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GEEO Helps Teachers Travel!

We believe education is at the core of our society, and teachers with broader global perspectives offer more enriching experiences to those under their guidance in the classroom. Founded in 2007, Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has sent over 4,500 teachers around the world on adventurous and educational travel programs. GEEO’s programs range from 5 to 25 days in duration and are designed and discounted to be interesting and affordable for educators. Our programs are open to pre-K, K-12, and college-level educators, administrators, retired educators, and non-educator guests of all nationalities. Learn more about why teachers love to travel with GEEO .

DISCOUNTED FOR EDUCATORS (AND GUESTS)

Small group sizes, educational resources, pd and graduate credit, amazing customer service, featured programs.

South Korea 11/8/2024

Portugal 7/5/2024

Portugal 12/26/2024

Bolivia 12/22/2024

Iceland 12/26/2024

Southern India 12/22/2024

Bolivia 6/30/2024

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Travel the World With Grants Just for Educators

These scholarships for educators can pay for your travel expenses and make you, and your students, richer for the experience..

by NEA Member Benefits

Travel is an enriching experience all on its own. But with a grant or scholarship, educators not only get to explore an interesting place or topic; they get to bring that valuable experience back to their own classrooms. If you’ve ever wanted to travel to historic sites, interview experts, research alongside field professionals or even learn an artisanal craft, travel grants and fellowships can make your goals a reality.

Design your own enrichment trip  

Fund for Teachers. Perhaps the largest provider of educator-enrichment funding, Fund for Teachers (FFT) offers grants for self-designed summer fellowships. This empowers teachers to take control of their own learning in a way they know will have the most impact on their students. FFT has awarded $33.5 million in grants to nearly 9,000 of America’s top educators, and FFT Fellows have traveled to 152 different countries on all seven continents.

Program details: Grants of up to $5,000 per individual or $10,000 for teams of two or more. Who’s eligible: Full-time, pre-K–12 teachers with at least three years’ teaching experience who spend 50% or more of their time in classroom instruction with students and intend to return to a classroom or teaching environment. Application deadline: The application cycle begins in October and ends in January. For a better chance of success, be sure to review the Scoring Criteria , which details how applications are evaluated.

Gain an international perspective

Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program. The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (Fulbright TGC) knows that for students to have a global perspective, their instructors need to gain one through their own international travel. Each year, about 80 educators are selected for the program (funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the nonprofit IREX) and challenged to transform their classrooms to enhance students’ global points of view.

The yearlong fellowship includes a free online training course plus a trip to Washington, D.C., for a collaborative Global Education Symposium. It culminates with a two- to three-week international trip to a TGC-selected location. Past countries have included Brazil, Morocco, India, the Philippines and Kazakhstan. Once at their destination, educators connect with local teachers and host schools to exchange ideas and even lead classes.

Program details: The fellowship covers airfare, hotel and travel incidentals for the Washington, D.C., and international trips. Fellows earn professional development Continuing Education Units. Who’s eligible: Full-time, K-12 teachers who are U.S. citizens and residents with three years’ experience who spend 50% or more of their time in a student-facing role. Application deadline: The application cycle begins in December or January and closes in March. Apply at irex.org or join its mailing list to receive details about the next trips.

Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program. The U.S. Department of Education’s Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program offers approximately three summer seminars annually, each hosting 16 U.S. educators in the social sciences and humanities for four to six weeks. The seminar locations in 2021 were Iceland, Morocco and Mexico. The program aims to improve participants’ understanding and knowledge of the people and cultures of other countries.

Program details: The grant includes airfare, room and board and program costs within the host country, but participants are responsible for some shared costs. In 2021, that cost was $650. Who’s eligible: Educators responsible for curriculum or instruction in the social sciences or humanities and languages, including elementary and secondary teachers, administrators or curriculum specialists, faculty or administrators from institutions of higher education, librarians, museum educators and media or resource specialists. Applicants must also be citizens or permanent residents of the United States holding a bachelor’s degree or higher with at least three years’ experience and current full-time employment in one of the professions listed above in a U.S. school system, institution of higher learning, local or state education agency, library or museum. Application deadline: The application cycle is typically announced in the fall or winter for the following year (e.g., fall or winter 2021 announcement for 2022 programs) with a deadline at the end of December.  Contact the Department of Education  for future application schedules, and check the  Hints for Preparing a Competitive Application .

Cruise in the name of science or geography

Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program. This is no ordinary boat ride. The 35 or so teachers chosen for the Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program (GTF), which is sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions, join a Lindblad expedition voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Sea Lion and or National Geographic Quest. Educators learn about the land and sea from on-board naturalists and have opportunities for activities such as kayaking, Zodiac trips and cultural tours of local towns.

Previous expeditions included trips to the Galápagos Islands, where educators kayaked and snorkeled among stingrays and sea lions, and Iceland, where they cruised alongside humpback and orca whales and observed blue-morph arctic fox pups. Part of the fellowship includes developing classroom activities to teach their students the geographic and ocean issues they learned about on their trip.

Program details: Fellowships include expenses for a 10- to 17-day expedition during the summer or December holiday, plus a required pre-expedition workshop in Washington, D.C. Fellows are expected to be active and engaged members of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship over the course of the expedition year and the year following. Who’s eligible: Pre-K–12 teachers and informal educators from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and Department of Defense Activity Schools who have demonstrated a dedication to geography education. Applicants must plan to return to a classroom or teaching environment the year following the expedition. Application deadline: The call for applications begins each fall. Sign up for updates here . See a  sample application .

Teacher at Sea Program. Love the open ocean? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has sent more than 800 educators from all 50 states to the Teacher at Sea program. Past Teacher at Sea ships operated in a variety of areas from the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska to the northeast Atlantic and the Florida coast.

Cruises focus on either fisheries, oceanography or hydrography. Educators might help conduct research toward better understanding of marine habitats, sustainable fishing and climate or even assist in scanning the sea floor for underwater hazards in order to improve nautical charts.

Program details: Fellowships include all travel costs for two-week to one-month cruises, including transportation to and from the ship, lodging and per diem allowance. Who’s eligible: Currently employed, full-time, pre-K-12 teachers or administrators; community college, college or university teachers; museum or aquarium educators; and adult education teachers. Applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of the U.S. who will return to the same or similar employment the next year. Please note: Due to COVID-19, the ships did not sail in 2020 or 2021, so the 2022 voyage will be for those who qualified in 2020. The next round of new applicants can apply for the 2023 season. Application deadline: Applications will open for the 2023 season in October 2022.

Teach Earth Program. If donning waist-high neoprene waders and trekking through the Arctic wetlands of Manitoba collecting water samples sounds like your idea of a cool summer vacation, try for a Teach Earth USA Fellowship from the Earthwatch Institute . Each year, the institute sends about 50 teachers to join one- to two-week expeditions with world-renowned scientists working in the field to help collect samples and analyze them in the lab.

These frontline opportunities allow teachers to apply the scientific method to current environmental issues. Past expeditions have focused on studying the effects of climate change in the Arctic, California, Costa Rica, Little Cayman, Acadia National Park, Arizona and Ecuador.

Program details: Grants cover the full cost of the research expedition or partially funded fellowships at a subsidized rate. Who’s eligible: U.S.-based K–12 teachers of any subject. Application deadline: Applications opened for the 2022 session on November 2, 2021, and have a deadline of January 10, 2022.

Fund a professional development project

The NEA Foundation. The NEA Foundation’s Learning & Leadership Grants underwrite teachers for a variety of professional enrichment experiences, from research projects to attending conferences and seminars. Past recipients ’ projects have included a range of trips, from attending a grant-writing conference in Miami to 11 weeks in Mexico for intensive music and folk dance study. Right now, there is a focus on pandemic-related relief and racial equality work, but all applications are still being considered.

