For students looking to combine educational enrichment with global exploration, summer scholarships that include travel opportunities offer the perfect solution. These programs not only provide financial support but also open doors to cultural exchange, hands-on learning, leadership development, and networking with peers from around the world. Whether you're passionate about language, science, diplomacy, or social change, there are summer scholarships designed to help you travel, learn, and grow—without the financial burden.
This article highlights some of the best summer scholarships that include travel opportunities, outlining their unique offerings, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
Why Choose a Summer Scholarship with Travel Opportunities?
Summer travel scholarships allow students to go beyond textbooks and lectures, immersing them in real-world experiences. Benefits include:
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Cultural Exposure: Engaging with different societies broadens perspectives and enhances global awareness.
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Academic Enrichment: Students gain access to specialized courses, research programs, or language immersion experiences.
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Professional Development: Internships, conferences, and workshops help build critical skills for future careers.
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Networking: Participants interact with peers, mentors, and industry experts from around the globe.
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Affordability: Scholarships cover most or all travel and program expenses, reducing financial strain.
Top Summer Scholarships with Travel Opportunities
1. U.S. Department of State – Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Destination: Multiple Countries
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students receiving Pell Grants
Focus: Language learning, study abroad, service-learning
Funding: Up to $5,000 (or $8,000 with critical need language supplement)
The Gilman Scholarship supports students with financial need who want to study or intern abroad during the summer. It encourages diversity in study abroad and often includes students from underrepresented backgrounds. Scholars travel to countries around the world, with priority given to non-traditional destinations.
2. DAAD RISE – Research Internships in Science and Engineering (Germany)
Destination: Germany
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in STEM fields (from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Ireland)
Focus: Research
Funding: Monthly stipend, housing, travel allowance
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious program places students in research internships at German universities and institutions during the summer. Participants work with doctoral students on cutting-edge scientific projects while experiencing German culture and academic life.
3. The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Summer Scholarship
Destination: Various
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates planning to study abroad for at least 28 days in the summer
Focus: Academic study and cultural immersion
Funding: Up to $5,000
The FEA aims to make international education accessible to all students, particularly those who are underrepresented in study abroad programs. Summer awards help cover travel, tuition, and living expenses for educational programs around the world.
4. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Destination: Various countries including Jordan, China, Turkey, and South Korea
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate and graduate students
Focus: Intensive language learning
Funding: Full coverage of program costs, travel, housing, and meals
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS Program offers immersive summer language programs in critical-need languages such as Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, and Korean. Students live abroad and engage in intensive instruction and cultural experiences. The program fosters cross-cultural understanding and prepares students for careers in diplomacy, security, and international relations.
5. Humanity in Action Fellowship
Destination: Europe and the U.S. (Denmark, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, U.S.)
Eligibility: Current undergraduates and recent graduates
Focus: Human rights, democracy, and social justice
Funding: All program costs covered, travel stipend provided
This summer fellowship gathers diverse groups of students from across the globe to examine social justice issues in a comparative and historical context. The program combines lectures, site visits, and community-based projects with travel to historically significant cities. It is highly selective and aimed at students passionate about social change.
6. Amgen Scholars Program (Asia, Europe, U.S.)
Destination: Japan, Singapore, U.S., and European universities
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in life sciences
Focus: Scientific research
Funding: Full program support including travel, housing, and stipend
Amgen Scholars offers students a unique opportunity to conduct biomedical research at world-renowned institutions like Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo, and the National University of Singapore. Participants present their findings at a final symposium and engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
7. UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer Program
Destination: Global (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America)
Eligibility: Young adults aged 18–30
Focus: Cultural preservation, environmental conservation
Funding: Partial support, some programs offer free housing and meals
Organized by UNESCO and its partners, this volunteer-based summer program allows students to engage in cultural heritage and conservation projects around the world. Participants work at World Heritage Sites, helping with preservation and community education, while experiencing local cultures firsthand.
Tips for Securing a Summer Scholarship with Travel
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Start Early: Application deadlines are often months in advance. Begin researching opportunities in the fall or winter.
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Tailor Your Application: Customize each essay and recommendation to reflect the mission and values of the program.
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Highlight Global Interest: Demonstrate your commitment to cultural exchange, academic growth, and international engagement.
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Stay Organized: Track deadlines, required documents, and submission portals using a spreadsheet or planner.
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Seek Guidance: Consult with academic advisors or campus international offices for assistance in applying and preparing.
What to Expect During the Program
Participants in these summer programs typically engage in a mix of:
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Academic coursework or research
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Language instruction
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Cultural immersion and local excursions
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Workshops or community service
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Final presentations or symposiums
The structured yet immersive nature of these programs ensures that students not only gain academic credit but also grow personally and professionally.