Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Getting paid to travel on international research projects is not easy but can be well worth the time it takes to achieve. International research projects are generally funded by governments, corporations, universities, nonprofit organizations and museums. The research could range from science, archeology, anthropology or any other field. Some research expeditions require people who may not actually have any special skills or qualifications, such as general labor, but expertise in languages, medical training, guide work or cultural knowledge can be helpful.
The summer after high school graduation is a common time for new graduates to travel a little before starting college. Graduates of every budget and level of travel experience can find ways to spread their wings on a road trip with friends, give back to local communities, visit historical wonders of the world or just have some fun in the sun.
While travel can be a life-enriching experience, it can also be expensive. Luckily, if you are traveling for academic, creative or humanitarian reasons, it might be possible to receive assistance in the form of funding, equipment and in-kind donations. Your proposal for travel assistance will vary depending on if you're seeking money from an individual or private foundation, academic institution or government agency, but there are several key elements and best practices that can increase your chances of success.
The U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies support scholars seeking to travel for research. Federal travel grants generally support scholars, researchers, and educators, but as of 2010, grants for the creative arts are also supported by federal funds. When choosing a federal travel grant, choose a program that focuses on your exact field. For instance, if you are a geologist consider grants specifically designs for geological study. Or, choose a federal grant program that allows you to design your own project, like Fulbright.
The United Kingdom has a history of sending young people out into the world for education, cultural and work experience. Travel grants for youth--for volunteering breaks and gap years--are available from several governmental and philanthropic groups. According to World Wide Volunteering, there are at least 1,000 educational trusts in the UK, giving out about £300 million a year. You might qualify for a youth travel grant through one of these organizations.
Travel grants financially support scholars, researchers, educators and young travelers seeking national or international travel experience. When choosing a travel grant for an individual, check all of the requirements and stipulations first. Travel grants often cover travel costs but not the length of the national or international trip. Other grants cover all expenses allowing the individual to perform at their fullest potential while at a conference or field research excursion. Apply to programs that specifically center on your discipline.
Travel grants are a great way to fund a trip to a different country. These are available to students and professionals alike, to pay for a trip overseas. Though these will often cover the expenses of an overseas trip, most of them require presentations or other research about specific subjects relating to the grant, and the research can often prove to be challenging. So, you should have a plan.
Travel is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and your world. The cost of plane fare, lodging and meals may seem prohibitively expensive, but many grantmaking organizations recognize the educational value of travel and offer help. If you think creatively about how you define travel you want to do, and spend some time applying for these grants, it is possible to get the educational benefits of travel without much--or any--expense.
Graduate schools feature travel grants for currently enrolled students to further research dissertation projects, present research, or attend a professional conference nationally or internationally. Some government or national foundations--like the National Science Foundation or an arts endowment--also sponsor travel funding to currently enrolled graduate students for research and presentations. While graduate school travel grants are usually limited to $500 to $1000 USD per student, funds defray the cost of transportation and accommodation so a student can focus on their work.
With summers off, teachers have an opportunity the rest of the employed nation does not: travel. Fellowships are available for teachers interested broadening their horizons and turning that experience into a richer classroom experience for their students.
It's a common misconception that travel grants are only available to full-time college students. In fact, winning a grant for travel is one way to raise the necessary funds to take an extended trip no matter what your student status is. Successfully snagging one, however, is both a science and an art, requiring careful research and brilliant proposal-writing.
Traveling can be a rewarding experience. Seeing another culture and experiencing life in another country can change you. Because it is generally expensive to travel, getting funding from some reliable sources is beneficial no matter what your reason for traveling.
