30+ Free Travel Opportunities for Teachers (2024)

Did you know that there are numerous fellowship and grant programs that allow teachers to travel for FREE? Keep reading to learn more!

One of my favorite parts of being a teacher is the schedule. With two months off in the summer, and several weeks off during the school year, the possibilities for travel are endless. Over the past few years I have done a variety of trips that have not only been fun and relaxing, but have also provided me with a wealth of knowledge that has improved my teaching practice. I have studied flamenco guitar in Spain, practiced baroque flute in Nova Scotia, and have attended music education conferences across the United States. However, traveling can be expensive, especially when you are working with a limited teacher budget.

Luckily, there are a variety of government organizations, private companies and non-profit international organizations who sponsor travel grants specifically for teachers. These grants are perfect for teachers who want to broaden their horizons and improve their teaching practice abroad. These programs all differ in requirements and details, but in general, they are highly competitive and involve some type of research or teaching while abroad.

Below is a list of 37 different grant and fellowship programs that allow free (or almost free) travel opportunities for teachers.

Updated 1/5/24

Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (Fulbright TGC): https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/#us “The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (Fulbright TGC) Program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle, and high school educators from the United States to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad, and global collaboration.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 teachers in the United States
- Application deadline: February 19th, 2024
- Program length: Yearlong professional development, 2-3 weeks of travel
- Destination options: Brazil, Canada, Columbia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Finland, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Uruguay
Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program for U.S. Teachers: https://www.irex.org/project/fulbright-distinguished-awards-teaching-short-term-program-us-teachers-fulbright-dast “Two- to six-week professional development experience abroad: Outstanding elementary, middle, and high school teachers and educators from the United States will share their educational expertise by serving in a consulting role at schools, nonprofit organizations, teacher training institutions, and other educational organizations abroad.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 teachers in the United States
- Application deadline: TBD
- Program length: 2-6 weeks
- Destination options: Argentina, Cambodia, Colombia, Honduras, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Palestinian Territories, Peru, The Philippines, Spain, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Zambia
Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program: https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/da/ “The Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program provides an opportunity for educators from the United States to take part in a three- to six-month professional learning experience abroad to conduct research and pursue additional learning. Participants conduct individual inquiry projects, take courses at a host university, and collaborate with colleagues on educational practices to improve student learning.”
- Who can apply? K-12 teachers in the United States
- Application deadline: February 19th, 2024
- Program length: 3 to 6 months
- Destination options: Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Greece, India, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/english-teaching-assistant-awards “The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places recent college graduates and young professionals as English teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools or universities overseas – improving foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States while increasing the U.S. student’s own language skills and knowledge of the host country.”
- Program requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Application deadline: Likely October 2024
- Program length: 6-12 months
- Destination options: Varies, see a full list here
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/fulbright-foreign-language-teaching-assistant-flta “The Fulbright FLTA Program provides young teachers of English as a Foreign Language the opportunity to refine their teaching skills and broaden their knowledge of American cultures and customs while strengthening the instruction of foreign languages at colleges and universities in the United States.”
- Program requirements: Non-U.S. college graduate or young teachers
- Application deadline: Varies by country
- Program length: 6-12 months
- Destination options: Varies, see map here
Fulbright Hays Summer Seminar: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpssap/applicant.html “The program provides short-term study and travel seminars abroad for U.S. educators in the social sciences and humanities for the purpose of improving their understanding and knowledge of the peoples and cultures of other countries. Support is generally made available through interagency agreements. The Department of Education transfers funds through the State Department to Fulbright commissions in various countries to pay the costs associated with administering seminars. This partnership allows the program to use the services and expertise of binational organizations to plan and conduct seminars for U.S. educators.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 and postsecondary educators
- Application deadline: January 4th, 2024
- Program length: 4 weeks
- Destination options: TBD- varies each year
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsgpa/index.html “This program provides grants to support overseas projects in training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies for teachers, students, and faculty engaged in a common endeavor. Projects may include short-term seminars, curriculum development, group research or study, or advanced intensive language programs.”
