• Must be 18-30, with financial need, and live or go to school in one of 14 metro areas (select counties in CA, DC/Baltimore, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Portland, Austin, Houston and Richmond).
• Should have an educational or service trip already in mind but cost is getting in the way.
• Application deadline is March 2, 2019.

More details on eligibility can be found at www.hiusa.org/travel-scholarships .  Check out the Explore the World Program Details section for further information about the eligibility requirements, application process, and program requirements.

Success Stories of Past Recipients

In today’s interconnected world, understanding other cultures and making connections is critical to promoting world peace, stability and a happier planet for all. Traveling has a profound impact on both the traveler and the people they meet along the way. Traveling opens your mind and your heart to differences. It fuels your curiosity and passion for other cultures and places. It helps you understand the world and puts your own identity in perspective. But most of all, it builds connections and fuels your desire to become a global citizen and lifelong explorer.

Here is what a four past recipients of Explore the World Scholarships have to say about their own experiences.

Ritu Singh, New York City, NY

As a 2018 HI USA Explore the World scholarship recipient, last summer, Ritu volunteered in India and taught a class of third-graders in an under-resourced school. These students taught her to be grateful for everything she has, and she will always remember them, especially as she pursues her career in teaching.

It was my first time out of the country. This journey was also deeply personal for me as I was able to learn more about my own culture and connect to my roots! It was a life-changing journey!

Ritu Singh of New York City in India

Bianca Uzoma, Austin, TX

As a 2018 HI USA Explore the World scholarship recipient, Bianca worked with an amazing group of healthcare providers in South Africa. The study abroad program in Cape Town allowed her to shadow healthcare professionals and educate communities on practicing healthy habits. It was eye-opening and inspiring!

My biggest lesson was that life is much more than my personal struggles…it’s about people and spreading love everywhere you go. This trip sparked a fire in me to do so much more in my medical career and in the hearts of people. My life will never be the same!

Bianca Uzoma of Austin, Texas in South Africa

Rula Thabata, New Orleans, LA

Rula is a political science major who is deeply passionate about social issues and volunteering in her community. The HI USA Explore the World travel scholarship enabled Rula to study abroad in Ireland last summer. Immersing herself in the rich culture and history in Ireland, she describes her experience as “a life-changing catalyst for exploration.”

My experience abroad has helped me to advocate for greater independence and self-sufficiency for others. I continue to work where it matters most to me and realize the importance of community being anywhere you make it, even thousands of miles away from home. It also means making spaces home for others and them feeling included.

Rula Thabata, New Orleans, LA in Ireland

Rodolfo Gonzalez, Los Angeles, CA

As a 2018 HI USA Explore the World scholarship recipient, last summer, Rodolfo travelled abroad for the first time in his life! During his time in India, he volunteered with a non-profit organization and taught literacy to children, while learning hands-on about the disparities in education and health.

The children taught me so much…although life is hard for them, they look forward to going to school every day – something I’ve taken for granted at times. In India, I stepped out of my comfort zone and Iearned lessons that will impact my personal life and future career as a peace officer.

Rodolfo Gonzalez of Los Angeles, CA in India

Why it is matters

In my early twenties, I had the opportunity to study abroad and spent eight months in France. My time in Paris was one of significant growth and transformation. My immense curiosity for understanding the world and where I fit in inspired me every single step of the way. It was a time before the internet so my contact with my family and the news back home was minimal. Instead, I sent hand-written letters, called once a month and read Le Monde and the International Herald Tribune for my news. I immersed myself in French life and culture and for the first time in my life I felt like a global citizen more than an American.

When I left France to return back to school, a part of me was still there and I never once gave up my desire to see the world and build new connections. Today, I truly call myself a global citizen and I strongly believe in the transformative power of travel to make the world a better place. It is my sincere wish that anyone who wants to travel can and aren’t held back. I am grateful that organizations such as HI USA are working to get more young Americans out into the world.

About Hostelling International USA (HI USA)

Hostelling International USA (HI USA) is a nonprofit, member organization founded on an enduring belief in the power of travel to foster a deeper understanding of people, places, and the world around.  HI USA promotes a dynamic community of global citizens who have the wisdom and humanity to actively make the world a better place.  As the nation’s leading hostel brand, HI USA hosts more than 1 million overnights annually across more than 50 hostels, with guests from more than 100 countries.  For over 80 years, HI USA has provided a network of affordable hostels in converted mansions, reinvented lighthouses, and historic urban buildings all across the country. Visit www.hiusa.orgf or more information.