Greenheart Travel

Tag: scholarships

  • Scholarships to Fund Your Travel in 2021

    Scholarships to Fund Your Travel in 2021

    One of the most frequently asked  questions we get asked is, “Do we offer scholarships?” At the beginning of each year, Greenheart Travel accepts applications for the First Time Traveler Scholarships, which grants up to $14,000 towards a Greenheart Travel program for those who have never traveled own their own.

    The scholarship is open to anyone in good standing with their school or place of employment who has a strong desire for a cultural immersion experience.

    However, we realize that not everyone is able to receive this scholarship, which is why we want to showcase some of the other scholarships out there that might be able to make your travel dreams a reality.

    Scott’s Cheap Flights Scholarship

    The same subscription organization that shares secret deals on good flights also awards $1,000 study abroad scholarships.

    Eligibility:

    • Citizen/Resident of the U.S.
    • Enrolled full-time at an accredited institution for higher learning

    All People Be Happy Volunteer Service Awards

    Past Greenheart Travelers have been awarded this scholarship, for work on our Volunteer Abroad programs. We recommend if you are looking into our volunteer abroad programs to consider applying for a grant with them.

    AllPeopleBeHappy foundation was established on August 29, 2007 by the family and friends of Eric Tang, following his untimely death at the young age of 25.  The Foundation was borne out of Eric’s hope that All People Be Happy, which he used as the pseudonym for his blog.

    Eligibility:

    • The volunteer activity must be a part of a program run by an organization with U.S. 501(c)(3) tax status (Greenheart is!)
    • The activity must address at least one of the areas which align with the AllPeopleBeHappy foundation vision of ending extreme poverty: Education and Training, Health Care, or Sustainable Agriculture.
    • Applicant must be 18 or older before receiving the grant funds
    • Applicant must be a US Citizen or US Resident
    Greenheart Travel’s reforestation project in Puerto Rico

    Brower Youth Awards

    Established by Earth Island Institute in 2000, the Brower Youth Award for Environmental Leadership honors environmental advocate David Brower, who said, “I love to see what young people can do before someone old tells them it’s impossible.”  The scholarship aims to help those involved in a sustainability project.  The six recipients are given $3,000, as well as a professionally produced short film about their work with the environment by an Emmy award-winning crew. Plus, a flight and lodging to a week-long stay in the San Fransico Bay Area, where recipients will receive coaching and leadership activities.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be between the ages of 13 and 22 as of May 1, 2019
    • Must live in North America (including Mexico, Canada, some Caribbean Islands) and US “Territories”

    Explore The World Travel Scholarships

    HI USA has created the Explore the World Travel Scholarships, that grant $2,000 to help finance international trip that includes an educational or service component.

    Eligibility:

    • Be 18 – 30 years of age at the time of application
    • Be a US citizen or permanent resident (possess Green Card)
    • Demonstrate financial need
  • Congratulations to our 2021 First Time Travel Scholarship winners

    Congratulations to our 2021 First Time Travel Scholarship winners

    After taking a year break due to COVID, we are excited to announce our 2021 First Time Traveler Scholarship winners!

    First Time Traveler Scholarships are given to those who have never had the chance to leave their home country on their own. COVID-19 took the ability to travel away from everyone, but as things are opening up, we are so excited to support these travelers as they embark on their exciting study or teach abroad experiences!

    Learn more about this year’s group of First Time Traveler Scholarship recipients as they introduce themselves in their own words, and be sure to watch out for their videos and blog posts.

    Tatiana Alejo – Teach in Thailand

    As a recipient of the First Time Travelers Scholarship, I’m very excited for my upcoming journey to Thailand. Throughout my childhood, I was able to make many friends from different cultures who have exposed me to foods, traditions, and languages that were very different from my own. This piqued my curiosity in traveling abroad and I’m excited to live and experience the places from which the people I love come from. Also, I’ve noticed that my peers often find it very difficult to take the time to travel back to their home countries or simply book a vacation abroad. Therefore, I’m excited to be able to document my journey with Greenheart Travel so that it can inspire or encourage others to take the risk and do the same. Lastly, we are living in a world where international travel has become less common and more difficult. With this upcoming trip to Thailand, I’m excited to be able to support local communities that rely on tourism and view it’s beautiful attractions while they are at its least populated state.

     

    Amanda Miranda – High school Abroad in Spain

    Hello my name is Amanda Miranda and I am 16 years old. I’ll be going to Spain for an academic year! I’m most excited to try the Spanish cuisine and become fluent in Spanish. One thing about traveling that is exciting to me is going to different places and learning about different cultures and ways of life.

