Embarking on a volunteer abroad journey is a transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to give back, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain invaluable life skills. However, financial constraints can sometimes be a significant barrier to pursuing these life-changing experiences. At Volunteer The World, we understand the challenges that come with funding a volunteer trip. That’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to 15 volunteer abroad scholarships that can help you fund your adventure and make a meaningful impact.
Whether you’re a gap year student, a traveler seeking a purposeful trip, a teacher looking to give back, or someone at any stage of life looking to make a difference, these scholarships can make your dream of volunteering abroad a reality. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can secure funding for your next volunteer adventure with Volunteer The World.
1. Volunteer The World Global Impact Scholarship
The Volunteer The World Global Impact Scholarship is designed to support passionate individuals who are committed to creating positive change. This scholarship covers the full cost of the volunteer program, including accommodation, meals, and project fees.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism and community service
- Strong personal statement outlining your motivations and goals for volunteering
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form on the Volunteer The World website
- Submit your personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Participate in a virtual interview if shortlisted
Application Deadline: Applications for the Global Impact Scholarship are accepted on a rolling basis, with winners announced quarterly.
2. *The GoAbroad Foundation Volunteer Scholarships
The GoAbroad Foundation offers scholarships to individuals who are committed to making a lasting impact through volunteer work. These scholarships help cover program fees and travel expenses, making it easier for volunteers to join meaningful projects abroad.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to individuals aged 18 and above
- Must be enrolled or recently graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution
- Strong emphasis on community service and leadership experience
Application Process:
- Submit an online application through the GoAbroad Foundation website
- Include a detailed project proposal outlining your intended volunteer activities and goals
- Provide proof of enrollment or graduation and letters of recommendation
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due twice per year, with deadlines on June 1st and December 1st.
3. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships
The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships aimed at increasing the number and diversity of U.S. students studying and volunteering abroad. FEA scholarships support students who are underrepresented in education abroad and focus on funding transformative experiences.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduates in U.S. colleges or universities
- Priority is given to students from underrepresented groups, including minorities, first-generation college students, and those with financial need
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form through the FEA website
- Submit a personal essay, financial aid information, and two letters of recommendation
- Provide a detailed study or volunteer abroad budget
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the FEA Scholarships is typically in January for summer, fall, and academic year programs.
4. The Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduates with financial need to participate in study and volunteer abroad programs worldwide. This program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term abroad
- Must be enrolled in a two or four-year institution of higher education
- Acceptance into a study or volunteer abroad program that is eligible for academic credit
Application Process:
- Submit an online application through the Gilman Program website
- Provide a statement of purpose and follow-on service project proposal
- Submit academic transcripts and financial aid information
Application Deadline: Application deadlines are typically in March for summer programs and October for winter, spring, and fall programs.
5. The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world and make a meaningful difference. While primarily designed for study abroad programs, the scholarship can also support volunteer abroad experiences that include an educational component.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students studying in the U.S.
- Demonstrated interest in intercultural exchange and global citizenship
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form on the Tortuga Backpack website
- Submit a short essay detailing your volunteer abroad plan and how it aligns with your academic and career goals
- Include academic transcripts and one letter of recommendation
Application Deadline: The application deadlines are typically in May for fall programs and December for spring programs.
6. Volunteer Forever Scholarship Program
The Volunteer Forever Scholarship Program offers micro-scholarships for individuals who are passionate about volunteering abroad. These scholarships can help cover program fees, travel expenses, and other costs associated with volunteering.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to anyone planning to volunteer abroad within the next year
- Must demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and community service
- Active participation in Volunteer Forever’s online community and fundraising platform preferred
Application Process:
- Create a Volunteer Forever account and set up a fundraising campaign
- Submit an application form through the Volunteer Forever website
- Include a personal statement explaining your volunteer project and goals
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with winners announced quarterly.
7. The Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) Scholarship
The Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) Scholarship is designed for high school students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service. These scholarships support participation in GLA programs, including volunteer experiences that focus on leadership and global citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to high school students aged 14-18
- Demonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to community service
- Strong academic performance and positive references
Application Process:
- Complete an application form on the GLA website
- Submit a personal statement describing your leadership qualities and community service experience
- Include academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation
Application Deadline: Deadlines for the GLA Scholarship vary by program season, generally in February for summer programs.
8. The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation offers Global Grant Scholarships for graduate-level coursework or research in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus, including peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, and more. These scholarships can support volunteer projects that align with these areas.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students pursuing graduate-level coursework or research
- Demonstrated alignment with one of Rotary’s six areas of focus
- Strong leadership skills and commitment to community service
Application Process:
- Submit a proposal through a local Rotary club and seek endorsement from a Rotary district
- Include a detailed project plan, budget, and letters of support
- Participate in interviews and evaluations by the Rotary Foundation
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by Rotary district, with applications typically due several months before the planned project start date.
9.The World Endeavors Volunteer Abroad Scholarship
The World Endeavors Volunteer Abroad Scholarship supports individuals who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to volunteerism. These scholarships help cover program fees, making it more accessible for volunteers to join impactful projects abroad.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to applicants aged 18 and above
- Demonstrated financial need and volunteer experience
- Personal statement outlining your motivations and goals for volunteering abroad
Application Process:
- Submit an application form through the World Endeavors website
- Include financial documentation and a detailed personal statement
- Provide two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with winners announced quarterly.
