Using Your Financial Aid for Overseas Study

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Contact Information:

• Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
  Room 260 Oregon Hall - fawww@uoregon.edu
  (541) 346-3221 or (800) 760-6953
• Marj Biehler: (541) 346-3207 - mbiehler@uoregon.edu
• Lois Yoshishige: (541) 346-1251 - loisy@uoregon.edu

Most forms of financial aid may be used to pay for your overseas study program costs. If you wish to use your UO financial aid to help pay for an overseas study program, here are the steps you will need to follow:

1. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and mail it as soon as possible after January 1, but before February 1. The on-line version of the FAFSA can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.


2. Your financial aid eligibility will be initially calculated according to the standard on-campus budget. After you receive your award letter, you should meet with your financial aid counselor to determine if your loans can be increased to reflect any additional costs related to studying overseas. Loans are generally the only type of aid that can be increased. Work-study can usually be converted to loans. Sign and return your Award Letter as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in the possible loss of all or part of your financial aid.


3. Schedule an appointment to discuss applying your financial aid to your program costs.
   • OUS PROGRAMS: Schedule an appointment with Lois Yoshishige in the Office of Business Affairs, which is located on the first floor of Oregon Hall. Take a copy of your Award Letter to your appointment. You will need to sign a Letter of Authorization so that your financial aid can be sent directly to OSU to be applied to your program bill. BRING IDENTIFICATION: Your ID must have your photograph and signature.
   
   
   • ALL PROGRAMS, EXCEPT OUS: Schedule an appointment with Marj Biehler in the Office of International Programs by calling the OIP Reception Desk at 346-3207. Bring a copy of your financial aid award letter to the meeting.
   
   
   • NOTE: If you are borrowing loans, you may need to sign a Promissory Note, which certifies your agreement to repay your loans. Further, you may need to complete Entrance Counseling, which certifies your understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. If you have questions, contact Lois Yoshishige.


4. Most types of financial aid can be transferred as described above. Some types of aid, however, cannot be transferred to a third party, including any check made out to you. All checks in this category must be sent directly to you or to a designated family member or friend. The UO Business Office cannot deposit checks directly to a bank account.


5. If your aid is less than the program cost, you must pay the balance by the due dates listed on the payment schedule. If your aid is greater than the program cost, you will receive a refund. If you will receive a refund, you are strongly encouraged to complete a Direct Deposit Form so that your refund will be deposited in your checking or savings account. Forms are available in the UO Business Office or on-line at http://baowww.uoregon.edu/.


6. You must make sure that your UO general account is clear of any debts (library fines, health service fees, etc.) before you leave. Failure to clear your account may prevent you from being registered.


7. Students planning to utilize financial aid should be aware that federal regulations prohibit the release of financial aid before the beginning of the term(s) at the University of Oregon. Participants will therefore, have to find alternative sources of funding to pay for airline tickets and other arrival expenses.


8. Short Term Loan Fund: Short term loans ranging from $300-2,000 may be available for those who demonstrate financial need. These loans must be paid back within a maximum of six months of the initial loan date. For more information on how to obtain this loan, please contact the Office of International Programs.


9. If you have any questions about the type or amount of your financial aid, contact your financial aid counselor. For questions concerning the transfer of funds, contact Marj Biehler or Lois Yoshishige.

PLEASE NOTE: If you will need to apply for financial aid or UO scholarships for the year when you return to the U.S., you will want to consider using the on-line FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You (and your parents) can obtain a PIN number to 'sign' the FAFSA. Information regarding PINs is available at the FAFSA website.