Often, the biggest obstacle to taking a Gap Year, or a year off to travel, is money. Most people aren’t independently wealthy, almost no one has a parent who is willing to just cut a check for a year of adventures. And really, that’s not a bad thing. Having to work hard to earn your time off gives that time a value that it wouldn’t have if it was just handed to you.
Even with lots of hard work, saving, and sacrifice, the amount of money to fund your Gap Year can seem daunting. Especially if you’re working minimum wage. There are, however, funding options and creativity often goes a long way.
Did you know that there are actually scholarships available for combining adventure and education?
Yep.
There are organizations and companies that believe strongly in the educational value of your trip and who are willing to put their money where their mouths are and fund you. AND there are university scholarships available in a few places that are specifically for students who have taken a Gap Year. That’s right, taking your year off might actually help FUND your higher education. Now that’s a win-win!
Scholarships for Travel
Here are a few of the scholarships for travel that have come across my desk recently. Check them out and apply!
- Ripley Hunter SYTA Foundation Scholarship (My young friend Sophia won this, she’s on her Gap Year now!)
- Travel Scholarship from Ambassador Foundation
- Family Travel Forum Teen Travel Writing Scholarship
- Financial Aid List From American Gap Association (LOTS of options here!)
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship (Specifically for study abroad)
- Omprakash Gap Year Grant
Do you know of any other Gap Year or travel and education related scholarships that we haven’t listed here? Please send me an email and I’ll add it to the list! jenn(at)bootsnall(dot)com.