Program details: Grantees receive $2,000 per individual and $5,000 per group for professional development. Who’s eligible: Educators, counselors and support professionals (such as para-educators, food service, clerical and maintenance and custodial staff) at public schools or public institutions of higher education. Applicants must be current NEA members. Application deadlines: The NEA Foundation reviews applications three times a year. Check the website for application periods and deadlines.

Find long-term grants and short-term adventure

The Institute of International Education (IIE) administers several programs that finance travel for secondary-school teachers. These are sponsored by various foundations, corporations and government entities and can vary from year to year. Among them is the highly competitive Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching , a grant that allows U.S. and international teachers to go abroad for three to six months to learn about another country’s educational system.

Sign up for the IIE’s free Global Opportunities for Teachers newsletter for more information about its programs and resources.

Program details: Grants vary by program. Visit IIE’s program finder page for the latest offerings. Who’s eligible:  Full-time teachers with at least more than five years’ experience are preferred, with some additional criteria depending on the program. Application deadlines: Vary by program.

Study in Scotland, England, Japan and more

Specialty groups offer a host of teacher travel opportunities for specific types of study. Here are a few examples:

• The National Association of Japan-America Societies offers Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellowships for grades 6–12 economics, social studies, geography and history teachers to tour Tokyo and its surroundings. In 2019 the program featured visits to Japanese schools, companies and cultural events as well as opportunities to talk with students, teachers, executives, scholars and experts on Japanese society and its education system.
• The English-Speaking Union of the United States offers  TLab-UK , formerly the British Universities Summer School (BUSS) program, on the humanities in Scotland and England. Past trips to Edinburgh and Oxford universities explored literature, creative writing, history and politics, and participants in the Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance program in London got a chance to perform on the stage of the Globe Theatre. U.S. teachers should contact the closest of the organization’s  participating branches  to apply for full funding.
• The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) selects  Alfred Lerner Fellows  for intensive Holocaust education in their  Summer Institute for Teachers  at Columbia University in New York City. Alfred Lerner fellows who complete the institute and remain active with their local Holocaust centers become eligible for an advanced seminar in New Jersey and the European Study Program in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, where 15 fellows visit concentration camps including Auschwitz, ghetto sites, survivors, rescuers and historians. Programs do have a cost, but are heavily subsidized by the JFR.

Program details, eligibility and application deadlines vary by program.

Note: This post was originally published in December 2014 and updated October 2016, June 2018, September 2019 and October 2021.

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Summer Abroad for Teachers: Ways to Spend Summer Traveling as a Teacher

Summer abroad experiences can be incredibly enriching for teachers, providing them with new perspectives, cultural insights, and professional development opportunities. But, how is this possible? What options are there to spend summer abroad for teachers?

As a former teacher myself, I’ve spent multiple  summers abroad   teaching and traveling . Here are ten ideas and suggestions for teachers considering a summer abroad. Each one is different, and I’ll provide resources for getting started on your search. Looking for more opportunities? Get my list of over  200 teacher travel opportunities .

Table of Contents

Top questions for planning a summer abroad for teachers, how long are opportunities.

Most short-term teaching programs range from just a week to a few months. Some will last a full three months. It’s important to choose which one works best with your schedule before applying.

When should I start looking for these opportunities?

Some of the options for summer abroad for teachers are paid, some are ongoing professional development, and still others are volunteer based.

This one depends on which option you are choosing! Many fellowships and professional development programs will start applications during the fall prior to the summer. However, most jobs will begin recruiting a few months before.

You also want to consider any visas or updates to your passport you may need to make. It’s best to give yourself plenty of time to apply and ensure you are prepared for your summer abroad.

How much can I make during a summer abroad?

Salaries and benefits will be dependent on the type of teaching job, the location, and of course, the individual employer. However, as a guide, here’s a look at the average monthly pay and perks for typical short-term teaching opportunities.

•  Summer camps: English teachers working at summer camps in Europe can expect free lodging and meals along with a monthly stipend of around $1,000 to $1,500 USD. Some camps in Germany can pay up to $2,500.
• Internships: monthly salaries for teaching interns can range from $700-$1,000 USD. Some internships may include accommodation. Free accommodation is most common in China.
• Volunteer: typically unpaid, but benefits generally include free accommodation, meals, and transportation. Other perks like language classes, insurance coverage, or excursions may be offered, too, depending on the program.
• Language schools: salaries vary greatly depending on the country or region. English teachers at language schools in Eastern Europe can expect around $800-$1,100 USD a month, while teachers in Asia earn more, usually around $1,500-$2,500 USD.

Where can I go as a teacher for the summer?

Short-term teaching opportunities can be found all over the world but here are some of the best destinations to spend a few weeks or months abroad. You’ll find all types of options around the world, though these are some patterns I’ve seen.

Summer camps : Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are three of the most popular destinations for short-term summer camp opportunities.

Internships : teachers interning in Thailand, China, and Cambodia can expect good pay and benefits for their short-term assignments.

Volunteer : India, Peru, and Nepal happily welcome enthusiastic volunteer teachers and in return provide accommodation, meals, and eager and friendly students.

Language schools : Spain, Italy, Poland, Vietnam, and China are always looking for English speakers for short-term teaching gigs.

International Teaching Programs

Look for international teaching programs that offer short-term opportunities for teachers to work abroad during the summer. Many organizations facilitate exchanges or short-term placements where teachers can teach in a different country.

When searching for teaching jobs for the summer, the most common places to look are directly on school and language center websites, on ESL job boards, and through teaching abroad programs or recruiters.

Here are some places to look during your job hunt:

Teach Abroad Programs and TEFL Providers: CIEE Teach Abroad , The Cultural Exchange Project

Directly on school and language center websites: EF , Berlitz , Maximo Nivel , International House

TEFL Job Boards: Dave’s ESL , GoOverseas.com

TEFL and teacher recruiters: SeekTeachers

English Summer Camps

When it comes to building new skills and developing excellent traits for teaching, it’s hard to beat a summer school or camp.

A summer camp experience allows you to build a rapport with students, including not just English lessons, but also practical activities and an overall culture where students are encouraged to speak in English.

A summer school/camp is a perfect opportunity to show your flair for the unique and give memorable lessons in a different kind of environment. Both qualities blend into each other – you have to show initiative and wherewithal to put your stamp on proceedings.

Problem-solving skills are also vital. You’re likely to come up against challenges you’ve not faced as a teacher, so being able to think quickly is a boost. That, and of course, a real passion for teaching and for getting better at communicating, will make you an outstanding candidate to teach at a summer camp.

Some of the best camps for teachers hoping to gain summer experience include XUK in the UK, the ACLE camp in Italy, and Skouras in Greece. Some other well-known summer camps include The English Camp Company , The American Village , TECS , and The International Camp Network .

English Homestay Tutor or Au Pair

As a homestay tutor or au pair, you typically live with a local family abroad to help care for students on summer vacation and provide English tutoring services. These homestay experiences are a great way to teach English while immersing in the local culture.

A few different websites organize these types of programs, including Workaway , Au Pair , English Nanny , and The Cultural Exchange Project , which specializes in homestay tutor programs. As a homestay tutor or au pair, your salary is typically quite low and may only include room and board, and a small weekly stipend for spending money.

Private Tutor

Teachers can also consider being a private tutor for the summer in a different country. There are two primary ways to become a private tutor: with an online teaching platform or independently. Those who tutor on a platform such as Preply   or Lingoda  enjoy access to a network of students, teaching resources, and marketing help. However, these platforms take a small commission fee or pay teachers a set rate for their services.

