Every year the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, through its Embassy and Consulates in the U.S., chooses a few young American students to take part in an unforgettable French immersion experience through a fully funded grant. Winners of the Youth International Meetings Program travel to France, immerse themselves in the French language and culture one summer. The travel grant inspires students to pursue French studies. Selected applicants receive funding for summer travel to France for 9 to 15 days where students focus on a variety of subjects including art, regional culture, photography, sports, science, dance, music and art. The travel grant---offered to applicants 18 to 25 years old---covers airfare to and from France and program expenses for participants including housing, meals, transportation, activities and insurance while abroad.Program participants must have an interest in French culture and a proficiency in French language. Each participating French Consulate in the United States organizes its own candidate selection.
Travel Grant in France:Youth International Meetings
Cultural Services of the French Embassy
972 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10075
frenchculture.org
The Los Angeles Council of Hosteling International USA offers an annual Travel Grant of $1000 to a young people just beginning their travel experiences. The Los Angeles Council aims, through the grant, to encourage the pursuit of world exploration and experiential learning. The applicant's enthusiasm and ability to share their experiences is a big part in the grantee selection process. Upon returning from the trip the traveler will share experiences with other HI-USA members with an art, photography, film or writing project or a combination of any medium.
In addition to the $1,000 award, the travel grant recipient also receives a HI-USA Life Membership (a $250 value). The $1,000 will be split into two payments: an initial $500 payment prior to departure, and the remaining $500 upon the recipient's return and submission of his/her completed project. Applicants must be between 17 and 26 years of age and live within the greater Los Angeles area (Kern, Los Angeles, northern Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties). As of April 2010 the annual application period runs from January 1 through March 15.
Hosteling International: Los Angeles Travel Grant
1436 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310- 393-9913
hilosangeles.org
A sister organization of the non-profit SYTA (Student & Youth Travel Association), the SYTA Youth Foundation formed to provide travel grants and scholarships to young people and students. The "Road" Scholarship is financial aid granted, with no obligation to pay back, to an eligible student or young person for education or performance-related travel with a class or youth group. Grant amounts vary depending on the cost of specific trips, the demonstrated need of the applicant and the number of applications received. The average Road Scholarship granted is $600 and the limit is generally $1000 per student. A school administrator, group leader, parent, or other adult familiar with the applicant and the planned trip must nominate the student. Applicants must be 25 years or younger.
SYTA (Student & Youth Travel Association)
8400 Westpark Drive 2nd Floor
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-1264
sytayouthfoundation.org