Hostelling International USA (HI USA) will award 15 General Explore the World Scholarships of $2,000 each for young Americans with demonstrated financial need to take an international trip that includes an educational or service component. We will also award 5 additional scholarships to young Americans who have never had a passport. Recipients get a $3,000 stipend for use to cover passport fees, flights, and hostel accommodations. In addition, awardees will be paired with a travel mentor to help plan their first trip abroad..
Scholarship Details
- Supports travelers aged 18 to 30.
- Provides funding to cover travel expenses, including a minimum of two nights at an HI USA hostel.
- Awards are based on applicant’s travel goals, financial need, and interest in cultural exchange.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
Application Process
- The local scholarship committee will review applications and select recipients based on travel goals and financial need.
- Applicants will be notified of the decision via email or phone call by January.
- Selected recipients must attend two virtual workshops from January 2 to March 1 before beginning their travel.
- Contact your local HI USA staff at least 45 days before travel to reserve hostel accommodations and submit a pre-travel survey.
- During your trip, participate in an approved hostel activity and share at least three photos or updates on social media with the hashtag #exploreamerica and tagging @HIUSA.
- Within 30 days of returning, complete a post-travel survey and submit a report, along with photos and videos of your experience, through the scholarship management application.
Awardees will receive an email by the notification deadline. Upon notificatio, awardees have ten days to complete the acceptance requirements for their award.