     

     

    Skylar Steffes – Teach in Thailand

    As the months go by, I find myself growing more and more excited with the realization that I will be traveling to Thailand, and that this is actually happening. I have never been given the opportunity to travel much, and with the chance to travel and learn and grow through this program, I am endlessly grateful!

     

     

     

     

    If you are a first time traveler, don’t forget to watch some tips we have here: https://youtu.be/_nH3DQcbQDQ

  • Using What You’ve Learned Abroad Back Home

    Using What You’ve Learned Abroad Back Home

    I have seen how easy it is to lose a language or an experience quickly as soon as you’re not surrounded by it. Not only is it frustrating but it can be outright upsetting when you realize what you used to do daily has left you completely. I wanted to give a couple of tips on how to retain and use what you learned abroad so that you can keep your experience with you.

    Use the Language When You Can

    I know it’s hard enough to start a conversation in your native language, let alone a foreign one, but I encourage you to try to converse when you can. Most people are very excited when someone wants to speak in their first language with them. Just ask politely if you can talk and practice, and unless they’re busy, I’m sure they will be more than willing.

    I’ve had native Spanish speakers ask me questions because they realize I know more than Si! and Gracias! It’s scary but it’s worth it when you get to hear the language again and practice (even if you misunderstand here and there).

    My host mom helped me learn a lot. She didn’t speak English with us, but she’d work until we understood what was being said. It was very valuable.

    Help Out

    This is similar to using the language when you can, but it’s important to emphasize. If you see someone struggling to understand instructions or trying to get a message across that is being misunderstood, step in if you can.

    Try to pop your head in and ask if they would like translation help, that way you can relay information back and forth. Sometimes the conversation might be too advanced for you to handle in two languages, but maybe you can still get the gist of it across. Do your best, people will be grateful for any help you can lend.

    I was working at a summer camp and a lady wasn’t understanding how check-in worked and because I heard her speaking Spanish to her daughter earlier, I popped my head in. Within the first few words, I realized that I didn’t know how to say all the key nouns I needed, but I was able to get across that more people could help her downstairs where the rest of check-in was. I felt like I hadn’t done a very good job, but she thanked me a bunch and seemed very relieved that someone else understood her when she was pointing out which things were her daughter’s.

    I promise you that even if you realize you don’t have the words you need, you can get enough across and the other person will be grateful, plus it feels great to help others, especially while practicing another language!

    Look for Opportunities to Learn About Other Cultures Within Your Own Town

    You don’t have to search out the culture you experienced abroad because, as you learned, new cultures are awesome and super interesting. So if you ever find yourself in a position where you can learn something new about someone, embrace it.

    While I was in Spain, a bubble tea place called Zen Zoo Salamanca hosted a cultural conversation type meeting where people could come in, practice English, and learn about others’ cultures. If you have something like that in your town, check it out! If there isn’t one, maybe you can set one up! (It could even be a senior project).

    Remember that you’ve already pushed past your comfort zone a bunch by going abroad, so do your best to keep that going and work to practice the language, help people out if you have the cultural bridge needed, and keep learning!

    Elias Harold, from Astoria, Oregon, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!

  • Study Abroad with These Travel Scholarships Designed for High Schoolers

    Study Abroad with These Travel Scholarships Designed for High Schoolers

    For teens who want to travel, finding the funding can be tough. Part-time and seasonal jobs can help, but we understand that isn’t always enough.

    One of our most frequently asked questions is if we offer scholarships, and the answer is yes! Our First Time Traveler Scholarships can be used towards a Greenheart Travel program for those who have never traveled own their own.

    Additionally, here are some scholarships that you can be used towards studying abroad in high school

    Allianz Global Assistance ScholarTrips Contest

    ScholarTrips is a scholarship program that awards creativity and the desire to learn through travel. Applicants have the option to write a 550-word essay or create a 60-90 second video that answers the given prompt. Prizes range from $500 up to USD$2,500 to be put towards a volunteer or study abroad program

    Eligibility:

    • Be a legal resident of the U.S.
    • Be a student over the age of 14 from an accredited high school, trade school, university or college.

    Crystal Charitable Fund

    The Crystal fund provides grants up to $4,000 per student to support extended cultural or educational experience “away from home.”

    Eligibility:

    • 13-19 years old
    • From the Chicago area
    • From economically disadvantaged families
    • Good academic standing
    High School in the Netherlands

    Driver Education Initiative Award

    National Driving and Traffic School are proud to announce their 2019 scholarship opportunity, entitled “In the Driver’s Seat.” The company is seeking to reward essay applicants $3,000 in scholarships on the topic of being a safer driver.