- Who can apply?: Teachers, students, and faculty engaged in a common endeavor relating to humanities, social sciences and languages
- Application deadline: March 27th, 2023
- Program length: Varies
- Destination options: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean), East Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Near East
National Endowment for the Humanities: https://www.neh.gov/ “NEH grants typically go to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars. The grants:
1. strengthen teaching and learning in schools and colleges
2. facilitate research and original scholarship
3. provide opportunities for lifelong learning
4. preserve and provide access to cultural and educational resources
5. strengthen the institutional base of the humanities”
  - Who can apply?: varies
  - Application deadline: varies depending on the program. Check here for upcoming program deadlines.
  - Program length: varies
  - Destination options: varies
Earth Watch Teacher Fellowships (Teach Earth): https://earthwatch.org/education/education-fellowships/teacher-fellowships “Inspiring a new generation of science-savvy environmental leaders means investing in teachers. So Earthwatch offers two main fellowship opportunities for educators who are passionate about conservation and environmental issues, excited to learn hands-on research techniques from top scientists, and eager to share their experiences in the field with their students and communities back home.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 classroom teachers
- Application deadline: January 12th, 2024
- Program length: 7-12 days
- Destination options: Varies
American Councils Exchange Program: https://www.americancouncils.org/ “Whether it is a virtual exchange between teachers, an academic year abroad to learn a new language, or a delegation of civil servants visiting a foreign country, each initiative in international education shares a goal: to expand knowledge of the world through people… At American Councils for International Education, the more we learn about the world, the more we’re inspired to contribute to it. It is why we were proud to participate in international education in 1974, and the reason we remain committed to international education today.”
- Who can apply?: Varies by program
- Application deadline: Varies by program
- Program length: Varies by program
- Destination options: Varies by program
Funds for Teachers: http://www.fundforteachers.org/ “Fund for Teachers supports educators’ efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers’ professionalism and leadership, as well. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $33.5 million in nearly 9,000 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.”
- Who can apply?: PreK-12 teachers
- Application deadline: January 18th, 2024
- Program length: Varies- programs are self-designed
- Destination options: Flexible
Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (GTF): https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/professional-development/grosvenor-teacher-fellows/ “The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (GTF) is a professional development opportunity for pre-K–12 educators made possible by a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. An annual competitive application process is used to select educators and host them aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ voyages for a life-changing, field-based experience.”
- Who can apply?: PreK-12 educators
- Application deadline: January 7th, 2024
- Program length: 1-2 weeks
- Destination options: Varies
Teacher at Sea Grants: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/teacher-at-sea-program “The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Teacher at Sea Program is to provide teachers hands-on, real-world research experience working at sea with world-renowned NOAA scientists, thereby giving them unique insight into oceanic and atmospheric research crucial to the nation. The program provides a unique opportunity for kindergarten through college-level teachers to sail aboard NOAA research ships to work under the tutelage of scientists and crew.”
- Who can apply?: Pre-K-12 and college level educators
- Application deadline: Likely November 2024
- Program length: 2-4 weeks
- Destination options: At sea- varies
Goeth Institute Transatlantic Outreach Program: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/spr/eng/top/tte/tst.html “Experience is what the Transatlantic Outreach Program is all about. Since 2002, TOP has sought to find the best and most qualified social studies and STEM educators and give them the opportunity to experience contemporary Germany in the most dramatic way possible: in person. From Berlin to Frankfurt, from Stuttgart to Munich, from Hamburg to Kiel, from Dresden to Schwerin, and from Weimar to Leipzig, each corner of Germany is sampled through sight, sound, touch, and taste!”
