Teachers shape young minds and inspire the next generation, so it is important to continuously learn and grow in your role. One of the most impactful ways to broaden your horizons and develop as a teacher is through travel. There are several exclusively available travel grants for teachers. These experiences allow teachers to explore new cultures and bring fresh experiences back to the classroom. Here are eight incredible travel grants for teachers.
8 Exclusive Travel Grants for Teachers
#1. Fulbright Travel Grants for Teachers
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (TGC) is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It offers a professional learning opportunity for K-12 teachers from the United States to participate in a program aimed at globalizing teaching and learning in their classrooms.
In this year-long program, teachers complete an online course and a two-to-three-week international exchange in one of the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, or Uruguay. TGC is designed to provide professional development opportunities for U.S. teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The application deadline is in February.
You may wish to explore all Fulbright Teacher Exchanges here:
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (4 months)
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program (3-6 months)
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program for U.S. Teachers (2-6 weeks)
#2. National Air and Space Museum’s Teacher Innovator Institute
The National Air and Space Museum’s Teacher Innovator Institute brings thirty teachers to Washington, D.C. every summer. Accepted applicants will spend two weeks in Washington working with education and STEAM experts to explore the connections between informal STEAM education and authentic learning. There is no cost for teachers to participate and most expenses are paid by the Museum. Applications open in the fall and close in January. Join their newsletter to be the first to know when applications open.
#3. Smithsonian National Education Summit
The fifth-annual Smithsonian National Education Summit will be from July 15th to July 17th. Taking place both virtually and in-person in Washington, D.C., this free event brings together leading education experts to explore instructional strategies and resources that empower educators and their learners. The summit’s theme this year, Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible, will explore how pivotal moments in history continue to shape our present and future.
Currently, the Smithsonian Science Education Center is also running a free online speaker series. Sign up here.
#4. Native Knowledge 360° Professional Development Programs
The Native Knowledge 360° Professional Development Programs by the National Museum of the American Indian host on-site programs tailored to equip educators with strategies for integrating more comprehensive narratives of Native American histories, cultures and contemporary lives into their classrooms. Explore a range of upcoming webinars and program options.
#5. Fund for Teachers
The Fund for Teachers is a nonprofit organization that provides grants for self-designed professional development experiences. Educators create their own travel itineraries, focusing on areas of interest that directly impact their teaching practice. This grant empowers teachers to explore the world, attend conferences, engage in workshops, or even embark on self-guided research projects to deepen their expertise and bring newfound knowledge back to their classrooms. Applications open October 1st.
#6. Earthwatch Institute
Earthwatch Institute offers Teacher Fellowship programs that allow educators to participate in scientific research expeditions around the world. Work alongside scientists to gain valuable field experience, develop new teaching methodologies, and bring real-world applications of scientific concepts back to your students. Fellowships support projects on a variety of topics ranging from biodiversity and conservation to climate change and archaeology. The Teach Earth fellowship is for K-12 teachers of any discipline. The Project Kindle fellowship is for high school science teachers interested in leading a student group expedition in the next two years.
#7. National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers tuition-free opportunities for K-12 educators to study a variety of humanities topics. Stipends of $1,300-$3,450 for residential programs and $650-$1,725 for virtual programs help cover expenses for these one- to four-week programs. Applications are due in March.
#8. Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program
The Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program, in partnership with National Geographic, is a fellowship that allows educators to embark on expeditions aboard the National Geographic Explorer or the National Geographic Endeavour II. By working side by side with scientists and photographers, teachers gain firsthand knowledge to enhance their teaching, with a focus on geographic education, conservation, and cultural understanding. The fellowship is for current pre-K to 12 classroom teachers and informal educators from the fifty U.S. states, Canada, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Department of Defense Activity schools.
Travel grants for teachers offer transformative experiences that can invigorate your teaching practices. Whether you are looking for funding for research projects, field expeditions, cultural exchanges, or professional development, these opportunities will help you bring the world into your classroom and empower your students to become global citizens. By taking advantage of these incredible opportunities, you can foster curiosity, understanding, and empathy among your students, ultimately preparing them for a diverse and interconnected world.