Making International Education Affordable
At Melissani Foundation, we believe that the cost of a program should never be the reason a student misses a life-changing opportunity. That is why affordability is not an afterthought — it is built into every decision we make, from the way we design our programs to the way we manage our finances.
Keeping Costs Low From the Start
Many study abroad programs are expensive not just because of international travel, but because oftentimes they are structured like tourist packages. Melissani Foundation takes a fundamentally different approach. By leveraging the extensive international network and expertise of our board members, we negotiate directly with partners, institutions, and service providers to secure the lowest possible costs for our programs. Also, as a nonprofit organisation, we do not budget for profit.
Surplus Goes Back to Students
International programs are, by their nature, unpredictable. Unexpected events in the host country, accommodation challenges, and participant health issues are all factors that no organizer can fully anticipate. To protect our students and programs, we apply a "worst-case scenario" budgeting approach that accounts for these uncertainties upfront. When programs conclude and surplus funds remain, we do not treat that money as profit. Every dollar is reinvested to subsidize participation costs for students in future programs, keeping our commitment to accessibility at the center of everything we do.
The Power of Your Donation
As a federally recognized non-profit organization, Melissani Foundation is able to accept donations from both U.S. and international individuals, companies, and organizations. For U.S.-based donors, contributions are fully tax-deductible making it even easier to give back in a meaningful way. When you donate to Melissani Foundation, you are not simply making a financial contribution — you are opening a door for a student who never thought studying abroad was within their reach.
