Unlocking Global Opportunities: A Guide to Global Navigator Scholarships for High School Students

Studying abroad during high school is a transformative experience, offering broadened world perspectives, language proficiency gains, new passions, and lasting friendships. However, the cost can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous funding opportunities exist to make these experiences more accessible. This article explores various scholarships and grants, with a focus on the CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship, designed to help high school students achieve their study abroad dreams. Scholarships and grants aren’t just for college students! If you dream of studying abroad during high school but have sticker shock from the price, know that there are countless funding opportunities to make the experience more affordable.

Navigating the Scholarship Landscape

The world of study abroad scholarships can seem daunting, but understanding the different types of scholarships and their requirements is the first step towards securing funding. High school scholarships for international students may exclude freshmen or seniors, depending on where you are on your academic path. Additionally, some cater specifically to students with financial need or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

General Tips for Scholarship Applications

Before diving into specific scholarship programs, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

Check Your Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements.
Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts and recommendation letters.
Highlight Your Uniqueness: Craft a compelling written piece or video that showcases your unique qualities and explains how the program aligns with your future plans.
Seek Feedback: Have a friend, family member, or teacher review your application for feedback before submitting.
Apply Widely: Don't limit yourself to just one scholarship; the more applications you submit, the higher your chances of receiving funding. And don’t just stop at one!

Featured Scholarship Programs

Several organizations offer scholarships and grants specifically for high school students interested in studying abroad.

ASSE International: Awards a limited number of study abroad scholarships to exceptional North American students participating in high school exchange programs overseas. Each year, ASSE International awards a limited number of study abroad scholarships to help exceptional North American students take part in a high school exchange program overseas.
VISIONS: Offers financial aid based on financial need and the availability of funds. VISIONS offer financial aid that is based on financial need and availability of funds.
School Year Abroad (SYA): Aims to make its high school abroad programs affordable for all students. School Year Abroad (SYA) wants its high school abroad programs to be affordable for everyone.
Youth for Understanding (YFU): Provides over 170 full and partial need-based and merit-based scholarships annually for its high school abroad programs. Youth for Understanding (YFU) offers over 170 full and partial need-based and merit-based scholarships every year for their high school abroad programs.
American Association of Teachers of German: Offers scholarships to high school students interested in attending their 3-week summer high school abroad program in Germany. The American Association of Teachers of German offers several scholarships to high school students interested in attending their 3-week summer high school abroad in Germany program.
ISE Student Ambassadors: High schoolers participating in either high school abroad or a short-term/summer program with ISE can apply to be Student Ambassadors to receive a scholarship of between $150-$1,000. High schoolers participating in either high school abroad or a short-term/summer program with ISE can apply to be Student Ambassadors to receive a scholarship of between $150-$1,000.
Centro MundoLengua: A Spanish language school that offers full and partial tuition scholarships for students demonstrating financial need. Spanish language school Centro MundoLengua offers full and partial tuition scholarships for students demonstrating financial need.
US Youth Ambassadors Program: A 3-week summer leadership and cultural exchange program for US high school students in select countries in the Caribbean, Central, or South America. The US Youth Ambassadors Program is a 3-week summer leadership and cultural exchange program for US high school students in a select country in the Caribbean, Central, or South America.
US Department of State's YES Program: Provides scholarships to US students for an academic year abroad at a high school in a country with a significant Muslim population. Current countries include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, and Turkey. The US Department of State's YES program provides scholarships to US students interested in spending an academic year abroad at a high school in a country with a significant Muslim population. Current countries include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, and Turkey.
FLEX Abroad: The US Department of State and American Councils for International Education welcomes high school students of all GPAs and backgrounds to apply for a scholarship to spend a year at a high school abroad in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania. The FLEX Abroad scholarship covers airfare, tuition, and room and board with a host family. The US Department of State and American Councils for International Education welcomes high school students of all GPAs and backgrounds to apply for a scholarship to spend a year at a high school abroad in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania. The FLEX Abroad scholarship covers airfare, tuition, and room and board with a host family.
Rotary Club: Operates a large private study abroad funding program, offering up to $25,000 in scholarships for a year of academic study, room and board, and associated expenses. Students are named Cultural Ambassadors and are expected to give presentations both on their home culture while abroad and on the culture of their study abroad destination upon returning home. The Rotary Club operates one of the largest and longest-run private study abroad funding programs offering up to $25,000 in scholarships to fund one year of academic study, room and board, and other associated expenses. Students are named Cultural Ambassadors and are expected to give presentations both on their home culture while abroad and on the culture of their study abroad destination upon returning home. State Department will provide full scholarships to study abroad in Germany -- no previous language required! has identified as high importance.

CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship: A Deep Dive

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to study abroad and intercultural exchange programs. CIEE strives to increase access to study abroad and intercultural exchange programs that humanize international relations and thereby create a more peaceful global community. They offer a variety of summer programs in over 35 destinations worldwide, focusing on language proficiency, local interactions, and intentional reflection. CIEE, Council on International Educational Exchange, a nonprofit organization, offers 70+ summer programs in 35+ destinations around the world. Today’s interconnected world requires a range of global competencies-with intercultural awareness and communication skills at the top of the list. That’s why CIEE’s high school summer abroad programs focus on language proficiency, local interactions, and intentional reflection in countries all over the world. Programs in 9 Languages, STEM, Social Change, Arts, Business are based on academic learning standards and support core school subject areas. These programs are designed to engage teenagers and prepare them for life in our interconnected world while they learn what they are passionate about and explore a future career. 3-4 weeks summer programs offer college credit, service-learning hours, hands-on experience, the opportunity to gain confidence, independence, responsibility, and a more global perspective.

Read also: Global Cool Scholarships

The CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship (GNS) is the largest high school study abroad scholarship fund in the country, awarding \$7 Million every year. Make your study abroad dream a reality! Now is your chance to apply to the largest high school study abroad scholarship fund in the country and experience the summer of a lifetime. Global Navigator Scholarship Funds supports equitable access making study abroad dream a reality. In addition to excellent programs, availability of scholarships makes CIEE stand out. Many students who don’t think they would qualify for a scholarship get something to help with costs. It’s an outstanding way to see the world, make new friends, and deepen your understanding of the world.

Types of CIEE Scholarships

There are two main types of CIEE high school study abroad scholarships:

Global Navigator Scholarship (GNS): This need-based scholarship covers between $500 and 100% of tuition costs. To apply, students must submit their parent(s)'s or legal guardian(s)'s financial information. There are two types of CIEE high school study abroad scholarships available: Global Navigator Scholarship (GNS) covers between $500 to 100% of your tuition costs (this is the price listed at the top of every high school summer abroad program page). You must submit your parent(s)'s or legal guardian(s)'s financial information to apply for this scholarship.
Academic Merit Award: This merit-based award covers $500 of tuition costs. Academic Merit Award covers $500 from your tuition costs.

It’s a good idea to apply if you’re interested, and then make your final decision when you know your scholarship amount.

Additional CIEE Grants

CIEE also offers additional grants to help students cover other expenses:

GAIN Travel Grant: Provides up to $1,500 toward airfare for high-need students participating in a CIEE program. GAIN Travel Grant - Up to $1,500 toward airfare for high need students participating in a CIEE program.
Gilman Go Global Grant: Offers up to $2,500 toward program costs for qualified applicants for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Gilman Go Global Grant - Up to $2,500 toward program costs for any qualified applicant for the Benjamin A.

Application Tips for CIEE Scholarships

The scholarship application is within the general online application, and the short essay questions regard reasons/fit for wanting to participate, challenges experienced and expected in the program and strengths you would contribute to the program (culturally, linguistically, socially, leadership skills, communication skills, global perspective, subject area knowledge, etc.). Any student graduating in 2020, 2021, or 2022 is eligible to apply for a scholarship (seniors can also apply for a merit scholarship of 10%). You can also view an online presentation on the application instructions here. More details and resources on fundraising can be found here.

Other Funding Opportunities

Besides the scholarships mentioned above, consider exploring these additional funding avenues:

UIC Navigator Scholars Program: Launched through generous funding from UIC's Office of the Chancellor and formerly called the FirstGen Flames Abroad program, the Navigator Scholars program is designed to award first-year students whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree with a scholarship to study abroad. Launched through generous funding from UIC's Office of the Chancellor and formerly called the FirstGen Flames Abroad program, the Navigator Scholars program is designed to award first-year students whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree with a scholarship to study abroad. The scholarship is unique in that it is awarded at the end of the first year a student is at UIC giving them the rest of their undergraduate career to plan for participation in an education abroad program.
Fundraising: Explore fundraising opportunities to supplement scholarship funding and cover remaining expenses. We will be having a fundraising seminar to help students with fundraising ideas for flights and spending money. More details and resources on fundraising can be found here.
Local Organizations: Research local organizations, community groups, and businesses that may offer scholarships or grants for students studying abroad.
High School Resources: Consult with your high school's guidance counselor or study abroad advisor for information on available scholarships and funding resources. Learn more about study abroad opportunities for Appoquinimink School District high school students! Helpful Resources: This 45 min session covers thematic, language and culture programs, college and career readiness outcomes, FUN activities, cultural learning, logistics, scholarship application process, pre-departure planning, and on program support ending with Q&A.

The Transformative Power of Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a truly transformative experience. Students return home with broadened world perspectives, language proficiency gains, new or reinvigorated passions for their future academic or career path, and lasting friendship connections. Study abroad is a truly transformative experience. Students return home with broadened world perspectives, language proficiency gains, new or reinvigorated passions for their future academic or career path, and lasting friendship connections.

