Posted below are exchange, study abroad, and other travel opportunities for teens and teachers. Some programs are grant-funded, some have scholarships, and some cost LOTS of money. Either way, I encourage students and colleagues to apply and raise funds for these wonderful travel opportunities:
FOR STUDENTS:
The Air Force Research Laboratory (*FREE*) - The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate level university students pursuing STEM degrees, as well as upper-level high school students. The selected interns gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology and are able to contribute to unique, research-based projects.
American Youth Leadership Program (*FREE*) - This provides opportunities for students and educators to travel abroad on a three- to four-week exchange program.
AmeriCorps ($ PAYS $) - Program that engages Americans in intensive service at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country.
Birthright Israel (*FREE*) - For eligible young adults of Jewish heritage, Birthright Israel offers a free 10-day trip to Israel. Current eligibility and program details should be checked on the official site.
City Year - If you are not sure what to do after school, you want to live somewhere in the US besides South Carolina, and you enjoy helping others, this opportunity could be for you.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (*FREE*) - This program provides merit-based scholarships to high school students, recent vocational graduates and young professionals for an academic year of study and/or work experience in Germany.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) - CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that offers a wide variety of opportunities for students and educators. It's a reputable, great place to research an array of exchange opportunities.
De La Howe School for Agriculture (*FREE*) - While not an international experience, this residential public school gives students a chance to live in McCormick, SC and is focused on providing a unique and challenging agricultural education program. The school is the nation's only public residential high school devoted to agricultural education and offers hands-on training in agriculture, agribusiness, horticulture, environmental and natural resources, and related fields.
DCPS Study Abroad (*FREE*) - In the off-chance you move to the Washington, DC area, this opportunity could be for you! DCPS Study Abroad is a fully funded K–12 study abroad program offering eligible students short-term international experiences focused on language immersion, STEM, cultural immersion, and/or service learning.
EF Global Citizen Scholarship (*FREE*) - The Global Citizen Scholarship is awarded to students who strive to be global citizens and demonstrate a commitment to tackling global issues. Check EF's current scholarship offerings for application details.
Global Kids - Global Kids' programs build global competency by informing students about critical foreign policy issues, providing opportunities for travel, and connecting them with international affairs experts and peers worldwide.
Inspiring Girls* Expeditions (*FREE*) - Inspiring Girls* Expeditions offers tuition-free summer wilderness expeditions for high school youth. Programs combine field science, art, and outdoor exploration, with eligibility varying by expedition and branch.
ISE - In addition to helping students from other countries travel into the US to study, this nonprofit organization also helps American high school students participate in international exchange programs.
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) (*FREE*) - This U.S. Department of State program provides scholarships for American high school students and recent graduates to spend a semester abroad living with a host family, attending a local school, and participating in leadership activities.
National Geographic Student Expeditions - Summer trips for teens organized around exploration, education, and cultural experiences; programs cost money, but financial assistance may be available.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) (*FREE*) - This opportunity provides merit-based scholarships for U.S. high school students to learn critical languages through summer and academic-year immersion programs abroad.
Peace Corps ($ PAYS $) - A service program for U.S. citizens 18 and older who are curious about the world and committed to helping others. Peace Corps Volunteer service currently lasts two years and three months.
Rotary International Youth Exchange - Rotary operates one of the largest and longest-running international youth exchange programs. Students ages 15–19 can participate in long-term academic-year exchanges or shorter programs. Room and board and school fees are generally provided, while students are typically responsible for airfare, travel documents, insurance, and spending money.
South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities (*FREE*) - Located in upstate SC, this is a public residential high school for emerging artists. The school gives artistically talented high school students from across the state the opportunity to study their art in a supportive environment of artistic and academic excellence.
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (*FREE*) - Located in Hartsville, SC, this is a tuition-free, two-year residential high school for academically motivated juniors and seniors pursuing advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields.
STARTALK (*FREE*) - This program offers students and teachers engaging opportunities to learn critical languages through innovative approaches to language education.
Student Youth Travel Association Foundation - The SYTA Youth Foundation provides scholarships and financial assistance for students to participate in enriching travel experiences and offers programs designed to develop global awareness and responsible citizenship.
U.S. Armed Forces ($ PAYS $) - The U.S. military offers opportunities to serve in the United States and around the world. Students considering military service should research the different branches, career paths, educational benefits, and service commitments carefully.
FOR TEACHERS: