Long students use their existing Susquehanna financial aid to help fund their GO experience; you’ll pay standard Susquehanna tuition and fees and retain most of your financial aid. Except for Federal Work-Study, you’ll receive the same scholarships, grants and loans that you would if you remained on campus. Tuition exchange or tuition remission benefits may be applied only to “SU in” GO Long programs. Tuition exchange recipients should contact our student financial services staff.
Since living and travel expenses vary by program, there is a budget sheet for every GO Long program posted on our online brochures. The financial aid that the university can provide will be based upon these total expenses.
Listed below are the least expensive semester programs from each region. The combined cost of airfare, immigration fees, and room and board for these programs is about the same or less than room and board would be for a semester at Susquehanna.
Africa/Asia/Middle East
Europe
UK/Ireland
North America/Caribbean
South America
- Buenos Aires, Argentina In English
- Heredia, Costa Rica
Since living and travel expenses vary, we will determine a budget for your GO Your Way program based on the program, location, and length of time. Susquehanna financial aid is available to those studying on a GO Your Way program who demonstrate need through the GO Grant. GO Grants will cover a percentage of some of the program fees for a GO Your Way. During your first semester at Susquehanna, the student financial services office will notify you if you are eligible for a GO Grant.
Two important notes:
- If you use a GO Grant and then participate in a GO Long program, the amount of the GO Grant will be deducted from financial aid for the GO Long semester.
- A GO Grant can be used only once.