Explore the World Travel Scholarship

At HI USA, we believe that travel changes you so you can change the world. That's why we created the Explore the World Travel Scholarship: we want to help young Americans with limited travel experience and resources to connect with other countries and cultures.

Applications for 2024 are now closed.

2025 Applications will open in the fall for travel beginning after March 2026. To be alerted when applications open for 2025, sign up for our “Programs and Events” mailing list.

 

This was my first experience traveling on my own and depending entirely on myself. I met so many wonderful people, learned about new cultures and languages, and challenged myself more than I thought I would.

Samantha Villella Studied abroad in Germany, France, and Switzerland

Award Details

Explore the World Travel Scholarship

In 2024, we'll award 15 General Explore the World Scholarships of $2,000 each for young Americans with demonstrated financial need to take an international trip that includes an educational or service component.

Program Requirements

Explore the World Travel Scholarship: First Passport Edition

We'll award 5 additional scholarships to young Americans who have never had a passport. Recipients get a $3,000 stipend for use to cover passport fees, flights, and hostel accommodations. In addition, awardees will be paired with a travel mentor to help plan their first trip abroad.

Program Requirements

Program Overview & FAQs

Get more information on applicant eligibility, travel eligibility, the application process, award structure and more.

Learn More

Thanks to this scholarship, I’ll be able to share my experiences on my graduate application this fall as I apply to a Master’s degree focused on International Development.

Irfan Ahmed Volunteered with refugee populations in Belgium

Mary Ellen Brucker Scholarship Endowment

Established by the children of the late Mrs. Brucker, Katherine and Edward, this fund was created to bring back and further the Explore the World Travel Scholarship after the pandemic. The fund was established to honor Mary Ellen Brucker, who had a passion for travel and exploring the world at a young age. This $500,000 fund will have a lasting impact on HI USA’s capacity to create impactful international travel experiences for new travelers with barriers to travel.