Can financial aid such as Pell Grant still be awarded if you choose to study abroad independently?

If you’re borrowing $20k for a year abroad to take courses that aren’t guaranteed to transfer, I think you’re borrowing for what amounts to a very expensive vacation.

Has your family been approved for the loan? If your income makes you eligible for enough Pell to put a dent in an overseas trip, I don’t know how your family can qualify for a private loan.