I'm an international student from South Korea studying at a UC and I'm trying to figure out this whole California college scholarship situation. Honestly? It's confusing and sometimes discouraging. 
So many scholarships say "US citizens or permanent residents only" and I just scroll past them. I understand why, but it still stings a little. Like, I'm here, I'm studying hard, I'm paying THREE TIMES what everyone else pays in tuition, and I can't even apply for most things??
But I refuse to believe there's NOTHING out there. There has to be some California college scholarship opportunities for international students, right?? I've found a few small ones through my department (shoutout to my advisor who actually took time to help me
) but I know there's more.
For other international students here: what's worked for you?? Any specific scholarships or strategies?? I'm willing to put in the work, I just need to know where to look.
Also – and maybe this is naive – but I've thought about applying to local community foundations even if they don't explicitly say "international students welcome." Worst they can do is say no, right?? Has anyone tried this?? Did it work??
My parents are sacrificing so much to send me here. I want to help them however I can. If I could get even a small California college scholarship, that's less stress on them. That's worth something.
Anyway, if anyone has tips or leads, please share. And if you're also an international student struggling with this – you're not alone. We'll figure it out.
So many scholarships say "US citizens or permanent residents only" and I just scroll past them. I understand why, but it still stings a little. Like, I'm here, I'm studying hard, I'm paying THREE TIMES what everyone else pays in tuition, and I can't even apply for most things??
But I refuse to believe there's NOTHING out there. There has to be some California college scholarship opportunities for international students, right?? I've found a few small ones through my department (shoutout to my advisor who actually took time to help me
) but I know there's more.For other international students here: what's worked for you?? Any specific scholarships or strategies?? I'm willing to put in the work, I just need to know where to look.
Also – and maybe this is naive – but I've thought about applying to local community foundations even if they don't explicitly say "international students welcome." Worst they can do is say no, right?? Has anyone tried this?? Did it work??
My parents are sacrificing so much to send me here. I want to help them however I can. If I could get even a small California college scholarship, that's less stress on them. That's worth something.
Anyway, if anyone has tips or leads, please share. And if you're also an international student struggling with this – you're not alone. We'll figure it out.