Financial Questions

Does financial aid apply to study abroad programs?

Yes! Any financial aid awards (scholarships, loans, grants) can be applied to cover the cost of the program. In some cases students on HCC programs are even eligible to collect work study while they are abroad. Usually this means that they act as an assistant to the group leader.

I am not a Hibbing Community College student. Can I apply my financial aid to the program fee?

Yes! Contact your home school's Financial Aid Office to arrange a consortium agreement. Also contact your school's Student Services office to check on other requirements that they may have for you.

Where can I get the money to pay the the costs that are due before my financial aid can be applied to my program fee?

There are a few options for making the payments prior to the travel component departure date (usually paid in three or more installments of $400+). You can make payments in cash, check, or use a credit card. Payments are maintained directly with the Educational Tour agency; i.e Explorica, EF, or GoAheadtours. If you personally cannot cover the cost, check with family members or friends. If you anticipate receiving financial aid to cover the program fee, any excess financial aid can be used to pay this source back. Another suggestion is to take out any financial aid that you did not previously accept during the semester preceding your study abroad program. For example, this means that if you were awarded $5,000 in financial aid for fall semester and you initially only accepted $3,000, you can go back and accept the remaining financial aid.

What scholarships are available to students studying abroad?

The HCC Study Abroad Program offers the Study Abroad Scholarship to Hibbing Community College students. The scholarships or stipends are limited to HCC students who are studying abroad who demonstrate financial need and submit an essay. Several scholarships or stipends are awarded prior to the tour, with an average award amount of $500.00. In addition, SAP offers additional scholarship opportunities which are available thru the Financial Aid office. Another place to look for scholarships is within your major department. Scholarships for study abroad are also available through non-HCC organizations. Visit any of the following sites on the internet to get more information:

• Rotary International 
• Gilman Scholarship 
• Zonta International 
  

What are the cancellation fees that apply to withdrawing from a study abroad program?

 Students will be responsible for paying any unrecoverable costs that have been paid by the Study Abroad Program or the tour agency used for the travel component. The student must abide by the tour company regulations.

What does the program fee cover?

 The program fee covers hotel lodging, two meals per day, roundtrip airfare, cultural excursions and events, and general administrative costs. HCC tuition and fees are additional. Please refer to the specific program information for more details.