    Eligibility:

    • Students enrolled as a high school sophomore, junior, or senior
    • Employees and relatives of National Driving and Traffic School are ineligible

    Go Farther Student Travel Grants

    Student Travel Grants are awarded to support an individual student’s participation in an educational travel program of their choice. Farther Foundation enables students from economically disadvantaged circumstances to participate in educational travel experiences where they explore interests, expand horizons, gain inspiration and elevate aspirations for future academic and life success. Grants are available up to $5,000 per student.

    Eligibility:

    • High school sophomores and juniors from Chicago and the surrounding area
    • Students from economically disadvantaged families based upon U.S Department of Health & Human Services poverty guidelines
    • Students without previous enrichment travel opportunities

    Tom Neumann Summer Learning Scholarship

    The Tom Neumann Memorial Fund honors Mr. Neumann’s love for travel, appreciation for all types of culture and respect for the inherent worth of all people. The scholarship amount can range up to $6000 toward participation in an academic, cultural or travel enrichment activity between the junior and senior years of high school.

    Eligibility:

    • Oak Park and River Forest High School juniors

    Gap Year Escape Scholarship

    The Gap Year Escape Scholarship is designed for those in the online business world. An amount of $500 will be given to one student who is pursuing a career in Marketing, Business, Journalism, Media, Communications, or related fields.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be working towards a degree (undergrad or maters) related to business, marketing, journalism, media or communications for the academic year 2018-2019
    • All applications need to come from a university email account and provide proof from the university that confirms the applicant is eligible
    • There is no citizenship requirement, granted they are enrolled at a US-based university
    High School in Spain

    All People Be Happy Volunteer Service Awards

    Past Greenheart Travelers have been awarded this scholarship, for work on our Volunteer Abroad programs. We recommend if you are looking into our volunteer abroad programs to consider applying for a grant with them.

    AllPeopleBeHappy foundation was established on August 29, 2007 by the family and friends of Eric Tang, following his untimely death at the young age of 25.  The Foundation was borne out of Eric’s hope that All People Be Happy, which he used as the pseudonym for his blog.

    Eligibility:

    • The volunteer activity must be a part of a program run by an organization with U.S. 501(c)(3) tax status (Greenheart is!)
    • The activity must address at least one of the areas which align with the AllPeopleBeHappy foundation vision of ending extreme poverty: Education and Training, Health Care, or Sustainable Agriculture.
    • Applicant must be 18 or older before receiving the grant funds
    • Applicant must be a US Citizen or US Resident

    Brower Youth Awards

    Established by Earth Island Institute in 2000, the Brower Youth Award for Environmental Leadership honors environmental advocate David Brower, who said, “I love to see what young people can do before someone old tells them it’s impossible.”

    The scholarship aims to help those involved in a sustainability project.  The six recipients are given $3,000, as well as a professionally produced short film about their work with the environment by an Emmy award-winning crew. Plus, a flight and lodging to a week-long stay in the San Fransico Bay Area, where recipients will receive coaching and leadership activities.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be between the ages of 13 and 22 as of May 1, 2019
    • Must live in North America (including Mexico, Canada, some Caribbean Islands) and US “Territories”

    Explore The World Travel Scholarships

    HI USA has created the Explore the World Travel Scholarships, that grant $2,000 to help finance international trip that includes an educational or service component.

    Eligibility:

    • Be 18 – 30 years of age at the time of application
    • Be a US citizen or permanent resident (possess Green Card)
    • Demonstrate financial need

    The Travel Access Project (TAP)

    Grants are $3,000 towards travel or education costs associated with the recipient’s Gap Year.  Up to ten recipients will be selected during the 2019-20 academic year. They will also receive student membership in the Gap Year Association, video calls with Sean, Jenn & TAP Grant recipients, a travel backpack, and discounts from partner organizations.

    Eligibility:

    • No restrictions, all are welcome to apply
  • Meet the 2019 First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners

    Meet the 2019 First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners

    Travel should be accessible to everyone, which is why our First Time Traveler Scholarships are given to those who have never had the chance to leave their home country on their own. We are so excited to finally announce this year’s recipients and can’t wait to follow along on their adventures, whether it be studying, volunteering, or working abroad!

    Learn more about this year’s group of First Time Traveler Scholarship recipients as they introduce themselves in their own words, and be sure to watch out for their videos and blog posts!

