Teachers shape young minds and inspire the next generation. Therefore, it is important to maintain an up-to-date view of the world. One of the most impactful ways to broaden your horizons and develop as a teacher is through travel. There are several exclusively available grants and travel opportunities for teachers. These experiences allow teachers to explore new cultures and bring fresh experiences back to the classroom. Here are 9 incredible travel opportunities and grants just for teachers.
9 Exclusive Travel Opportunities for Teachers
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (Fulbright 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 short international exchange in one of the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, or South Korea. 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 21st century. The application deadline is in mid-March.
You may also wish to explore the following Fulbright Awards for teachers:
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (Fulbright DAI)
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program for U.S. Teachers
The Instituto Cervantes was founded in 1991 by the Spanish government to teach and promote the language and culture of Spain as well as the co-official languages of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. The Instituto Cervantes offers a comprehensive teacher training program designed to cater to the needs of teachers of Spanish as a second/foreign language in different stages of their careers.
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.
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.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers tuition-free opportunities for K-12 educators to study a variety of humanities topics. Stipends of $1300-$3450 for residential programs and $650-$1725 for virtual programs help cover expenses for these one- to four-week programs. Applications are due in March.
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–12 classroom teachers and informal educators from the 50 U.S. states, Canada, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Department of Defense Activity schools.
Travel opportunities and grants for teachers offer transformative experiences that can invigorate your teaching practices. Whether you are looking to for funding for research projects, field expeditions, cultural exchanges, or professional development, these opportunities will help you bring the world into your classrooms 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.
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