Teacher Travel Grants

I love to travel and I think one of the best ways to energize your teaching and your life is to meet new people and experience different places around the world. There are several foundations that think this is important for teachers and they make grants available for teachers to travel.

Some examples of teacher grants for travel are below. Take a look. Maybe this is how you will spend some of your time in the future.

Also, take this opportunity to sign-up for my free ezine so that you will be the first to hear about new travel grant opportunities.

I'll be passing along some great deals as they become available. You will also get to read some feature stories from teachers who have received travel grants.

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Travel Opportunities

Grants are available to "enrich the personal and professional growth of teachers."

Last year 553 teachers were awarded fellowships that allowed them to go on trips ranging from an archeological dig to training teachers in Afghanistan.

Teachers with at least three years experience teaching preK through 12th grade are eligible to apply. Grants vary in amounts from up to $5000. for individuals and up to $10,000. for teams of two or more.

Since the program started, more than 2,500 teachers from 47 states have studied and traveled throughout the United States and 100 other countries on seven continents. The application deadline is January 31st.

Visit www.fundforteachers.org for more information (link will open in a new window). Read their newsletter to see the impact travel has had on the teachers who have received grants.

Earthwatch Institute's Education Fellowships are available for teachers who can apply to one of their many expeditions.

Here is what one teacher had to say about her Earthwatch experience:

All educators, regardless of your field are eligible to apply for a fellowship. All costs associated with the research, food, and accommodations are covered. Travel expenses to and from the site are not covered. (If you cannot cover your travel costs you may look for a local business to assist by sponsoring you.) Partial reimbursement may be available for some teachers. You will need to check for specific guidelines.

Teachers are required to keep detailed journals, submit a final report, and submit a lesson plan or community plan related to the trip that can be shared with other educators. Check information and application deadline at www.earthwatch.org. (Link will open in a new window.) In 2007 there were more than 200 fellowships awarded.

Here is a description of the program from The Institute of International Education:

"At seminars in Tokyo, participants are introduced to the Japanese culture and education system, and meet with Japanese government officials and educators. Participants also visit urban schools, museums, and historic landmarks. They are then assigned to small groups that spend the next several days visiting a particular Japanese city. The participants visit local schools and teachers' colleges, where they interact with Japanese teachers, students, and parents. For many, the highlight of the study visit is a short home stay with a Japanese family. The program concludes with debriefing sessions in Tokyo where all participants share their experiences and insights."

Here is how one of the participants described his experience:

"I was able to experience Japan in a way most people who do not speak Japanese cannot... From friendly conversations with strangers in a restaurant, to an amazing home stay visit with a family in Soka, all of these activities touched me in a way that no textbook, documentary or television show ever could." - Jeffrey Perl, October 2006

For complete information contact the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. (Link will open in a new window)

All educators and administrators with at least 3 years of experience, who are responsible for curriculum in the areas of social sciences or humanities, including languages, are eligible to apply.

An excerpt from the program description says: "The program is geared towards those educators with little or no experience in the host country(ies) who demonstrate the need to develop and enhance their curriculum through short-term study and travel abroad."

Topics and host countries vary year to year and are in non-western European countries. All program costs are covered including airfare. Participants are required to pay a cost share of approximately $400. Over 100 grants are awarded to educators each year. The deadline for submission is mid-September for the following summer. You can contact the Fulbright-Hayes Seminars Abroad Program. (Link will open in a new window.)

These sound like some great opportunities. Here are a few more organizations that offer teacher travel grants:

Another option is to design your own travel experience either for yourself or with a group of other teachers, draw up a proposal, and seek funding from local or national businesses or organizations.

The key is to find an enriching experience that advances the education of your students.

I've provided some information and steps to help you get the grant you desire. Just click grant writing tips to get started.

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