I am currently a part of a Chinese-English cultural and educational exchange program that allows me six weeks of intensive study in China.  We will learn about Chinese history and culture, while reciprocating the same information to our Chinese counterparts.  We--a group of about 10 students--have dedicated the majority of our summer (2005) to this educational exchange with one of the world's largest cultural giants. 

The goal of this trip is education, but we still have to fund our own excursion.  I was able to raise half of my $3,000 budget, thus I was allowed to attend the trip in good faith that I will pay the remaining balance when I return.  Obviously, this will be a bit difficult, considering I will not be working while in China, and my job will not start again until I return home.  The finances that I do attain from workng are largely geared toward paying for college, considering I recieve very minimal help from my family. 

My hope is to continue to gain (tax-deductible) financial support as well as tips from others who may have been in a similar situaion previously.  This is a new venture for me, so I am unfamiliar with any 'standard procedures' that one may typically encounter in this situation.  If you are aware of any grants or scholarships--either private or public--I would appreciate learning of them, as well as any monetary support that may be offered.