    Hi, I’m Emmie and I’m an elementary music teacher in our nation’s capital. I am excited to travel to Tarbes in southwest France this summer! I have loved everything French since I was 11 years old – the music, the language, the cuisine. I’ve always known I’d visit France, so the chance to live there for a time is a dream come true. I think connecting with others and working towards a common goal is one of the most important things in the world. 

    Hi! My name is Madison Schuler. I am a dancer and enjoy learning new things, especially languages. It is my goal to know at least 4 languages one day. I am in the Teen Language Camp for Japanand super excited for this chance! 

    My name is Jolie-Anne Brosseau and I am from Savannah, Georgia. I am passionate about film and fashion. I have been studying Spanish in school for a while and am excited to take the leap to travel abroad to Spain! I will be doing the trimester program in Spainand am so excited to be a part of Greenheart Travel! 

    Hello! My name is Eli Harold. I live in Astoria, Oregon, and I am 16 years old. I am going to Salamanca, Spain, for the Language Camp Program. 

    Hi there, my name is Amanda Voyles, I’m 23 and live in Tallahassee, Florida. I currently work as a Legal Assistant, but am looking to start a career in Public Relations and Marketing. I will be going to Thailand for the Marketing Internship Programand am currently obsessed with learning about Thai culture. 

    I’m Jovany Sculable, 19 years old, I’m from Haïti, i’m participating in environmental conservation and hurricane relief this year in Puerto Rico with Greenheart Travel! 

    Hello! My name is Sammi Alexander. I am 23 years old from Chicago, IL, and I have never left the United States. Being a young adult, I feel like now is my time to travel and explore. I want to completely submerge myself in a foreign country, and truly take on their culture. It excites me to be granted this opportunity to work and travel abroad in New Zealand. 

    My name is Rachel Tomasello and I am from Cleveland, OH! I graduated from The Ohio State University with my Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies and minors in Nonprofit Studies and Dance. I am so excited to be traveling and living in New Zealand on the work abroad program! I have a huge passion for traveling and meeting people from all over the world. I cannot wait to be a part of an amazing community, immerse myself in a new culture, explore a gorgeous country, and dance all the way on the other side of the world! 

    My name is Lin Nguyen, I am from Toronto, Ontario Canada. I am 26 years old, and I will be doing the Teach in a Homestay Program in France. 

    Click below to watch the First Time Traveler Scholarship winners talk about why they are excited to go abroad by themselves for the first time:

  • Managing Money Abroad as a Teen

    Managing Money Abroad as a Teen

    We all make mistakes, and when you travel across the world there are even more opportunities to mess up. One of the easiest areas to mess up is in managing your money. It is a great time to learn, but a hard one as well.

    As a 17-year-old person, I am in the first years of my life where I get to have a job and my own money. Learning how much things cost and how to save your own money is one of the toughest lessons to learn. Luckily there is a grace period when you are young when you don’t have to buy as much as adults. Although this is true when you are traveling there are some differences. There is so much more to do that is new and everything costs money. When living with a host family it is often your responsibility to pay for yourself when eating out, or tickets to things or when you are out with friends.

    Before I left on my exchange my parents were constantly worried about me having enough money, telling me how expensive things were going to be. Because they were worried, I did a lot of preparing and fundraisers. I didn’t like doing them and thought it was kind of overkill but I was very glad that I did. You want to have freedom while you are traveling and that takes money. So do some fundraising, get a summer job, and look for scholarships.

    Once you are off and to your new country you have a set amount of money. To make sure your money lasts you, the best thing I found to do is find a balance. Instead of getting coffee fours days a week, make it a special thing on Monday. There will be things to do that cost money and you want to be able to do them. But there are also free things to do, like spending time walking around just enjoying your city or town, or watching a movie at home with microwave popcorn.

    Even if you think you are doing a good job and finding a good balance you could still look at your bankcard statement at the end of the month and see that you spent way more money than you thought. Before you go, learn the currency conversion from your home currency. Although I thought I had a pretty good idea, when I did the math in my head with some rounding I often found myself spending more on something than I had calculated. I recommend a currency converter app on your phone to make sure you know how much something costs. With my bankcard, there were also some international charges, which could add up. Checking with your bank to find out what the fees are is a good idea.

    There will be things that cost money that are worth doing so on your personal budget find a balance. It’s easy to rationalize buying things or spending money sometimes when you are going through a rough time. Some weeks or months you will spend too much money, but you have to be able to notice it and do better the next time.  It’s a hard part of traveling but a great lesson to bring home with you.

    Fiona MacDonald, from Cantwell, Alaska, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!