- Who can apply?: Full time social studies and/or STEM educators from the U.S. and Canada
- Application deadline: February 11th, 2024
- Program length: 2 weeks
- Destination options: Germany
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein “The Einstein program enables U.S. teachers to advocate for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) on Capitol Hill and/or in congressional offices for up to a year.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Application deadline: November 16th, 2023
- Program length: 11 months
- Destination options: Washington, DC
The NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants: https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/learning-and-leadership-grants/ “Grants are available to current members of the National Education Association who are educators in public schools or public institutions of higher education. We especially encourage education support professionals* to apply. We’re currently giving preference to proposals that incorporate STEM and/or global learning into projects.”
- Who can apply?: Current NEA members who are U.S. teachers, counselors, or education support professionals
- Application deadline: February 1st, 2024
- Program length: Varies- programs are self-designed
- Destination options: Flexible
KKC Fellowship Program for North American Social Studies Teachers: http://en.kkc.or.jp/programs/stj/ “Since 1980, more than 700 social studies teachers have taken part in the KKC Study Tour to Japan. The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and contribute to international mutual understanding across the Pacific. Their experiences and findings in Japan have significant value to their students, who will build future ties with Japan.”
- Who can apply?: Middle and high school social studies teachers
- Application deadline: March 1st, 2024
- Program length: 10 days
- Destination options: Japan
T-Lab Study Abroad for Teachers: http://www.esuus.org/esu/programs/study_abroad_for_teachers/scholarships/ “Study in the UK for an unforgettable immersive experience! Live and learn on the famed campuses of England and Scotland or take a deep dive into Shakespeare — exploring his hometown or standing on the stage of the Globe. Lose yourself in our short (one-week) and intensive (two- to six-week) courses and explore the history while soaking up the culture for a truly comprehensive learning experience…. Teachers, return to your classroom refreshed and reinvigorated with new insights to share with your students. Professional development credit, scholarships, and fundraising assistance are all available.”
- Who can apply?: Classroom teachers
- Application deadline: Varies based on your home state- check website above
- Program length: 1-6 weeks
- Destination options: UK
Qatar Foundation International Teacher Professional Development Grants: https://www.qfi.org/teachers/teacher-professional-development/ “QFI aims to increase access to high quality professional development opportunities related to the Arab world for teachers in the social sciences, humanities, and arts fields. We know that there is very little support available for teachers to attend professional development events, which is why QFI launched the Teacher Professional Development Grants in 2017. These grants offer up to $2,000 toward travel and registration costs associated with attending appropriate programs. Teachers can apply for opportunities in the U.S. and internationally. Content of the event should be directly related to the Arab world.”
- Who can apply?: Primary and secondary school teachers
- Application deadline: Rolling
- Program length: Varies- programs are self-designed
- Destination options: Flexible
Teachers Educating Across Cultures in Harmony (TEACH): https://www.bilateralchamber.org/teach-fellowship-program “The Bilateral US-Arab Chamber’s Teachers Educating Across Cultures in Harmony (TEACH) Fellowship was conceived to actively engage U.S. and MENA educators in capacity building initiatives to produce a new generation of leaders equipped to provide solutions to the world’s most pressing social and economic issues.” This program takes place in the Kingdom of Bahrain for approximately one week. While most costs are covered by the grant, there is a small application fee and some additional costs.
- Who can apply?: U.S. educators
- Application deadline: TBD- currently virtual due to Covid
- Program length: One week
- Destination options: Kingdom of Bahrain
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Teacher Seminars: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/professional-development “The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History offers rigorous Teacher Seminars for K–12 educators. Held at colleges and historic sites across the US and abroad, the weeklong workshops include daily programs with leading American historians, visits to local historic sites, and hands-on work with primary sources.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 educators
- Application deadline: Varies by program, rolling admissions
- Program length: One week
- Destination options: Gettysburg College, George Washington University, Princeton University
IIE: The Power of International Education: https://www.iie.org/Programs “IIE manages more than 200 programs with participants from more than 180 countries. In the last year alone, more than 29,000 people participated in IIE managed programs. Use our program finder to explore opportunities.”
- Who can apply?: Students, teachers, administrators, artists
- Application deadline: Varies by program
- Program length: Varies by program
- Destination options: Varies by program
Open to New Jersey Teachers Only* NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education: https://www.njea.org/grants/hipp-foundation/ “The NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education makes it possible for public school employees to receive grants that will help them bring creative ideas to life. The only foundation of its kind in New Jersey, the Hipp Foundation supports initiatives to promote excellence in education. More than $2.1 million in grants for innovative educational projects that represent a bold, fresh approach by public school employees has already been awarded. Apply for a Hipp grant and bring your innovative ideas to life.”
- Who can apply?: Public school teachers
- Application deadline: March 1st, 2024
- Program length: Varies- you create your own program
- Destination options: Flexible
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Teacher Development Grants: https://www.mccartheydressman.org/teacher-development-grants/ “The Teacher Development Grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking k-12 classroom instruction. The grants provide opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe their effects on students.”
- Who can apply?: Licensed k-12 teachers employed in public or private schools
- Application deadline: January 15th-April 15th, 2024
- Program length: Varies- you create your own program
- Destination options: Flexible
National Park Teacher Ranger Teacher Program: http://teacherrangerteacher.org/ “The Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT) program provides a unique professional development experience by linking national park units with teachers from predominantly Title 1 (at least 30 percent of students on free or reduced cost meals) school districts. Teachers participating in the program will complete a three credit hour online course in experiential learning through the University of Colorado Denver while they also experience diverse functions of park operations through shadowing NPS staff.”
- Who can apply?: Educators
- Application deadline: Summer 2024 information coming soon
- Program length: 4-8 weeks
- Destination options: Various locations across the United States
National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA): http://nctasia.org/ “NCTAsia offers a variety of professional development workshops for teachers throughout the country. Lodging and meals are provided, with grants available to help offset travel costs. After completing a professional development course in the country or online, teachers are eligible to apply for study tours in East Asia.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 educators
- Application deadline: Varies by program
- Program length: Varies
- Destination options: Online, U.S., and East Asia
Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute*: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/on-site-opportunities/teacher-institute/ “The Teacher Institute offers week-long sessions, three-day seminars and online programs, immersing participants in an interdisciplinary approach to teaching social studies with American history as the focus.” *Note: This program is not free, but there are scholarships available.
- Who can apply?: Educators grades 3-12
- Application deadline: Late winter/early Spring- check website above for more information
- Program length: 3-5 days
- Destination options: Colonial Williamsburg
Brussels Study Tour: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/esc/outreach/educators/professional-development/brussels “With the generous support of a Getting to Know Europe grant from the EU Delegation to the U.S., and in cooperation with the Center for Euroepan Studies at the University of North Carolina, each summer the University of Pittsburgh’s European Studies Center plans a five-day trip to Brussels, Belgium to learn about the European Union. With funding from GTKE as well as the Center’s National Resource Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the ESC will provide funds to support summer study tours of Brussels for K-12 educators, and faculty teaching at community colleges or minority serving institutions (Title III or Title V-eligible institutions). This study tour will provide you with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and experiences to further your understanding of Europe and the European Union.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 educators and college faculty
- Application deadline: January 16th, 2024
- Program length: One week in June
- Destination options: Brussels
Teacher Professional Development at Mount Vernon: https://www.mountvernon.org/education/for-teachers/teaching-institutes-professional-development/ “Our teacher professional development programs provide educators the opportunity to discover the rich and inclusive history of George Washington and Mount Vernon. These programs engage educators in professional learning and are designed to increase student engagement in the classroom and support learning outcomes.”
- Who can apply?: “Anyone who is currently educating American students in a formal school environment.”
- Application deadline: January 15th, 2024
- Program length: 4-5 days
- Destination options: Mount Vernon (North of Washington, DC)
Project Archaeology Leadership Academy: https://projectarchaeology.org/services/teachers/professional-development/ “Project Archaeology is offering a select few the opportunity to take the lead in helping to protect our cultural heritage. Social Studies and Science teachers are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity which will teach them Project Archaeology’s acclaimed Investigating Shelter, an inquiry-based Social Studies and Science curriculum, and empower them with educating their peers on how to implement the curriculum in the classroom.”
