Information is a valuable commodity when making plans to finance a university education. Even with good information the process can be difficult and perilous. But without reliable information on the harsh financial realities of pursuing post-secondary education, one's efforts to make plans will almost certainly prove fruitless.
Perhaps the greatest source of advice will be someone who has personally gone through the process of obtaining a bachelor's degree with meager financial resources. These individuals are in a position to give general advice on the quest to raise money for tuition and living expenses, as well as recommend specific programs and individuals to contact. The fact that individuals this category are difficult to find is a reflection of the reality that relatively few international students without personal wealth are successful in completing their degrees.
Friends and relatives living abroad will have access to more information than a student still in The Gambia. Most public libraries and high schools in the U.S. and Europe have sections with college catalogs and comparison guides. In addition, friends living overseas will have greater access to online information via the internet, and will be able to contact admissions departments to receive information in a timely manner. The delays in international mail have caused more than one applicant to miss important deadlines. The application process can be lengthy, and one should start researching and contacting schools a full year before they expect to enroll.
In addition to individuals, there are a couple of organizations that offer advice to international students seeking to study in the U.S. The National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA), also known at the Association of International Educators, is an organization that promotes international education in North America. While the bulk of NAFSA's activities focus on assisting American universities set up study abroad programs in other countries, they do offer some services to international students studying in the U.S. They may be reached at 1875 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20009-5728.
NAFSA recommends the following publications for additional information. Prices and availability are subject to change, so one should contact the publishing organization before making an order.
Funding for U.S. Study: A Guide for Foreign Nationals. This book advises students on planning for financial aid and describes over 600 grants and fellowships open to foreign nationals in varying fields of studies and countries of origin. It does not include financial aid offered directly by U.S. colleges and universities. The book is available from The Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580. It costs $39.95 plus $16 for overseas shipping.
Complete College Financing Guide, 2nd Edition. This publication devotes one chapter to funding for U.S. students wishing to study abroad and international students wishing to study in the U.S. It describes some scholarships and also lists other sources of information. It is available from Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788 for $17.50 plus $15.69 overseas shipping.
The College Handbook - Foreign Student Supplement, updated annually. This guide to U.S. colleges and universities for foreign students includes facts for undergraduate and graduate foreign students on enrollment, TOEFL, application deadlines, foreign student services, and housing at many U.S. institutions. It lists which colleges offer financial aid to foreign students, the total amount available, and number of award recipients. From this information one can estimate the average award size. The information is a good start, but the figures are sometimes misleading so one should contact the schools listed for further details. It may be ordered from College Board Publications, Box 886, New York, NY, 10101-0886 for $16.00 plus $8.31 for overseas shipping.
Scholarships and Grants for Study or Research in the USA: A Scholarship Handbook for Foreign Nationals, 1989. Information on financing studies in the United States with sections on receiving financial aid from U.S. colleges, U.S. foundations, and international organizations. It may be ordered from the American Collegiate Service, P.O. Box 442008, Houston, Texas 77244 for $23.95 plus $5.50 shipping overseas.
The Grants Register 1991-1993. This book is primarily intended for students at or above the graduate level who require further professional or advanced vocational training. It aims to provide full, current information on awards (scholarships, fellowships, research grants, exchange opportunities, etc.) for nationals of the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and developing countries. Available from St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
For information on obtaining a student visa, students should contact the consular office at the U.S. embassy. Many individuals who have never been abroad believe that obtaining a student visa is the biggest and perhaps only obstacle to enrolling in a university. However the requirement to demonstrate proof of financial support is designed to ensure that a student will not have to drop out after one semester, as so many are forced to when they do not come with adequate resources. While the documentation needed to obtain a student visa is comprehensive and strictly enforced, the requirements are clearly spelled out in black and white. When all the conditions are met and the paperwork is in order, obtaining the visa is not difficult.