12 Domestic & International Study Opportunities for Teachers

Even though the new year has not yet begun and parts of the U.S are gripped by bitter cold, it’s not too early to think about how you will spend your summer vacation in 2018.  If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, there are numerous professional development opportunities to participate in study and travel programs, both in the U.S and internationally.  Because the deadlines for some of them are rapidly approaching, I’m publishing this blog post earlier than usual.

Apply now to summer study & travel programs; source: The ESL Nexus

In 2007, I participated in a Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad program and went to India for 5 weeks, then stayed on for an additional week to visit a different part of the country that many of my students’ families came from.  It was an amazing trip!  It is much more competitive now because fewer programs are offered but I strongly encourage anyone who qualifies to apply.  It enriched my teaching of India so much and I am very grateful I had the opportunity.

All the programs listed below are for U.S. educators only; if you work in another country, there are other opportunities available that you can seek out.  Some programs require you to pay part of the cost to offset expenses and some programs have specific requirements about who can participate, which are noted; otherwise, the programs are open to anyone.

If you know of other travel and study programs for teachers, please add them in the Comments below and if you have participated in one of these programs, I’d love to hear about it in the Comments section.

The author at the Taj Mahal in India; source: The ESL Nexus

International Study-Travel Programs

National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship
Application Deadline: January 5, 2018

Earthwatch Teacher Fellowships
Application deadline: January 8, 2018

The Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for Education for Sustainable Development
Application deadline: January 12, 2018 

Transatlantic Outreach Program (study tour to Germany)
Application deadline: January 31, 2018
For Social Studies and STEM teachers

KKC Study Tour to Japan
Application deadline: February 1, 2018

Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad
Application deadline: February 2, 2018

National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) tour to China and Taiwan
Application deadline: March 15, 2018
Must have completed at least 30 credit hours of NCTA courses to be eligible; courses are conducted throughout the year and study tour destinations vary each summer

Teachers for Global Classrooms Program
Application deadline: March 13, 2018

The author visiting an Indus Valley Civilization archeological site -- so cool! Source: The ESL Nexus

US-Based Programs

The Gilda Lehman Institute of American History
Application deadline: February 15, 2018
Applicant’s school must be a member of their Affiliate School Program but you can apply to join when filling out a program application

National Endowment for the Humanities
Application deadline: March 1, 2018

Freedoms Foundation
Application deadline: Open; first-come first-served

Sign greeting the author's Fulbright group at a school near the Battle of Kalinga; source: The ESL Nexus

Grants for Domestic and International Professional Development

NEA Learning & Leadership Grants
Application deadlines: February 1, June 1, October 15, 2018
Must be a member of the NEA; can be used for travel abroad programs

GOOD LUCK & HAPPY NEW YEAR!