“Teaching English in Vietnam has been a once in a lifetime experience. As a newly qualified secondary school teacher in Ireland, I intend on taking my new found understanding of cultural diversity into my profession as a teacher and hopefully inspiring young people to become advocates of change in their local communities.” Annie
Over 18
Discover intercultural opportunities that connect your interests with learning in another country.
EIL Explore Scholarship Awards give adults opportunities to experience different cultures, develop new skills and build confidence through learning abroad. From scholarships for eligible students to cultural immersion, education and athletics, Explore offers different ways to connect with people and communities beyond Ireland.
Depending on the scholarship award, you could take part in a volunteer placement, exchange ideas with educators, explore community life or combine running with cultural learning in Kenya. Each experience encourages you to listen to different perspectives and reflect on your own place in an interconnected world.
On your return, participants in Explore overseas programmes are required to complete an Action at Home Project, reflecting on their experience and sharing their learning with their community. The volunteer award’s return activities are explained on its individual page.
Find out more about the Action at Home Project
Which Explore Scholarship is right for me?
Start with your interests and eligibility. Mature Student, Access Student and Access UCC have specific student criteria and application routes. The International Educator Award is for teachers and other educators, while the Politics and International Affairs Award is reserved for existing EIL volunteers.
You might be interested in experiencing another culture through community learning, exploring education in another country or discovering how sport connects people. Read each award page to understand the experience, programme requirements and funding before applying.
Some awards include several potential destinations. These are programme options, with final placements depending on suitability, individual requirements and availability.
Explore the awards below and find the opportunity that fits your interests and circumstances.
Over 18 Scholarship Awards
Mature Student
Explore another culture through an eight-week volunteering experience abroad, developing confidence and new perspectives with a scholarship for eligible mature undergraduate students.
Access Student
Build confidence and intercultural understanding through eight weeks of volunteering abroad, with a scholarship for eligible undergraduate students supported through an Access programme.
Access UCC
Experience another culture through volunteering abroad with a scholarship for eligible UCC undergraduates supported by the PLUS, Mature or QQI programmes.
Culture and Global Citizenship Award
Experience another culture through community life, cultural immersion or service learning while developing new perspectives and bringing your global citizenship learning home to Ireland.
International Educator Award
Explore education in another country, exchange ideas with fellow educators and develop intercultural understanding to share with your students, colleagues and wider educational community.
Politics and International Affairs Award
For existing EIL volunteers, explore global issues and develop leadership skills through international learning opportunities that recognise your contribution to intercultural exchange in Ireland.
Sports and Global Citizenship Award
Combine athletics training in Iten, Kenya, with host-family life, cultural activities and community learning while discovering how sport connects people across cultures.
Tips for Applicants
We want to understand why the experience matters to you and what you would bring to it. Use your own words and examples from your studies, work, volunteering, sport or community life.
- Read the eligibility criteria and use the correct application route for your award.
- Explain what you hope to learn from the programme and its cultural or community activities.
- Describe your involvement in your school, college, workplace, club or community where relevant.
- Show a willingness to listen, adapt and learn from people with different experiences.
- Explain how you could share your learning after returning home.
- Check the current deadline, programme dates, funding and supporting-document requirements.