Finances
Travel is the Only Thing You Buy that Makes You Richer: Making the Case for London
The base cost of the trip in 2021 is $5,265 for one course or $5,800 for two courses. The first 25 students who submit all their forms and deposit will secure their position on the London 2021 trip, subject to the student meeting all university requirements.
In addition to the tuition and housing, the program covers the expenses for:
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Admission to museums
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Plays at the Globe Theatre and West End musicals
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London travel pass (for the subways and busses)
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Airport transportation (assuming the student arrives with the group)
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Several group meals at local restaurants
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London market tour
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Course credits
Our 2014 trip in front of Tower Bridge before our visiting the Tower of London
2015 ghost tour during our weekend in Edinburgh. Don't worry, everyone made it out alive!
Jumping for joy on our trip to Stonehenge in 2015!
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One way to think about the trip is that the three (3) or six (6) credit hours worth of courses may allow students to graduate on-time (especially if they have changed majors), double major, or pick up a minor. This might save the expenses of an additional semester at Xavier, which would be significantly greater than $5,800.
Gaining international experience through studying abroad is an impressive credential on resumes and graduate school applications. It helps develop the student’s confidence, independence, business savvy, and travel smarts, which will be invaluable throughout their lives. It is also consistent with Xavier’s philosophy of education. Our Ignatian Heritage’s Gift of Kinship asks us to walk with and learn from others, and we see this happening every year with our students breaking out of their comfort zones and stretching themselves by living and learning in a different country and culture.
Please review the parent testimonials from 2010 to 2017 for a better idea of the value provided by the Xavier London trip.
Financing the Trip
While there are limited scholarship and grant opportunities through Xavier, we encourage students to apply for them and look for outside scholarships and grants.
Students in the University Scholars Program will have access to a set of travel funds, up to $2000, to use toward an international educational trip. University Scholars may apply for a one-time travel grant, the criteria for which you are can review by clicking here.
The Janice Steinberg Memorial Scholarship is available to two students with a 3.0 GPA or higher for up to $500.
The Friedlander Family Fund can award up to $500 to "reduce financial barriers for students who wish to be involved in collegiate engagement opportunities."
Students majoring in business at Xavier with a 2.5 GPA or better may apply for a Gasiewicz Scholarship. There are two forms that must be completed and delivered to the undergraduate office of the business school by October 18, 2019. Applications are competitive, and in the past have ranged from $750 to $1,500 (scholarship awards may be more or less, in any given year.)
One source of outside funding are the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships. This program is designed for students who are currently receiving Federal Pell Grants. Their goal is to “diversify the kind of students who study abroad”. The average award is $4,000, and we have had students receive a Gillman Scholarship for the London trip.
Another source of outside funding is the English Speaking Union Scholarship. This is extremely competitive, and typically is not targeted at undergraduate education. Even though it is unlikely, we have had a former Xavier student (London 2008) apply for and receive this prestigious scholarship.
Students should work with their financial aid counselor to determine their financial aid eligibility for the London program. Summer grants may be available.