10. CISabroad Scholarships
CISabroad offers scholarships to help make study and volunteer abroad experiences more accessible. These scholarships can be applied to a wide range of programs and are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and the strength of the applicant’s personal statement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students who are participating in CISabroad programs
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic merit
- Strong personal statement explaining your motivations and goals for your study or volunteer abroad experience
Application Process:
- Complete the online scholarship application form on the CISabroad website
- Submit academic transcripts and financial aid information
- Include a personal statement and two letters of recommendation
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by program season. Be sure to check the specific dates for your desired program.
11. The AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) provides a variety of scholarships and grants to help support students participating in their study and volunteer abroad programs. These awards are based on financial need, academic merit, and leadership abilities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to undergraduate students participating in AIFS programs
- Demonstrated financial need and academic achievement
- Strong leadership and community service experience
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form on the AIFS website
- Submit a personal essay, academic transcripts, and financial aid information
- Include letters of recommendation highlighting your leadership and service experience
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by program; check the AIFS website for specific dates.
12. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides grants for U.S. undergraduates of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or internships abroad. These scholarships focus on diversifying the kinds of students who study and volunteer abroad and the regions where they go.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or providing evidence that they will receive a Pell Grant during their time abroad
- Must be enrolled in a two or four-year institution of higher education in the U.S.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Application Process:
- Submit an online application through the Gilman Scholarship website
- Provide a statement of purpose essay and follow-on service project proposal
- Submit academic transcripts and financial aid information
Application Deadline: Deadlines are typically in March for summer programs and October for winter, spring, and fall programs.
13. The Diversity Abroad Scholarships
The Diversity Abroad Scholarships aim to increase participation in study and volunteer abroad programs among diverse and underrepresented students. These scholarships support students from minority groups, low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to undergraduate students from underrepresented groups
- Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
- Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
Application Process:
- Complete the online scholarship application form on the Diversity Abroad website
- Submit a personal statement, academic transcripts, and financial aid information
- Include letters of recommendation highlighting your commitment to diversity and inclusion
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by program season. Check the Diversity Abroad website for specific dates.
14. Volunteers for Peace (VFP) Scholarships
Volunteers for Peace (VFP) offers scholarships to support individuals who want to contribute to grassroots community projects worldwide. These scholarships help cover program fees and are awarded to volunteers who demonstrate a strong commitment to peace and intercultural understanding.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to individuals aged 18 and above
- Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism, peace, and intercultural understanding
- Strong personal statement outlining your volunteer goals and motivations
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form on the VFP website
- Submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Provide proof of enrollment or graduation
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due once per year. Check the VFP website for specific dates.
15. The Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia)
The Freeman-ASIA program provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. These scholarships fund various study and volunteer abroad programs, aiming to increase understanding of Asia among American students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Must be enrolled as undergraduates at a U.S. college or university
- Demonstrated financial need and a commitment to learn about Asia and its cultures
Application Process:
- Submit an online application through the Freeman-ASIA website
- Provide a personal essay, financial aid information, and two letters of recommendation
- Include a study or volunteer abroad budget and a follow-on service project proposal
Application Deadline: Deadlines usually fall in April for summer and fall programs and October for spring programs.
Explore Weekend and Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
At Volunteer The World, we recognize the value of short-term volunteer experiences. Our weekend and holiday programs are designed to maximize your impact in a short time, offering a blend of cultural immersion and meaningful volunteer work. Here are some exceptional opportunities:
Elephant Lover Project in Mondulkiri
Experience the beauty of Mondulkiri’s lush forests while contributing to elephant conservation over the weekend. Highlights include:
- Observing elephants in their natural habitat
- Participating in reforestation efforts
- Engaging with local Bunong communities
- Joining night treks to explore the nocturnal forest
Volunteer Insight: “Spending the weekend with these majestic creatures and contributing to their conservation was an unforgettable experience. It deepened my appreciation for wildlife and the vital work being done to protect it,” shares Natalie Winters, a 34-year-old.
Village-Led Tourism in Siem Reap
Immerse yourself in authentic Cambodian village life and contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives over a 3-day holiday. Highlights include:
- Staying with a local family in a traditional Khmer house
- Participating in daily village activities like rice farming
- Learning traditional crafts
- Contributing to community development projects
Don’t Miss the Opportunity – Apply Now!
Are you ready to embark on a life-changing volunteer experience? Don’t let financial constraints hold you back. Explore the scholarships mentioned above, and take the first step towards making a meaningful impact. Visit Volunteer The World to learn more about our projects and how you can get involved.
For detailed application and further assistance, contact us at Contact Us.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarships?
A: Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship, but generally include factors such as age, enrollment status, financial need, academic merit, and commitment to volunteerism.
Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving funding. Be sure to carefully review each scholarship’s requirements and deadlines.
Q: What if I am not eligible for any scholarships?
A: If you are not eligible for any scholarships, consider fundraising, seeking sponsorship, or exploring financial aid options through your educational institution or local community organizations.
Q: How can I enhance my chances of receiving a scholarship?
A: To enhance your chances, focus on crafting a strong personal statement, demonstrating financial need, showcasing your commitment to volunteerism, and providing compelling letters of recommendation.
Q: What is the application process like?
A: The application process typically involves completing an online form, submitting personal statements and essays, providing academic and financial documentation, and obtaining letters of recommendation. Some scholarships may also include interviews.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and resources to fund your volunteer abroad experience. Good luck with your applications, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Volunteer The World family!