Those who opt to tutor privately can set their schedule and pay rate but must find their own students and market themselves independently. Many private tutors advertise their services on their social media accounts, local job boards, and websites like Fiverr   or LinkedIn .

Depending on experience and educational background, private English tutors can typically earn between $10-$25+ per hour.

Volunteer Opportunities

Consider volunteering with educational organizations or NGOs abroad. This can be a rewarding way to contribute your skills and make a positive impact on education in a different cultural context.

Charities are always looking for certified teachers to fill summer positions, and all the better when they can do so without expenditure.

Always choose these opportunities carefully to make sure you are going with an ethical, well-researched charity organization, especially if you’re teaching English abroad. Voluntourism is a major issue, and you do not want to contribute to these issues.

There are specific organizations, like Angloville ,  British Council’s ,  Global Volunteers , Family Legacy ,  and  Projects Abroad  – ethical companies or charities that encourage you to expand your experience teaching. I have personally volunteered and taught abroad with Family Legacy in Zambia .

Peace Corps Response   provides the opportunity to serve a much shorter term than the traditional two-year Peace Corps commitment. Teachers are frequently recruited for Peace Corps Response placements because many limited-term positions focus on education. The Peace Corps pays for your travel and provides a modest living allowance. The application process is lengthy but well worth it! Stints can span from a few months to a year.

Professional Development Travel Experiences

Attend workshops, conferences, or seminars in a foreign country that focus on your specific area of expertise or interest in education. This can be an excellent way to learn about innovative teaching methods and connect with educators from around the world.

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) provides professional and curriculum development for teachers to learn about Arab nations and cultures, some of which include travel.

Fund for Teachers awards fellowships for summer learning experiences to pre K-12 teachers, empowering them to pursue their passions to then pique student engagement. Each fellowship is as unique as the teacher who designed it, and regardless of the destination or discipline, FFT Fellows return to classrooms inspired by their pursuit of ideas, terrains, and cultures and are further equipped to transform student learning.

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit whose mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. The Teach Earth program is built upon the principle that every individual can contribute to a sustainable planet, regardless of scientific background or skill.

IIE , an independent non-profit organization founded in 1919, is a world leader in the exchange of people and ideas. IIE administers over 200 programs serving more than 20,000 individuals each year. Program participants are selected through a competitive, merit-based process.

A nonprofit organization devoted to the improvement of history education, Gilder Lehrman   has developed an array of programs for schools, teachers, and students that operate in all 50 states. Their workshops focus on American and world history. Private school teachers are expected to contribute to the cost of their workshops.

NEH  is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States, providing dozens of workshops and seminars during the summer months. They range from 1-6 weeks and are offered in the U.S.A. and abroad. Longer programs provide meatier stipends.

The NOAA Teacher at Sea  program provides hands-on learning experiences throughout the year. Teachers join a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research and survey ship to obtain “clearer insight into our ocean planet, a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and to increase their level of environmental literacy by fostering an interdisciplinary research experience.”

Language Immersion Programs/Courses

Participate in a language immersion program in a country where the language is spoken. This can enhance your language skills and give you a deeper understanding of language acquisition, which can be valuable when working with English language learners.

Language schools are always putting on summer classes, and they’re a great way to build your CV, as well as to prepare for the upcoming school year and land those excellent ESL jobs.

It’s common for contracted teachers to leave language schools in the middle of a semester or term. Schools will then hire English teachers to work for a short duration before the next semester, perfect for native-speaking travelers who wish to live in one location for a short period of time.

Depending on the course and school, employers may be looking for applicants with previous teaching experience or a teaching certification like TEFL. It’s usually helpful to find jobs with these kinds of language schools while in the same country. This allows you to go in for an interview and, oftentimes, receive the job offer on the spot!

Universities and colleges are great sources for summer language schools, especially in terms of integrating new students from abroad. For example, UCL’s summer English course is a fantastic opportunity, while Edinburgh College also has excellent teaching facilities and an inclusive outlook.

Cultural/Teacher Exchanges

Explore cultural exchange programs that connect teachers with counterparts in other countries. This can involve collaborative projects, sharing teaching strategies, and gaining insights into different education systems.

These tours often include visits to schools, meetings with local educators, and opportunities to explore the educational system of the host country.

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program is a teacher exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State. It’s a combo of a teacher exchange and study abroad experience where US teachers work abroad and international teachers work in the US. Candidates team teach, observe classes, run workshops, review courses, and work on a long term project. This is a longer program at 3 – 6 months.

Sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, Keizai Koho  offers two-week summer study tours in Japan with a focus on economics, business, and education. Fellows participate in lectures and visit cultural sites throughout the two weeks. A requirement of the program is to create a lesson plan using what has been learned during the study tour — a small price to pay for a rich educational experience.

The Korea Society  offers study tours in Korea throughout the year. Most mornings consist of lectures, followed by afternoon cultural outings to temples, palaces, schools, and restaurants. Be forewarned: the program requires extensive walking in hot and humid temperatures. Also, the Korea Society will expect you to create a unit on Korean culture or history upon your return to the U.S.A.

The Goethe-Institute is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. They promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange.

GEEO  offers discounted group travel for teachers. Founded in 2007, Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has sent over 3,000 teachers worldwide on adventurous travel programs. GEEO’s teacher travel programs are 5 to 23 days long and are designed and discounted to be exciting and affordable for teachers. The trips are open to all nationalities of K-12 and university educators, administrators, retired educators, and educators’ guests.

Book Bag Trips hosts trips each year that are a combination of fun and PD. They host trips to places like Disney World, Europe, and Africa. They are a larger company, so they host over 10+ trips each summer.

Fellowships

Some organizations offer global teaching fellowships for educators. These programs often involve a combination of teaching, professional development, and cultural immersion.

Program leader for the CIEE Global Navigator program . CIEE’s program leader position is designed to assist students in exploring a different culture in more than 30 amazing destinations across the world.

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellow program  is a professional development opportunity made possible by a partnership between National Geographic Education and Lindblad Expeditions. The program takes educators, in small groups of two or three, on an all-expenses paid voyage aboard the Lindblad Expeditions flagship National Geographic Explorer.

The Klingenstein Summer Institute gathers 75 teachers from around the world for an exploration of teaching styles, educational philosophies, educational issues, and personal development. Meeting for two weeks in late June, this intensive program offered in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is specially designed to make teachers more effective leaders in the classroom and throughout the school.

International Conferences

Attend international conferences related to education and teaching. These events often bring together professionals from various countries and provide a platform for networking and sharing ideas.

Here are a few places to check for conferences:

• International Conference Alert
• All Conference Alert
• We Are Teachers

There are so many different conferences around the world for education. I recommend researching a conference of interest to you and then using a grant like Fund for Teachers  or IIE to fund your travels to and from the conference.

Before embarking on any summer abroad experience, it’s essential to research and plan carefully, considering factors such as visa requirements, health and safety, and the cultural context of the destination. No matter what you choose, you’re going to have an incredible experience!

Related posts

Summer Jobs Abroad for Teachers: CIEE Program Leader, Traveling Teacher Series

Teacher Travel Groups and Opportunities

Vacations for Teachers with GEEO

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March 26, 2019

Lillie Marshall

4 Affordable Ideas for Teacher Summer and Vacation Travel

Editor’s Note: Lillie Marshall has graciously shared her travel photos with us in the blog below. If you’d like to learn more about where the pictures were taken, click the links in the caption.

Sometimes all it takes to get us through the most challenging days of the school year is knowing that exciting travel is on the horizon for our upcoming vacation. But how is global exploration possible on a teacher’s salary?

