Davis Connects Colby College

Colby has this new program which guarantees at least one study abroad experience regardless of whether you can afford it. I was wondering how unique is this compared to the study abroad financial aid at other schools. Do other schools send low-income students to study abroad for free?

At well-resourced colleges, financial aid will generally “travel” to eligible off-campus study programs (whether domestic or international).

I don’t think my D and I visited one school where financial aid did not apply to study abroad. Its pretty common. I"ll let you know how it really works when I get the bill next month for her study abroad Spring 2018. I’m not sure how the “extra” fees are handled…airfare and luggage fees, other transportation costs, mandatory health insurance other than what we have in the US, visa and passport costs, etc. So far, D’s “extra” expenses are about $2000 and climbing.

^^I think thsee “extras” are the issue for many. Looking forward to your report, @NEPatsGirl !
FA generally travels for tuition (but not always to all programs acceptable for credit) but those extras add up. I thought I had read that DavisConnects also covered costs for international internships but with it being a new program, I have no idea how that works.

I’ll be sure to report back, keeping our fingers crossed, its already a done deal so whatever the expenses are we’ll figure it out but I know that can be a make or break for some families. D was awarded a nice scholarship this summer (unexpected and not applied for) which she has earmarked for these extra expenses and hopefully a little left over to travel Europe during the spring break. Bonus.

That’s why I didn’t completely understand how Colby’s program was that different from the the way things typically work at other well-endowed schools.

Thanks for the warning about the extras @NEPatsGirl. You read correctly @gardenstategal. I think I’ll directly contact Colby and have the program explained to me, so I can see through all the marketing.

^^ Good idea! Let us know. If it covers those extras, that is of real value.

It was conveyed to me via the finaid director (before accepting admission) that depending on need, some extras (specifically transportation costs) MAY be covered. That “MAY” doesn’t really do any good though does it? D’s school has been very generous and has kept their end of the bargain so far, hope it continues with the study abroad as well.