Is Travel Is Too Expensive? Out Of Your Reach? Think Travel Scholarships. Explore the World!

Tianna, (left) one of the 2016 Explore the World Travel Scholarships is surrounded by children during her 

visit to Capte Town, South Africa.

Not everyone dreams of travel but many who do dream of traveling to far away places believe their dreams are out of their reach financially. This is especially true of those in their teens and twenties. For many it is a choice between furthering their education or travel.  Not necessarily.

Explore the World Travel Scholarships from HIUSA offer financial assistance to young people from 18-30 to travel and learn at the same time.

In 2016, 81 scholarships were awarded. In 2017 they have upped the number to 98. (Consider donating to the scholarship fund and help them break 100 make in 2018)

Tiana during a trip to South Africa made possible by an 

Explore the World Travel Scholarship

One of the 2016 scholarship recipients was Tianna, a 23-year-old from New York City who traveled abroad for the first time in her life, teaching and volunteering at a daycare center near Cape Town, South Africa, in July 2016.

“This trip has opened my eyes to how small of a space I occupy in this world. There is so much going on outside of the United States…this experience has taught me how privileged Americans are to have education and all that it comes with.”

HI USA CEO, Russ Hedge believes in the adage "Travel changes you. You change the world." He has put his company behind making educational travel more accessible for young people. “The Explore the World travel scholarship program is designed to assist young adults in underserved communities in realizing their travel dreams.  And it changes the lives of people around the
world.”

Ngozi, on a side trip to Egypt after her Arabic course in Jordan

Ngozi, a student at Howard University studying Political Science with a minor in Arabic used her scholarship award to travel to Amman, Jordan where she took part in and intensive Arabic course. Her trip brought her knowledge outside the course work, “I was there during Ramadan, the holiest part of the year for a predominantly Muslim country. I really appreciate the experience to see how they worship and how they care about each other. They’re about peace and equality. My quest is to educate people in America about Islamophobia and this misunderstanding.”

Explore the World is administered by 167 volunteers nationwide who believe in HI USA’s mission and purpose to create a more tolerant world.

There are some specific eligibility requirements but is worth a look to see if you qualify.

Eligibility criteria:
·          18 - 30 years old
·          Current Pell Grant recipient, former Pell Grant recipient, or have a current income level does not exceed 300% of poverty line

·          Permanent, legal resident of the USA

·          Have a strong desire and motivation to experience other people and cultures through international travel

·          Plans to take a trip outside the US between now and August 31, 2018, that incorporates education, volunteerism or service learning.

Additionally, candidates must be a resident of or attend school in one of the following 14 metro areas: Austin, Baltimore Boston, Chicago, DC, Houston, LA, Minneapolis, NYC, Portland, Richmond, San Diego, SF, or Seattle.