Unlocking Global Opportunities: A Guide to the EF Tours Global Citizen Scholarship

For nearly 60 years, EF has been dedicated to Opening the World Through Education. The Global Citizen Scholarship Fund is designed to make that happen for more students than ever. This article will explore the requirements and opportunities presented by the EF Tours Global Citizen Scholarship, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective applicants.

Understanding the EF Global Citizen Scholarship

The EF Global Citizen Scholarship is a needs- and merit-based program that awards funds to student travelers across the country. Every year, $100,000 is awarded to student travelers. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate a passion for global awareness and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. By offering this scholarship, EF seeks to ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of educational travel.

Eligibility Criteria

The Global Citizen Scholarship is available to students traveling between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027 and are eligible to apply for the 2026 and 2027 Global Citizen Scholarship.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Global Citizen Scholarship, students must complete an online application and submit a two- to three-minute video. The video should address the question: "How will this tour change the way you think or feel about the world, or act within it?" Video submissions can include various formats, such as webinar-style presentations, animations, or any other content that effectively answers the question. Applicants are not required to be on video for their submission to be considered.

Key Dates and Deadlines

It is crucial to be aware of the application deadlines, as they vary depending on the travel date. Here is a breakdown of the deadlines and winner announcement dates for different travel periods:

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Travel Dates: January 2026 - March 2026
- Deadline: August 12, 2025
- Winner Announcement: August 29, 2025
Travel Dates: April 2026 - June 2026
- Deadline: November 5, 2025
- Winner Announcement: December 5, 2025
Travel Dates: July 2026 - September 2026
- Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Winner Announcement: March 2, 2026
Travel Dates: October 2026 - December 2026
- Deadline: May 12, 2026
- Winner Announcement: May 29, 2026
Travel Dates: January 2027 - March 2027

Read also: EF Tours Scholarship Application Guide
- Deadline: August 11, 2026
- Winner Announcement: August 28, 2026
Travel Dates: April 2027 - June 2027
- Deadline: November 4, 2026
- Winner Announcement: December 4, 2026
Travel Dates: July 2027 - September 2027
- Deadline: February 11, 2027
- Winner Announcement: March 1, 2027

Tips for Creating a Compelling Video

The video submission is a critical component of the scholarship application. Here are some tips to help students create a compelling and impactful video:

Clearly Address the Prompt: Ensure that the video directly answers the question of how the tour will change the way the applicant thinks, feels, or acts within the world.
Showcase Passion and Enthusiasm: Let your passion for global awareness and cultural exchange shine through. Enthusiasm is contagious and can make your video more engaging.

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Be Authentic and Genuine: Authenticity is key. Speak from the heart and share your personal perspective.
Highlight Specific Goals: Articulate specific goals and aspirations related to the tour. What do you hope to learn, experience, or contribute?
Demonstrate Creativity: Think outside the box and use creative storytelling techniques to make your video stand out.
Keep it Concise: Adhere to the two- to three-minute time limit. Be mindful of your pacing and ensure that your message is clear and concise.
Technical Quality: While professional-quality video production is not required, ensure that the audio and video are clear and easy to understand.

Additional Opportunities for Educational Growth

In addition to the Global Citizen Scholarship, EF offers various educational opportunities to enhance the travel experience. These include:

Journey of Discovery: Travel, Reflection, and Action: This course offers 1 elective high school credit and is included in the cost of the tour.
The Global Student: Travel, Reflection, and Action: This course provides 3 undergraduate credits, with a transcript issued by Southern New Hampshire University. The cost is included in the tour price.
The Empowered Educator: Learning and Leading in a Connected World: This course offers 45 professional learning hours and is included in the tour cost.
The Global Educator: Learning and Leading in a Connected World: This course provides 3 or 6 graduate-level credits, with a transcript issued by Southern New Hampshire University.
EF Global Leadership Summit: Professional Learning Track: This track offers 15 professional learning hours and is included in the cost of the EF Global Leadership Summit.
First-Time EF Group Leader Training Tour: This tour provides 25 professional hours for the International Training Tour and 10 professional learning hours for the Virtual Training Tour.

The EF Method: Enhancing Learning Through Immersive Experiences

Every EF tour is designed with a proven educational method, honed over nearly 60 years. The EF Method enhances classroom learning through immersive, hands-on experiences that build essential skills for students’ futures. The impact extends far beyond the days spent traveling. Students can earn the EF | Nobel Prize Museum Global Citizen Certificate by successfully completing a multimedia project that addresses a tour-related prompt. The certificate can be earned as part of the high school or undergraduate courses, receiving both the certificate and academic credit, or by completing the project without taking part in the credit courses. Students have until two months past their return date to submit their project.

Financial Support and Fundraising Tools

EF understands that their tours are an investment, and they provide various tools and resources to help families turn travel dreams into reality. They offer personalized payment options that are practical, flexible, and approachable. EF also provides practical fundraising tools to help make your upcoming tour possible, including sample letter templates and creative fundraising ideas.

Safety and Support

EF prioritizes the safety and well-being of its travelers. Group Leaders work closely with their Tour Director as the point person for each traveler’s safety and conduct. EF also provides an exclusive Peace of Mind program to account for unforeseen circumstances. Travelers can choose to enroll in one of the Global Travel Protection plans, which provide pre-departure and on-tour benefits, including medical expense coverage and tour cancellation for stated reasons.

Staying Connected and Informed

EF provides several resources to keep travelers and Group Leaders connected and informed:

Custom RSVP Site: Before promoting your tour or parent meeting, you’ll receive access to your own custom RSVP site to collect a list of people who express interest in your tour and who plan to attend your meeting.
EF Traveler App: Group Leaders can use the EF Traveler app to keep EF updated on how their tour is going, providing real-time feedback.

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