CIEE changes lives. Our alumni change the world.

Student Testimonials

Ruhi S.: “CIEE helped me achieve one of my lifelong goals of traveling to Paris." Ruhi S. “CIEE helped me achieve one of my lifelong goals of traveling to Paris.
Lorena C.: “CIEE gives out a lot of scholarships, so if you can’t afford to go, you're very likely to get the money to make it possible." Lorena C. “CIEE gives out a lot of scholarships, so if you can’t afford to go, you're very likely to get the money to make it possible.

Examples of Students Studying Abroad

Alexis Rivas is a transfer student studying Urban Education. She wants to study abroad to challenge her views of the world and to hear new perspectives. Alexis believes that the opportunity to travel and see more of the world will help her better connect with others.
Christian Najjar is a second-year student, studying biology and on the pre-med track. When thinking about studying abroad, he is particularly interested in gaining new perspectives on cultural norms, different customs, and learning new languages.
Estrella Andrade participated in the First Year Flames Abroad summer 2023 program in Costa Rica. She is studying Spanish education, and is interested in studying abroad a second time in Central America, Europe, or Asia. Her strengths rest in her ability to connect to others and communicate effectively.
Fabiola Jimenez is in her second year and studying Urban Education. She is motivated to study abroad so that she can experience an environment in which she is pushed to gain new perspectives and adapt to different cultures.
Gilberto Ceja Jr. is a second-year student studying accounting.
Johnathan Zamora is a second year student, majoring in nursing. In the summer of 2024, he completed the “Superheroes in Anime, Manga, Movies, and Comics” program in Japan.
Kamryn Celis is a second year student majoring in psychology. She studied abroad in the summer of 2024 in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she completed a program in “Social Justice, Identity and Language”. Before leaving, she wrote that she was excited to get to know her peers and learn more Spanish while abroad.
Kaosisochukwu Ogochukwu is a biology major on the pre-med track and a second year student. She is excited to experience this new and refreshing challenge, and is interested in programs all around the world.
Lana Oliveros is a transfer student studying Global Asian Studies. She wants to be an example to her peers by showing them that study abroad is an option for everyone. Lana is excited to regularly Facetime her mom and friends while abroad to share her experience and the country that she is visiting.
Leonela Torres-Saavedra is an urban education major. She plans to study abroad as an opportunity to see more of the world and to become more independent. During her time abroad, she will network and build long-lasting professional and personal connections.
Luna Valderrama is studying Earth and Environmental sciences. She participated in the First Year Flames Abroad Costa Rica program in the summer of 2023.
Marleni Diaz is studying Spanish. In the summer of 2024, she went to Rome and Salerno on the “Discovering Italy through Arts and Culture” program. Her previous travel experience to see her family in Mexico has shaped her as a person through cultural and language immersion.
Michael Juarez is studying Kinesiology. He is open to programs all over the world and views studying abroad as an opportunity to gain independence.
Naomi Alvarez is on the pre-law track, majoring in Interndisciplinary Education in the Arts (IDEA) and minoring in Criminology, Law, and Justice. In the summer of 2024, she completed the “Superheroes in Anime, Manga, and Comics” program in Tokyo, Japan. Naomi also participated in the First Year Flames Abroad program during the summer of 2023.
Paulina Aguilar is a pre-nursing student. She is interested in traveling and studying abroad in Europe or Asia.
Solita Slooby is a biology major with a psychology minor and on the pre-med track. In her application, she wrote that as a STEM major, it is incredibly easy to feel burnt out, but that she hopes that having the opportunity to study abroad would help her learn to be more present and in the moment- which are important practices for physicians and medical professionals.
Stephanie Roldan is studying biology on the pre-dentistry track. She is interested in studying abroad in South Korea for language immersion. Her goal is to become trilingual in Spanish, English, and Korean. Her aspirations of being multilingual are rooted in her goal of making healthcare more accessible and breaking down language barriers.
Valeria Herrera studied abroad in Japan with the “Superheroes in Anime, Manga, Movies, and Comics” program in the summer of 2024. In her application, she stated that she hoped studying abroad would help her grow in all aspects of her life.
Valeria Perez is on the pre-med track. She is interested in studying abroad in Europe or Oceania. Her desire to study abroad began in middle school, and she hopes that she will become more self reliant and independent.
Veronica Gebbia is a transfer student studying chemical engineering. In the summer of 2024, she went to Barcelona and completed a program focused on understanding Biomaterials.
Yailin Aguirre is on the pre-dentistry track. She is interested in studying abroad in North, Central, or South America, Europe, or Oceania. Her goals while abroad are to be able to better relate with people that differ from her culturally.

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