- Who can apply?: Social studies and science teachers
- Application deadline: TBD, likely May 2024
- Program length: One week
- Destination options: TBD
Department of Defense STEM Ambassador Program: https://dodstem.us/participate/opportunities/?/ “Educators who are recognized with the DoD STEM Ambassador award will partner with DSEC to advance STEM outreach throughout the 2021-2022 school year. As members of this prestigious cohort, DoD STEM Ambassadors will collaborate to create and curate resources to support STEM educators across the nation in implementing high quality STEM learning for all students. This program is facilitated by RTI International.”
- Who can apply?: K-12 STEM teachers in the U.S.
- Application deadline: TBD, awaiting program information for 2024
- Program length: Yearlong engagement and planning with a stipend for PD/education conferences (registration fees, lodging, and travel)
JOIDES Resolution- Onboard Outreach Officers: https://joidesresolution.org/for-educators/onboard-outreach-officer “The JOIDES Resolution (JR) is a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect and study core samples. Scientists use data from the JR to better understand climate change, geology and Earth’s history. It is a part of the International Ocean Discovery Program and is funded by the National Science Foundation. JOIDES Resolution Onboard Outreach Officers sail on the ship to share the science story with students, families, and the public. Applications will be accepted from classroom teachers, informal science educators, artists, videographers, writers, social media experts and anyone who can make a good case for themselves. Expeditions late in 2023 and 2024 are available.” All Expenses are paid, in addition to a $10,000 stipend.
- Who can apply?: Classroom teachers, informal science educators, artists, videographers, writers, social media experts and anyone who can make a good case for themselves.
- Application deadline: January 13th, 2023
- Program length: Two months, 12/10/23-2/2/24 or 2/9/24-4/8/24
National Society of High School Scholars Conference Grants: https://www.nshss.org/educators/grants/conference-or-virtual-event-grants/ “NSHSS is providing five (5) $500 grants to help defray costs of educational conference registration, travel, and accommodations. NSHSS educators are eligible to receive one NSHSS grant per academic year.”
- Who can apply?: Any high school teacher or counselor currently employed at a public or private high school in the United States or internationally.
- Application deadline: March 14th, 2024
- Program length: Varies- you can use this grant towards an educational conference of your choice.
- Destination options: Varies- you can use this grant towards an educational conference of your choice.
White House History Teacher Institute: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/rubenstein-center/k-12-education-resources-and-programs/professional-development-programs/white-house-history-teacher-institute “The in-person Institute is a five-day immersive teacher professional development program hosted by the White House Historical Association in Washington, D.C. The in-person format features discussions with historians, local site visits, inquiry-based learning activities, guest speakers, and the opportunity to network with fellow educators from across the country.”
- Who can apply?: Any pre-service or current K-12 teachers from the United States
- Application deadline: February 19th, 2024
- Program length: Five days
- Destination options: Washington, D.C.
United States Naval Academy STEM Educator Training: Set Sail https://www.usna.edu/STEM/applications.php “Inviting middle and high school educators to discover, explore, and test ideas at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Learn how science and technology impact real world challenges.”
- Who can apply?: Middle and high school educators
- Application deadline: No deadline posted, applications opened in January
- Program length: One Week
- Destination options: Annapolis, MD
CIEE: https://www.ciee.org/ CIEE is a study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. They offer a variety of opportunities for teachers including opportunities to attend seminars and teach abroad.
- Destination options: varies- check their website
Society for Science Middle School Research Teacher Conference https://www.societyforscience.org/outreach-and-equity/middle-school-research-teachers-conference/ “This annual conference brings 75 middle school STEM teachers to Washington, DC, all-expenses-paid, for a weekend of peer-led professional development.”
- Who can apply?: Middle school STEM teachers
- Application deadline: Head to their website (linked above) to be notified when applications open
- Program length: One weekend
- Destination options: Washington, DC