Never fear — there are countless FREE and low-cost travel opportunities for your next school break that far too few educators know exist. Here are some ways you can find them!

1. Fully Funded Teacher Travel Grants!

Did you know there are HUNDREDS of fully funded travel opportunities for educators? Here is a massive list of  200 teacher travel opportunities  — including the up-to-$10,000 Fund for Teachers Grant in which you design your own travel professional development.

If 200 grants is too much to wade through, here’s an excellent annotated list of  24 free travel programs  for teachers, tried and tested by Kim Young, a teacher and global education expert.

Little Taj Mahal: Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi, India

Now, here’s the caveat about these grants: The application process for many of them lasts several months. That means if you are reading this article in the spring, it may be too late for THIS summer to earn full travel funding in this manner. There is good news, however, and it comes in two parts.

First, several funded travel opportunities for educators take place during other months of the year besides July and August, meaning you still have time to apply for those. For example, the  TEACH Bahrain  tour takes place in November.

Second, being late to apply for travel funding for this summer means you are deliciously early to apply for NEXT summer! Now is the perfect time to start perusing the programs and picking those you want to apply to, allowing plenty of time to create application essays and gather letters of recommendation. Check  here  for regularly updated new teacher grant listings to bookmark.

Photographing Flamingos on Bonaire

A final word about these grants: Do not be discouraged if you are not selected on the first try. In particular, it is essential that educators of color understand that these grants have historically been biased in their application process, but are slowly in the process of changing as they realize  why diversity is so important . These programs need YOU, so do apply, and spread the word to people who might be interested.

2. Short-Term Teaching Abroad: Summer Camps, ESL Schools, Childcare, etc.

Even as late as May or June, fun summer jobs for teachers can be found in other countries and states. Consider summer camps abroad, short-term English language schools, or au pair childcare jobs with a tutoring component. For example, one teacher explains in  this interview  about two different English language summer camps for kids in Europe that employ educators.

Gate of Augustus, Ephesus, Turkey

3. Work and Accommodation Exchanges

Rather than finding a paying job, another way to travel is to exchange work for housing and other travel costs. For example,  chaperoning a student trip  is a free way many educators use to travel, and it can be more low-stress than one would imagine if a reliable and organized company is used.

Other examples are  teaching fitness classes or working on a farm  abroad,  Couchsurfing  (staying for free in kind people’s homes — more doable and safe than it sounds as long as you use common sense and follow best practices),  home exchanges , and an option that is lots of work but gets rave reviews from people who have tried it: Living for free in Spain or Germany with this  adult language camp !

O’Brien’s Tower, Cliffs of Moher

4. Self-funded Travel, Including Classes, Volunteering, Residencies, and Groups

Sometimes when educators do not land a grant or job to support vacation exploration, they give up on travel entirely. No need to do that! If you find a travel opportunity that costs money (e.g.,  volunteering  abroad, educator residencies such as the one at  Fallingwater , short-term  classes abroad  such as language or cooking,  group travel , etc.) there are other ways to gather funding.

For example, some educators have reported that “ travel hacking ” through credit card points can fund for the biggest travel costs (airfare and housing), while other educators temporarily take on extra jobs like  teaching English online  to cover expenses.

As teachers, our time and funds are often tight, however, so looking beyond our own resources can be necessary.  Donors Choose  now has the option to fundraise for professional development (including travel), and other online crowdfunding sources can work as well, as can partnering with local businesses for sponsorships — particular if you can demonstrate the ways in which your travel will benefit both your students and your community.

Library of Celcus, Ephesus, Turkey

Closing Thoughts: Travel Is an Investment That Pays Off

Whatever means you use to make your vacation travel plans happen, know that travel is worth it. Not only do trips outside of our comfort zone help refresh us as educators and provide an essential international perspective that makes us better teachers, but they are also a wise career investment. Schools seek educators with global competence to effectively work with our diverse and vibrant students.

If travel doesn’t work out for this summer, take heart: there will be more opportunities for far-flung trips, but until then, it is worth it to explore tourism and global perspectives in our own cities and towns! Is there a nearby neighborhood you haven’t yet visited? Is there a restaurant or store owned by a culture you haven’t studied? Are there local classes you can take to learn about a new language or history? Are there kids who could suggest ways to interact with local locations (visiting, volunteering, etc.) that in turn might deepen your understanding of your school’s students, and yourself? Do explore!

The Taj Mahal, Agra, India  —  This could be you!

What about you? What travel experiences and methods do you recommend from your own experience? What questions do you have?

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• I am a District or School Administrator or Leader

Making Summer Travel for Teachers Affordable

By: Author Lillie Marshall

Posted on January 27, 2022

Got summer on your mind?

Let’s hear from experienced Teacher-Traveler, Andi Webb about her tips on seeing the world affordably on vacations from school.

Teaching Traveling: Andi, tell us a bit about your background.

Andi : Greetings, all! I am from North Carolina and am in my 20th year teaching.

TT: Explain one (or more) interesting travels you have undertaken.

Andi : This past summer, I traveled on a personal trip to Europe. Using frequent flyer miles (and not even that many), my round trip ticket was $53. I spent a week in Europe traveling to Portugal, Spain, and Czech Republic for approximately $1,000 total.

If I had taken trains to travel between countries, it would have been even less expensive. Given time constraints, I chose to fly between countries, but even the domestic airfare was not very expensive. My point in sharing this is to say, with patience and some thoughtful planning, international travel can be done without being too unbelievably expensive.

TT: Great point. How do you find your travel opportunities?

Andi : I have spent much time researching travel opportunities! Please see my previous article on teacher travel grants and scholarships for over 200 opportunities for educators! I have been most blessed to participate in some amazing educational opportunities.

TT: How did you find the money to fund your travel?

Andi: Writing grants, applying for partially or fully funded opportunities, and my personal lifestyle choices are ways I find money to fund travel. We all have things that we value and for me, travel is a part of my life I absolutely love.

As most people reading this, I am a teacher. I choose to drive an older car so I do not have car payments. That will eventually have to change but I try to live simply. I do splurge with some things but I try to keep my goals in mind. For instance, I have sold many items I owned online to make money, I have worked various part-time jobs, etc. to earn additional money.

I save frequent flyer miles and try to find the best times to use them. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but that’s where patience can really be key. I traveled to Iceland not long ago with a group of friends and we all split the cost of an AirBnB. We all wanted to travel to Iceland and it drastically cut down on costs to share accommodations. 

TT: Tell us one moment from your travels that was particularly powerful.

Andi: I love solo travel and on this trip to Europe, the feeling of watching the sun set over the bridges in Prague while being there on my own was exciting. Some people do not enjoy solo travel. I enjoy both traveling on my own and with others but I will admit that it is very liberating to travel alone and know you can see the beauty the world offers completely on your own. 

TT: How have your travels impacted you as a teacher, and as a person?

Andi: My travels have completely and positively impacted me as a teacher. I try to incorporate a global focus in most everything I do. I have introduced students to friends around the world. My classroom library has become drastically more diverse than when I first started teaching.

I am more knowledgeable and open-minded than I was before I began to travel to places previously unfamiliar to me. It is not for everyone but for those who find their passion in exploring the world, there is nothing else like it.

TT: What advice do you have for teachers who are dreaming of travel?

Andi: Do your research, ask questions, be truly open-minded, and be patient.

TT: Thanks so much, Andi! Readers, what comments or questions do you have?

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English from Boston who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched TeachingTraveling.com in 2010 to share expert global education resources, and over 1.6 million readers have visited over the past decade. Lillie also runs AroundTheWorld L.com Travel and Life Blog, and DrawingsOf.com for educational art. Do stay in touch via subscribing to her monthly newsletter, and following @WorldLillie on social media!

