Travel Opportunities for Teachers

Let's face it- there is nothing like traveling.  There are many opportunities for teachers to travel so they can learn about topics in their field and different cultures.  Some of these opportunities are free or cost little money.  Be aware that some of these programs are VERY competitive and often require teachers to have taught for a minimum of five years.  If you are thinking about applying, start making yourself into a unique, attractive, and qualified candidate.

• Fulbright- The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching is a highly competitive, enriching experience for teachers.  There are many steps to qualify and it is an extensive application process, but well worth it.  Make sure your school district is on board before you commit.
• Gilder Lehrman- This is a great organization to know about if you teach Social Studies, English, Humanities, or serve as a media specialist.  This organization focuses on teaching literacy through American history.  As an alumni, I can say that it changed my teaching for the better!  This also has a fairly lengthy application process, but is worth it.
• Hilton Teacher Treks- This program, run by the Institute of International Education, is a relatively new organization that funds teachers to go abroad for 2-3 weeks during the summer and experience cultures worldwide that will benefit their students.  Teachers can choose to travel anywhere, so long as there are Hilton or Hilton affiliated hotels in the country.
• Keizai Koho Fellowship Tour- A tour for educators to explore Japanese culture, business, and education.
• The Korea Society- Educators can spend 12 days exploring Korea, hearing lectures on historical and contemporary issues, and meet fellow Korean educators.
• NEH- NEH historically has some of the best fellowships, summer institutes, and web seminars out there.  These are highly competitive and are a bit longer in duration, but well worth it.
• Peace Corps Response- You may not know this, but teachers are smart and have skills that apply in a wide variety of circumstances, like in countries where the Peace Corps is active.  If you have a couple of weeks or months to spare, the Peace Corps is looking for people to fill short-term assignments.
• Teacher at Sea- The NOAA provides teachers with hands-on research experience working with NOAA scientists at sea.
• Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC)- The State Department, through IREX, has put together an excellent year-long fellowship that includes a class on globalization, a symposium in Washington D.C., and a field placement abroad for two-three weeks.  It is highly competitive and well worth it.
• World Affairs Council of Dallas Fort Worth- If you are not familiar with the World Affairs Council, you should be.  There are branches all over the US- many of them offer travel opportunities for teachers in  the form of cultural exchanges and short trips.  The WAC of Dallas-Fort Worth has complied a list of inexpensive/ free trips for teachers.  Some of them have the caveat that you need to get students to pay to travel, but some seem like good programs.  Check out their database.