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50 New Generation Study Abroad Teacher Grants Available

The IIE-AIFS Foundation Generation Study Abroad Enrichment Grants Program recognizes U.S. secondary-level teachers who have shown to be outstanding advocates for study abroad. The program is a professional development opportunity for teachers who have taken the Generation Study Abroad pledge to prepare their students for global citizenship and study abroad. Fifty enrichment grants of $1,000 each are available to teachers to conduct any learning activity in the United States or abroad that enhances their international outlook and global experience.

About the Program

Part of Generation Study Abroad, the IIE AIFS Foundation Generation Study Abroad Enrichment Grants is a professional development program to support U.S. secondary level (grades 6-12) teachers who have shown to be outstanding advocates for study abroad. Teachers are powerful motivators when it comes to encouraging students to pursue any and all types of global study be it through a classroom project in second grade or on a study abroad program in college.

The goal of the program is to help raise global awareness in the classroom and prepare students for global citizenship and study abroad. Teachers who receive an enrichment grant can conduct any learning activity in the US or abroad that enhances their international outlook and global experience. Through their experiences, they will be able to further internationalize their classroom and advance their role as global educators to positively impact student learning.

Awards Available: Fifty (50) grants of $1,000.


Grant Terms

Through the enrichment grants, IIE and AIFS Foundation hope teachers and administrators will become inspired with new ideas and actions and use these new skills and learning tools in their classroom, school, and communities.

  • Grant recipients may use funds for study and learning opportunities in the U.S. or abroad that will further develop their international competencies, such as language learning, intercultural communications, or conferences/seminars related to global issues. Funds may also be used to support classroom study abroad experiences.
  • The enrichment opportunity must be completed within 12 months of receipt of the grant.
  • Grant recipients are required to complete a brief survey within 2 months of completion of the grant.
  • Follow On Action: Grant recipients are also expected to highlight their experience in their school and community by submitting a letter to their school district superintendent and school principal (with a copy sent to IIE and AIFS Foundation) about how they used the funds and integrated what they learned back into the classroom. Additionally, they are encouraged to speak about their experience in the classroom, school, and community and through social media.

Eligibility & Selection

  1. Current employment as a teacher or administrator (principal, guidance counselor, gifted & talented, special ed coordinator, etc.) at the secondary level (grades 6-12) in the United States.
  2. Have taken the Generation Study Abroad pledge.
  3. Completion of at least 5 actions (at least 1 from each category below) with the actions taking place from August 2015 to present. See a full list of Pledge Actions.
    • Category 1: Build awareness throughout your school community for study abroad by articulating and demonstrating its benefits to students, parents, school or community members
    • Category 2: Embed global education in your curriculum and make the link to study abroad
    • Category 3: Educate stakeholders in your school, district, subject area conferences, and in the broader community about the benefits of study abroad
    • Category 4: Participate in enrichment opportunities for teachers, including yourself
    • Category 5: Educate, inspire and motivate students to ask about and pursue study abroad in college
  4. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Application & Timeline

  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2015
  • Notification: January 31, 2016
  • Receive Funds: March 1, 2016
  • Grant activities take place from March 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017

Download the Application form here (232 KB, PDF)

Please submit the form to studyabroad@iie.org by December 1, 2015. IIE is a member of the EACCNY

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