Financial Matters

Billing and Payment

Payments for study abroad programs are made according to the regular College payment schedule. Bills are sent directly from the student accounts department of the Business Office at Kalamazoo College. Students will receive bill(s) charging for the quarter(s) study abroad comprehensive fee. Students participating in programs with significant difference in starting dates (for example in July) will not receive the first bill until August. For specific billing dates, contact the Kalamazoo College business office.

All accounts, including fees, must be cleared before students can leave for their programs abroad. Non-payment of the comprehensive fee installments while abroad will jeopardize a student’s continuing participation in the program and may result in withdrawal or dismissal.

Note: the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that Kalamazoo College report tuition separate from other fees on the form 1098-T. Study abroad students at Kalamazoo College are charged a comprehensive fee for participation in the program. For the purposes of the 1098-T form, tuition will be listed in the same amount charged for the on-campus program. The remaining portion of the study abroad comprehensive fee will be noted as “study abroad program fee.”

Study Abroad Comprehensive Fee

Comprehensive Fee Includes:
  • All academic tuition and fees
  • Room and board while classes are in session
  • Medical evacuation insurance
Comprehensive Fee Does NOT include:
  • Round-trip international airfare to program site (transportation subsidy possible for qualified students)
  • Books and other required educational materials (including photocopies and personal printing–typically $150 per quarter) or additional lab or music fees
  • Room and board during the December holidays, Holy Week, and other extended vacation periods when the academic program is not in session (funding available for qualified students)
  • Cost of local transportation at the program location, including field trips for a course
  • Passports or required photographs (CIP offers passport photo appointments for no charge – students must schedule appointment)
  • Travel expenses to consulates and/or embassies to apply for the student visa. In some cases, these expenses may include air travel to appear in person for appointments, biometric processing fees, or fees for additional processing. Required physical exams, x-rays and other medical tests (these costs may or may not be covered by insurance – funding available for qualified students)
  • Any required and recommended immunizations (these costs will vary from $35 to $450 depending upon destination; funding available for qualified students)
  • Any anti-malarial prophylactic pills (where recommended by the CDC) that the student takes abroad (average cost $10.00 per pill taken on a weekly basis–total cost varies from $100-$800 depending on the length of the program; funding available for qualified students)
  • Required health and accident insurance
  • Fees charged by airline for carry-on bags, checked bags or overweight luggage
  • Independent travel while abroad or incidental expenses en route and abroad
  • Personal property insurance; cell phones or internet fees/usage; or memberships/fees at local gyms or exercise classes
Study Abroad Withdrawal Fee

If students withdraw from a study abroad program after submitting a participation confirmation notice, students will be charged a $300.00 withdrawal fee. This will be in addition to any college funds already paid on their behalf (deposits to program partner, air fare, room, board and tuition).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

International education is supported at Kalamazoo College by a number of generous gifts, including the Rudolph S. Light Endowment, the Arcus Gay and Lesbian Fund Study Abroad Endowment, and the Beeler Memorial Foreign Study Endowment Fund. For Kalamazoo College students receiving financial assistance and/or scholarships, this aid will be available for all CIP-approved study abroad programs.

Students who enroll at Kalamazoo College through the GLCA-TRE are eligible for off-campus programs that have been approved for transfer of academic credit and Kalamazoo College financial aid/scholarships. This includes the current domestic Study Away programs.

Work/Study: Employment is generally unavailable to students while on study abroad. Students travel overseas on a student visa or with the understanding that they are temporary guests, which typically prevents them from seeking employment or earning money while they are in the country. If work/study is part of a student’s financial aid package, students will have to find an alternative source for those funds for the quarters spent abroad. The CIP Supplemental Funding Abroad (SFA) application can be used to apply for essential funds not earned while abroad.

Travel Subsidy for International Airfare

Students with demonstrated financial need participating in study abroad may be eligible to receive a travel subsidy to help defray the cost of international air fare to the study abroad site. The subsidy is awarded based on consultation with the financial aid office and will be for students who demonstrate high financial need. Students do not need to apply or notify either the CIP or the financial aid office in order to receive the subsidy. However, they must complete the study abroad program application in Hornet Passport. The subsidy will cover up to 100% of the estimated airfare costs, but may cover less, depending on level of need. Students will receive notification of the subsidy amount and the conditions of the subsidy award upon admission to the study abroad program. Note: for students who receive the subsidy, the CIP will book air travel through the College’s travel agent. Students who wish to organize their own air itinerary will not be eligible for the subsidy. The travel subsidy is only available to students participating in programs that allow for the transfer of Kalamazoo College-based scholarships and financial aid.