Frida Larios, a senior at California State University, Los Angeles, recently faced a troubling situation just days after arriving in Seoul for a study-abroad program. Shortly after her arrival, she received an email informing her that her scholarship funds were currently unavailable.
This issue stems from a funding pause implemented by the State Department in mid-February. The pause affects various international exchange and study-abroad programs, including the Fulbright-Hays and Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship programs. These programs are essential for connecting American students with opportunities abroad.
As a result of this funding freeze, many students like Frida are left in a state of uncertainty. They worry they may run out of money while abroad or may even miss out on planned trips altogether. The State Department, which provides the funding but does not directly manage these programs, has not offered any comments on the situation.
The impact of this funding pause is significant. Thousands of students are now anxious about their financial situations while participating in these valuable educational experiences. With no clear timeline for when the funding will resume, students and their families are left in the dark, hoping for a resolution soon.