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Thursday 10th of February 2022

Thank you, Lillie! Andi

Lillie Marshall

Friday 11th of February 2022

Always a pleasure to share your ideas!

Teacher Travel Abroad

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Hemispheres actively promotes opportunities for K-12 educators to travel abroad to build their own background knowledge and gain invaluable experience overseas. 

Short-Term Teacher Travel

To meet the demand of educators who want a quality travel experience, Hemispheres's centers frequently offer shorter programs abroad that combine an academic approach with a short, intense travel experience.  We try to keep these affordable for educators.  Announcements about funding competitions and grants that support teacher travel can be found on our Professional Development page .

Teacher Spring Break & Summer Trips

Hemispheres' constituent programs have conducted the following programs during Texas's spring break (usually the second full week in March), and during the summer. In addition to visiting sites under the guidance of an experienced, credentialled guide, groups are accompanied by an academic escort from the University of Texas who helps participants process the experience for their classrooms.

Upcoming Trips

Summer 2024 (June) Academic escort: UT Austin Center for Middle Eastern Studies

Program Overview

Explore ancient sights and lost cities, overnight in a Bedouin tent, and dine amidst the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Take in Petra’s fascinating history and marvel at its thrilling beauty, and still have a chance to relax in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. This 8-day trip is ideal for the traveler who is short on time but wants to soak up the colors, culture, and history of a country that’s small in size but big in adventure. Visit Jordan with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas. Accompanying the trip will be a representative of UT Austin who will provide guidance to teachers during the trip and help with the development of classroom activities and lesson plans that focus on the historical, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of Jordan.

For the complete program announcement, which includes full details regarding the trip, what is included and not included, as well as the registration process, please visit GEEO's website.   Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or the Center for Middle Eastern Studies  at UT Austin with any questions! 

Nepal & Bhutan

Summer 2024 (July) Academic escort: Sidra Rind, UT Austin South Asia Institute 

Explore the Himalayas in two amazing countries, Nepal and Bhutan. You’ll take part in the traditions of small Nepalese communities, experience the wildlife and rich biodiversity of Chitwan National Park, and feel Bhutan’s spiritual nature in storied Buddhist temples. This adventure might be big, but the journey won’t ever feel rushed, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to meet local people and embrace their way of life—all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering with the South Asia Institute at the University of Texas. They will help lead a pre-trip orientation meeting. They also hope to send a representative of UT Austin to provide guidance to teachers during the trip.

For the complete program announcement, which includes full details regarding the trip, what is included and not included, as well as the registration process, please visit GEEO's website.

Questions?   Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or S idra Rind at UT Austin with any questions! 

Central Asia

Summer 2024 (July) Academic escort: Bella Jordan, UT Austin Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 

This comprehensive 23-day tour will take you through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, offering a fascinating glimpse of a part of the world most travelers miss. A true crossroads of empires, Central Asia will have your head spinning with insight into the Mongols, the Persians, the Uzbeks, the Russians, and many other cultures. Stay at unique homestays, sleep in traditional yurts, discover the breathtaking mountain and desert scenery, and roam gorgeous buildings built centuries ago. Beyond the incredibly rich historical sites and architectural monuments, this adventure will enlighten your understanding of Islam and also introduce you to the region’s greatest resource: its generous and kind people! Visit Central Asia with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering on this program with UT Austin's Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Accompanying the trip will be a representative of UT Austin who will provide guidance to teachers during the trip and help with the development of classroom activities and lesson plans that focus on the historical, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of Central Asia.

Questions?   Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or CREEES at UT Austin with any questions! 

Past Programs:

• Summer Program in India & Nepal, 2023
• Summer Program in Egypt, 2023
• Summer Program in Ireland, 2022
• Summer Program in the Maldives, 2022
• Summer Program in Moorish Spain, 2022
• Teacher's Spring Break in Oman and Qatar, 2019
• Summer Program in India and Nepal, 2018
• Teacher's Spring Break in Morocco, 2018
• Summer Program in Myanmar (Burma), 2016
• Teacher's Spring Break in Moorish Spain, 2016
• Summer Program in the Baltics and Saint Petersburg, July, 2015
• Summer Program in Sri Lanka, August 2015
• Summer Program in Turkey, 2015  (cancelled)
• Teacher's Spring Break in India, 2014
• The Heart of the Silk Route (Uzbekistan), 2013
• Teacher's Spring Break in Peru, 2013
• Teacher's Spring Break in Morocco, 2012
• Teacher's Spring Break in Egypt, 2011 ( canceled due to Egyptian revolution )
• Teacher's Spring Break in Egypt, 2010
• Bridge Across Civilizations (Turkey), 2009 

This caption describes the image above.

From Disney to Las Vegas: Free and discounted travel offers for teachers

Editor's Note

On the long list of people who deserve a vacation, teachers rank near the very top.

For Teacher Appreciation Week, we're raising more than an apple to educators with this list of spots where teachers can enjoy a teacher discount for some free or discounted fun, relaxation or entertainment.

A few extra special teachers will even win an all-expenses-paid cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line's annual Giving Joy sweepstakes . You can nominate your favorite teacher (or teachers) and 100 lucky educators will win a cruise and up to a $25,000 donation for their school. Nominations are open now and close on June 3, 2022.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Teacher discounts at Disney Springs hotels

Some hotels within Disney Springs (but not the actual Walt Disney World Disney Resorts, sadly) are offering ongoing teacher discounts. These hotels provide many, but not all, of the perks at true Disney resorts, including early admission to the parks. These properties are chain properties under flags such as Wyndham , Holiday Inn and Hilton .

The Hilton Orlando's website advertises teacher appreciate rates from about $215 per night, but most nights land closer to the $250 to $350 range. Ask for the TEA rate code when calling to book (you might be able to get help finding better rates by picking up the phone), or book online.

The Holiday Inn Orlando , within Disney Springs, also offers ongoing discounted rates to teachers and education support staff at every level, from daycare through college. Along with the discounted nightly rate, up to four kids ages 11 and under are eligible to eat for free while on property.

Related: Here are TPG's favorite Disney Springs properties .

If you're not a teacher or can't find a discount on the dates you want, here's a guide to using points to stay near Disney World and our guide to visiting Walt Disney World .

Teacher discounts at the Disney Swan and Dolphin

Perhaps even better than staying in Disney Springs is staying within walking distance to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Disney Swan or Dolphin — both of which offer teacher (and nurse, medical personnel, law enforcement and first responder) discounts. With this one, you have to call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for the promotional code TEACHERS RATE or add promotional code ZTC to the website for discounts of up to 25% off regular room rates at the time of booking.

I did a quick search for upcoming dates and found teacher discounts of around $30 off per night. However, some dates appear to be blacked out for the teachers' discount, so be sure to do your research.

Keep in mind that these properties also have discounts of up to 25% on connecting rooms if you are traveling with the whole family — you just have to ask.

Free theme park and attraction tickets for teachers

Some theme parks offer free tickets to teachers, presumably so the teachers will want to set up a field trip with their students in the future. But regardless of the motivation, free is free.

