Grants are available to help young people experience travel.
The availability of travel grants has made it possible for kids to get immersed in other cultures and learn other languages overseas. The article "Recent Poll Says Travel Abroad is Common Among Teens" published by Reading Eagle (Reference 1) claims that one in four teens have traveled overseas. Getting a travel grant takes time and extensive research.
Travel Grants
A travel grant is free money to pay for transportation and other expenses when you travel overseas. Not every kid can afford traveling abroad, but some may be eligible to apply for a grant to volunteer, study or work in a foreign country. Eligibility requirements vary according to the organization that gives the grant; in the United States, these grants are generally given to American citizens who demonstrate financial need, speak the language of the foreign country and are interested in the activities the program supports.
Grant for International Volunteerism
Nonprofit organizations such as Global Aware and Cross-Cultural Solutions offer the opportunity for young people to volunteer abroad. They partner with Travelocity (see Resources) to give travel grants for up to $5,000 when you volunteer overseas to help communities in need or help solve environmental issues. You need to be at least 18 years old to apply on your own; minors are eligible only if they travel under the supervision of an adult. You may apply online and demonstrate your volunteering history.
Grant to Work Overseas
The article "Winning a Grant to Work Overseas" published by Transitions Abroad (see Reference 2) suggests that with hard work and good writing skills, you might be eligible for a grant to work overseas. Seeking founders takes many hours of research. Some organizations require a letter of inquiry (LOI) and others a full proposal to apply. Stick to the rules and deadlines. Organizations such as InterExchange Foundation (See Resources) awards grants for $1,500 to pay for transportation, fees, housing and meals to work abroad. You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for this grant.
Grant to Study Overseas
"Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act" published by NAFSA, the Association of International Educators (see Reference 3), addresses the need for undergraduate students to study abroad and learn about the world. The need for globally informed American citizens promotes the creation of programs to assist students get involved in the world. Organizations such as Fulbright (see Resources) have grants available for undergraduate students to travel abroad to study or do research.
Other Travel Grants for Kids
There are grants for specific group of kids. For example, The Central Agency for Jewish Education (see Resources) gives $3,000 grants for Jewish teens (9th to 11th grade students) in St. Louis to travel to Israel; teens should share their experience when they return and participate in the St. Louis Jewish communal activities.
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