• SeaWorld Florida : Free, unlimited admission for Florida K-12 teachers through Aug. 31, 2022.
• SeaWorld San Diego : A free Teacher Fun Card good for unlimited free admission through Dec. 31, 2022, for California and Arizona K-12 teachers.
• SeaWorld San Antonio : Free Teacher Card valid for unlimited admission to all rides, shows, animal encounters and attractions. Valid for certified Texas Pre-K through high school teachers.
• Kennedy Space Center : Free educator study passes for teachers from Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, good for complimentary access to the visitors complex. Note that substantial proof/identification is required: either a copy of your teaching certificate, a photo ID that shows your title (teacher/educator) or a signed letter from the school principal.
• Legoland Florida : Free Teacher Annual Pass for Florida Pre-K-Grade 12 teachers good for a year of free admission to Legoland, Madame Tussauds Orlando and Sea Life Orlando. Upgrade to a more flexible pass that includes water park admission and more for $59.99. (Check out TPG's guide to Legoland Florida .)
• Sesame Place : Teachers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and New Jersey are eligible for a Teacher Pass that grants unlimited Sesame Place admission for a full year. 2022 registration is closed, but registration for 2023 should open in the fall of 2022. If you had a Teacher Pass for 2021, it should automatically renew for 2022.
• Arizona Science Center : Free general admission and discounts at the planetarium and giant screen theater for Arizona K-12 educators.

Related: Best credit cards to use at theme parks

Additional travel discounts for teachers

Teacher travel discounts are out there if you search and ask. A few additional examples include:

• Arizona Grand Resort & Spa : 20% off for educators.
• Chatham Bars Inn : 30% off for teachers and support staff with the Educators Appreciation Offer, includes stays during school vacations.
• Caesar's Family of Casino Resorts : up to 30% off for teachers (and students) at participating hotels within the U.S.
• Golden Nugget in Las Vegas : up to 30% discount on room rates for active educators.
• Scott Resort and Spa in Arizona : 20% off for teachers.
• TradeWinds Resort : 10% off the best available rate for teachers.
• Gaylord Hotels : Teachers and school personnel receive discounted room rates at all five Gaylord properties in the U.S.
• CheapCaribbean's Beach4Teach Club : Sign up for a promotional code worth $150 off your next all-inclusive vacation of five nights or more.
• Sixt : 5% off U.S. car rentals for teachers and school employees.
• Budget Truck Rental : 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves for teachers with discount code TEACH.
• Radisson Hotels Americas : 20% off stays and a room upgrade on check-in.
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes : Rates from $195 to $349 per room, per night, for teachers.
• Boston Harbor Hotel : Up to 30% off best available rate for teachers, educators and parents.

Bottom line

Teacher discounts on travel are not available everywhere, but they do exist.

If you are eligible and don't see what you want on this list, try a little searching online. And when in doubt, pick up the phone to ask. Also, keep in mind that discounts for government employees sometimes apply to public school teachers, too.

8 Travel Grants and Fellowships for Educators

(Original article: Edutopia.  May 6, 2016 )

Summer is the perfect time to research and apply for a teacher travel grant. The key is to look in the right places and write a compelling application. Then, once you win an award, you might find yourself kayaking the length of the Mississippi River while developing a river ecology unit. (At least, that’s what one teacher did with a Fund For Teachers grant.)

To help you get started, here are some tips for writing winning proposals, a few inspiring articles, and a list of interesting travel grants that you might want to research or apply to this summer.

The Best Places to Look

Edutopia has covered travel grants in the past. Be sure to check out other content on the subject, including “ Teacher-Tested Travel Grants ,” “ Five-Minute Film Festival: Travel for Teachers ,” and “ No-Cost Teacher Travel ,” for more grant-writing tips and funding sources.

Also, the Institute for International Education is an organization that anyone interested in educational travel should get to know. In addition to administering tons of interesting travel grant programs, the IIE is also a source for research, policy updates, and relevant resources for teachers.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellowships From National Geographic : Each year, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions take K-12 geography teachers on expeditions around the world. Usually, 25 educators are selected for fellowship trips each year, and participants travel to exotic locations and participate in professional development and curriculum-building activities. Applications for 2017 expeditions open in December.

Fund for Teachers Fellowships : Fund for Teachers fellowships enable educators to design their own professional development programs. International and domestic travel are often included in grant proposals, and FFT has been supporting these grants since 2001. Additionally, FFT has links to some other great travel fellowships. Each year, applications are due in the first two months of the year.

Teachers for Global Classrooms Program From IREX : This Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program, administered by IREX, is a year-long cultural exchange for U.S. elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. The program includes intensive training, an international field experience, and a global education symposium in Washington, D.C. Applications are due in the spring.

Grants to Travel to Polar Regions From PolarTREC : PolarTREC offers annual grants to K-12 teachers that enable them to spend 3-6 weeks in polar regions and participate in field research projects. Since the program’s launch in 2007, teachers have traveled to Greenland, Alaska, and Antarctica and have studied a range of science-related topics, including wetland dynamics and coastal ecology. The application process for next year’s expeditions will open this summer.

Teacher at Sea Grants From NOAA : Since 1990, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Teacher at Sea program has enabled 600+ teachers to sail aboard NOAA research ships and gain hands-on research experience. The program is open to K-12 and college educators, and participants study oceanic and atmospheric science alongside NOAA scientists. Applications for the 2017 progam will open in Fall 2016.

Teach Earth Conservation Research Grants : The Earthwatch Institute’s Teach Earth program offers K-12 educators the chance to support conservation projects in natural locations around the world. In addition to research, educators also participate in science learning and professional development. To apply, educators must fill out an interest form, and qualified teachers will be invited to complete a full application that’s due in December.

German Study Tours From Goethe-Institut : Every year, the Goethe-Institut offers U.S. and Canadian social studies and STEM educators the opportunity to travel through Germany on two-week exercusions. During the tours, “each corner of Germany is sampled through sight, sound, touch, and taste.” Application details will be released later this year.

Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows Program in STEM : The Einstein program enables teachers to advocate for STEM on Capitol Hill and/or Congressional offices for up to a year. The application process for the 2016-2017 school year is currently closed; the application process will open again late next year.

Other Great Travel Grant Sources

Travel the World With Grants Just for Educators : This article from the National Education Association features ten scholarships designed to help teachers travel the world. Included are program details, funding amounts, and eligibility requirements for applications.

35 Travel Grants and Other Travel Opportunities for Teachers and Education Professionals : Travel Beyond Excuse is a blog that is “helping teachers who want to travel.” This article features 35 sources for teacher travel grants, and in addition, you’ll find tons of ideas and strategies for traveling on the cheap.

Travel Grants From Teaching Traveling : Another website dedicated to education travel, Teaching Traveling is a great source of inspiration for educators looking for travel funding. In addition to the site’s Travel Grants section, you’ll find inspiring interviews with “teacher-travelers,” as well as ideas and tips for securing funding.

Writing an Awesome Application

Grant Space Classroom From Foundation Center : Foundation Center’s training center features tons of useful online grant-writing courses. Many of the courses are free and self-paced, and they’re designed to help anyone write more effective proposals. Great, free courses for beginners include Introduction to Proposal Writing and Proposal Budgeting Basics .

How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal : This GuideStar resource offers concrete tips for writing the best applications. From ideas for what to include, as well as formatting and style tips, there’s a lot here to help you get started.

10 Key Ingredients of Winning Proposals : Looking for ways to make your application stand out? Author Mathilda Harris, the director of the Grant Training Center, provides tips and ideas of what to include in your grant proposal.

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• Our Mission

Honing Your Craft With Summer Training

A list of opportunities for summer travel that combines exploration and professional development.

While I love my work as an educator, there are times when I think, “How many days until summer break?” For some teachers, summer means thinking about anything but their classroom. For others, summer provides a unique opportunity to make space to consider exciting and innovative aspects of our practice. 

And summer does hold many opportunities for professional development for teachers. 

In the United States

National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminars : The National Endowment for the Humanities offers a number of summer seminars, from studying Jewish communities in the South to exploring immigrant literature in Florida. The NEH offers stipends to help offset travel and living costs.

I participated in Re-enchanting Nature , a seminar where we hiked and stayed in Helena, Montana, for two weeks while studying writings on nature and conservation and taking classes from poets and Native American educators. We also spent a week of exploration in Yellowstone National Park. It was an experience that not only helped me to better understand the power of storytelling in different settings but pushed me to partner more with our science teachers.

Opal School Summer Symposium : The Opal School, in Portland, Oregon, provides a three-day intensive course to consider creative and cognitive capacities, including hands-on workshops by master teachers, time to collaborate with teachers across the nation, and opportunities to dive deep into cognitive and inquiry-based research. One teacher said, “This solidified the fact that inquiry-based teaching extends far beyond the classroom and is the foundation for creating the world of inventiveness, equity, collaboration, and empathy that we so wish to see.” There are some scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost. 

Yellowstone Teacher Workshop : This STEAM program gives teachers the opportunity to discuss, plan, and explore how to incorporate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education into their classroom using innovative and cross-curricular methods. All of this is done against the incredible backdrop of Yellowstone National Park. Teachers cover travel costs to Yellowstone, and all meals and lodging are provided.  

International Opportunities

Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program : Fulbright is a well-known name in academia. This Fulbright program offers multiple collaborative workshops across the globe. The yearlong program concentrates on professional development and provides spring and summer travel components. Program costs are covered. 

NOAA Teacher at Sea : Teachers often feel as though we’re captaining a ship—now we can actually live on a ship. The Teacher at Sea program hosts educators for two weeks to one month. On board, teachers help with basic duties, write three or four logs per week about their experience, and share their experience and findings in some way with others. One teacher, Sam Northern, shared, “I gained real-world research experience working with scientists on the Atlantic Ocean. Our mission was to research the hydrographic and planktonic components of the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf. This 10-day excursion gave me an understanding of the world’s oceans, marine biology, and how real governmental field science is conducted, which I was able to translate to my students.” NOAA covers the cost. 

The Goethe-Institut’s Transatlantic Outreach Program : This fellowship allows K–12 teachers to live in Germany for two weeks and connect with German educators about curricula, STEM, and social studies. It also gives educators the chance to explore and understand German culture. Costs are covered.

World Leadership School’s Summer Symposia : The program, run in conjunction with Global Education Benchmark Group , provides “a unique experience for schools to take a deep dive into Mexico/U.S. border relations and the specifics of immigration practices in the U.S.... as well as an opportunity to design, plan, and prepare applicable lessons to use in the classroom in the following school year.” Program costs range from $1,100 to $3,080, but the program offers scholarships.

Working Abroad

For educators who want to work abroad in the summer, an international school can be an option. Teaching abroad combines the opportunity to travel with a chance to hone your practice in an international setting. Websites like GoAbroad and GoOverseas can help you find positions and answer important logistical questions about things like visas.

Self-Guided Opportunities

For teachers who need flexibility, creating your own opportunity may be the best option. 

Fund for Teachers : The Fund for Teachers provides financial support for educators to design and participate in self-guided study both in the United States and around the world. One teacher, Sarah Milianta-Laffin, traveled to Greece and Crete for a workshop. She said, “My 2013 fellowship goal was to move my project-based learning focus from STEM to STEAM.... We had fun homework assignments like observing locals in cafes or photographing interesting doors as we walked a neighborhood. It was the first ‘class’ I’d taken that wasn’t sit-and-get professional development.” Milianta-Laffin also noted that “one teacher fellow can ask for [a grant of] up to $5,000, and a team of two or more teachers can ask for up to $10,000.”

Facing History and Ourselves : The program offers engaging webinars and on-demand learning, and Teaching Tolerance has a self-guided learning program that allows teachers to create their own professional development. The options are perfect for teachers who can’t travel or who are traveling on their own and want to use some of that time for professional development.

For other possibilities, see this list  or the opportunities listed at Teaching Traveling .

During the school year, it’s essential that we remain present and grounded in our classrooms and the communities we serve. The beauty of summer is that it allows us to step out of the spaces we so carefully cultivate so that we can rejuvenate and cultivate ourselves. 

Michael R. Wing

Summer opportunities for teachers.

I spend most summers camping, traveling and working on my own research projects (and sometimes all three at once.) This summer -2022- I plan to serve as a deckhand/educator on the tall ship Matthew Turner .   But otherwise I might be tempted by these:

The National Park Service Teacher Ranger Teacher Program places teachers in one of over fifty participating national parks to learn about the park and develop curriculum. My own local park, the Point Reyes National Seashore, is one.  (Point Reyes was even  hiring in 2020 when everything else was shut down.)  You get a stipend, graduate credit, and sometimes on-site housing.   https://teacherrangerteacher.org/

The Ignited Summer Fellowship Program places San Francisco Bay Area teachers into summer fellowships with Bay Area technology companies. There is a stipend of $7000 – $9000.    http://www.igniteducation.org/teachers/become-a-fellow/

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Summer Educator Retreat .  You pay ~$500 but it gets you four days of bird science at Cornell (Ithaca, New York), meals, binoculars and other materials and credits from Cornell.  But, you also have to pay your own transportation and lodging.    http://www.birdsleuth.org/summer-retreat/ 

San Francisco’s Exploratorium has a great Summer Institute Institute for teachers.  Three weeks; you get paid a $2,500 stipend at the end of the program. https://www.exploratorium.edu/education/teacher-institute/summer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s “ Physics in and Through Cosmology Workshop” is free and involves four days of particle physics and cosmology on UC Berkeley’s campus.  Advanced high school students are eligible to attend too; one of my students did.   https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/quarknet-workshop/home

The McDonald Observatory Teacher Workshops are held at the University of Texas’s observatory in West Texas.  $100 gets you food, lodging, programming (deep space stuff!) and observing.    https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/teachers/profdev

Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at the San Diego Zoo:  lodging and meals in San Diego are paid for by the program, and you even get a $500 stipend.   https://institute.sandiegozoo.org/teacherworkshops

Stanford University’s Office of Science Outreach  has a number of programs on campus for teachers, including paid summer research fellowships.   http://oso.stanford.edu/

EinsteinPlus workshop for teachers at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics:  A $300 fee gets you a week of lodging, meals, and theoretical physics in Waterloo, Ontario (near Toronto.)  Canadian teachers even get airfare.  Teachers from other countries need to buy their own plane ticket.    http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/outreach/teachers/programs-and-opportunities/einsteinplus

The Coastal Marine Biolabs teacher training on the Barcode of Life Program pays a stipend, and it will probably transform your teaching of molecular biology.

In Fermilab’s Teacher Research Associates (TRAC) Program , teachers are paid $1000/week!  Fermilab is an experimental physics facility near Chicago.   https://internships.fnal.gov/teacher-research-associates-trac/

Cal Poly’s STAR Teacher Researcher Program can set you up with a paid research fellowship at a number of California labs such as those run by NASA and the Department of Energy. There is a $5000 – $6000 stipend. This program is for current California State University students and recent graduates of the California State University system.

Frontiers in Physiology is the American Physiological Society’s (APS) flagship program for the professional development of middle and high school science teachers.

The Montana Natural History Center’s “Wings Over Water” Program is a week of ecosystem science, featuring Ospreys.  Everything is paid for, except for getting to Montana.     https://www.montananaturalist.org/wings-over-water/

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has a summer internship program with a stipend.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s “Foothills to Tundra” course sells out quickly – and no wonder.  $300 gets you four days of food, lodging, and day trips in Rocky Mountain National Park.   https://www.dmns.org/learn/teacher-professional-development/k-12-professional-development/

Chabot Space & Science Center offers teacher workshops .

NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium offers weeklong professional development training for teachers. This aerospace workshop, called LiftOff , emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experiences by incorporating a space science theme supported by NASA missions.

National Geographic Network of Alliances for Geographic Education offers world-class professional development opportunities throughout the U.S.

Plus, a lot of the free teacher travel opportunities l have listed are in the summer – such as California’s Forestry Institute for Teachers:     http://www.forestryinstitute.org/ . 

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• Teach Abroad

Find a Teaching Job Abroad in Summer 2024

Mary Ellen first knew she wanted to travel the world when she was 8 years old, staying up past he...

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Teaching abroad is a fantastic way to see the world and immerse yourself in a new culture. What better way to spend a free holiday than by teaching abroad in summer 2024? Whether you are trying out teaching as a career or using it as a vehicle to learn and explore (especially top ESL destinations for this year ), there is a program out there that is a great fit for you! Teaching abroad, which primarily comes in the form of teaching English as a second language, can be a great option for your next summer job. However, it can be difficult to navigate through the different options and information that float around out there.

But that's what we're here for. Here's everything you need to know to teach abroad in summer 2024!

How do I find a program?

Get started by reading up online, and find out what you need to know before teaching abroad as well as what misconceptions you should throw out the window . Remember, a summer job will be shorter than most teaching contracts, so keep in mind that some of the advice may need to be tweaked. But, don’t fear that your shorter time is going to mean you’ll miss out on too much, short term teaching jobs abroad can be a great way to see if the classroom is a good fit for you.

Find top teaching jobs abroad on GoAbroad

Before you dig deeper into the hunt for a summer teaching job, ask yourself two big questions:

Where do you want to go?

There is demand for English teachers all across the globe, but each location has its own pros and cons. Think about why you want to teach abroad: for the adventure, to train for a future career, to learn another language, to make money?

For the big bucks

If the pay rate is important to you, you will want to check out countries in Asia or the Middle East , where the salaries are higher. Many new teachers choose South Korea for this very reason. You should also consider volunteer teaching positions that have small stipends or other perks; you won’t be able to save, but the experience will be worth it! Start searching for volunteer teaching in Cambodia .

For low cost of living

In South America salaries tend to be lower, but are usually in line with the cost of living (relative to North American costs). Try looking for summer teaching jobs in Colombia , which is a growing top pick of international teachers. In Africa , salaries and cost of living can vary widely depending on the country, city, or town. However, on both continents, there tend to be more summer teaching positions geared toward volunteers.

For summer camp teaching

For summer positions, you might be interested in teaching at an English summer camp, which are most common in Western Europe . In these positions, pay, and hours of work will depend on what camp you work for. However, overall, some salaries are low, but being in Europe does offer easy and relatively inexpensive travel opportunities! 

For bilingual opportunities

If you’re more interested in learning a new language, focus on teaching positions in your target language area. For example, Arabic is in very high demand in the job market, so perhaps think about a teaching job in Morocco . If you want to brush up on your Spanish, teaching in Argentina might be a great option, and it happens to be a very popular destination for ESL teachers. Keep in mind, however, that South American semesters usually run from February to December, with a short break in July, so a “summer” position might be more difficult for you to find.

For adventure and beauty

If you’re thinking more about exploration and adventure than salaries, maybe concentrate your research on out of the way places or just insanely beautiful countries that will wipe away the stress of even the most chaotic classroom. 

What type of teaching job do you want?

There are all sorts of ways to teach abroad, though almost all center around teaching English. You can teach via government program at a public school, independently at a private or international school, for a corporation, or even for individual families. The most common way to find a position is through a recruiter or an ESL program that helps you with all the details of visas, certification, and placement. Alternatively, you can also contact schools or organizations directly.

For a summer teaching job, the search narrows a bit; as mentioned, you will likely be focusing on summer camp type positions in countries like Italy, France , and Germany, which you can apply to directly. Summer camps will of course mean working with children, and if you were more interested in teaching college age students or adults, your search for a summer teaching job may be more difficult. There are teaching programs with summer placement options outside of summer camps too, whether teaching or tutoring. However, for short term contracts, language camps are some of the most common.

Think about job requirements when hunting for a teaching position abroad as well. If you are only interested in a summer job, paying for a TEFL or TESOL certification might not be the best investment. Again, as stated above, there are many summer volunteer teaching positions available around the work if that’s a viable option for you. If you do need a TEFL certificate for your gig, International TEFL Academy has you covered. Once you’ve narrowed down where you want to teach and what type of position you want, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of the job hunt.

How to get ready for the job hunt

Finding the right teaching job abroad for you can take a bit of work, but it’s totally doable! Use some of these tips and you’ll surely have a successful search:

Research, research, research!

Find blogs of people who have gone through this program or taught at the same school or camp; there is nothing better than to hear from someone who has gone before you. When you apply for a position, ask to be put in touch with a former teacher for an email or Skype chat. Find reviews of the program, and most importantly, ask a lot of questions when interviewing.

Not all international teaching positions are created equal.

That “comfortable” accommodation they promised you might be the size of a broom closet, and those 30 hours of work a week might start to look like 40 after all your duties are done. Does the program have someone on call if your job isn’t going to plan? What sort of support do they offer? Do they offer any short term health or travel insurance?

Consider requirements and benefits.

Visas and travel plans can take a while, and you also might want time to compare and contrast offers. The fact that you are reading this article now bodes well for your summer job search already!

Apply early if you can.

This will give you more time to suss out the organization, make appropriate travel plans, and prepare less haphazardly for your international job stint!

Have a Plan B.

Visas might not come through or the teaching position might start to sound more like a hard labor camp than an exciting adventure. Make sure you have a few positions you are looking at, and maybe some at home backup jobs as well. There are jobs a-plenty around the planet; if you can’t find one that meets your standards in your original country of choice, expand your comfort zone and be willing to search for similar posts in other regions of the world.

If you’re feeling extra brave, you might play teach-abroad roulette and spin a globe with your eyes closed!

Last minute things to keep in mind when finding ESL jobs abroad:

The preparation to set off for an international teaching job placement is a whirlwind, so keep these tips handy during the flurry of pre-departure for a more peaceful experience once on the ground!

• Gain some teaching experience. If you have not had any sort of teaching experience, and don’t have a degree in teaching, try to get some experience, or at least some knowledge, before you go! Volunteer to teach locally, perhaps for recent immigrants or refugees, read up on teaching tips online, and interview teacher friends.
• Navigate classroom culture. Remember that even if you have taught before, a classroom in a different culture can be an entirely new ballgame. There are cultures that still use physical punishment in the classroom, rely on rote memorization rather than interactive games, and might have different ideas of what respecting authority looks like. There will be a myriad of new rules and social norms for you to navigate. While some social norms are obviously not ones you wish to acquiesce to (physical punishment is not ok), do make sure to take a step back before immediately judging the different classroom rules.
• Manage expectations. Sometimes going off to teach young, impressionable minds can make you feel full of idealism and enthusiasm to change their worlds, which is great, but don’t get carried away. Remember, you are the guest in their country, not their savior. Do your absolute best to teach well, but don’t put undue expectations on yourself! Keep the expectations during the job hunt at the realistic level, not the Hollywood teaching movie level.
• Don’t get discouraged. Job hunting of any kind can feel like a slog through the swamps of the internet, but keep your chin up! Thousands of people are able to teach abroad each year, and you can definitely be one of them.

Take some time to reflect on your motivations for teaching abroad and then use those motivations to fuel your job search. Adventure awaits you! Armed with these tips and online resources, your quest to find a teaching job for summer 2024 is well on its way! 

Find the perfect summer teaching job with MyGoAbroad !

Explore English Teaching Programs on GoAbroad.com

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