The EIL Explore Culture and Global Citizenship Scholarship Award gives young people an opportunity to experience another country through its people, communities and everyday life. This intercultural scholarship helps participants build independence and explore global issues from different perspectives.
Learn through cultural immersion
Depending on your programme, you could live with a host family, learn a language, explore local traditions or take part in community and environmental activities. Some options focus on peace, democracy, climate change or sustainability.
Develop your understanding of global citizenship
Meeting people with different experiences can challenge your assumptions and help you become a more thoughtful communicator. You will be encouraged to reflect on what you learn and how it relates to your own community.
Who this scholarship is for
This award suits young people who are curious about other cultures and willing to engage respectfully with local people. Explain why intercultural learning matters to you and how you would share the experience at home.
Potential programmes and destinations
The following options come from the supplied programme portfolio. Available programmes can change between application cycles. Each option is subject to individual eligibility requirements, suitability and final confirmation.
- Brazil – Summer Exchange – 2 weeks – Experience Brazilian culture and everyday life through an immersive summer exchange.
- China – Language Learning and Culture – 4 weeks – Combine language learning with an introduction to Chinese culture, traditions and contemporary life.
- Colombia – Global Prep in Popayán – 2 weeks – Experience Colombian culture and community life through an intensive intercultural programme in Popayán.
- Costa Rica – Democracy and Peace – 4 weeks – Explore themes of democracy, peace and global citizenship while experiencing Costa Rican culture.
- Czech Republic – Summer Programme – 2 weeks – Discover Czech culture and everyday life through a short-term international exchange.
- Ecuador – Cultural Programme – 8 weeks – Spend an extended period experiencing Ecuadorian culture and community life while developing independence and intercultural understanding.
- Egypt – Islamic Culture and History – 2 weeks – Explore Egypt’s rich history and gain a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and traditions.
- Egypt – Living on the Nile and Sea – 2 weeks – Experience different aspects of Egyptian life, culture and heritage through a programme centred around the Nile and the sea.
- Ghana – Cultural Adventure Programme – 2 weeks – Experience Ghanaian culture and community life while learning about local traditions and perspectives.
- India – Intensive Hindi and Culture – 4 weeks – Combine introductory or developing Hindi-language learning with an immersive experience of Indian culture.
- Indonesia – Cultural Programme – 4 weeks – Discover Indonesia through cultural immersion, community interaction and intercultural learning.
- Kenya – AFS Academy Climate Change Programme – 2 weeks – Explore climate change and sustainability through an international programme combining global issues with Kenyan culture and community.
- Malaysia – Intensive Cultural Programme – 4 weeks – Experience Malaysia’s diverse cultural traditions and communities through an intensive cultural exchange.
- Mongolia – Nomadic Culture Programme – 4 weeks – Discover Mongolia’s distinctive traditions and experience aspects of nomadic culture and community life.
- Morocco – Language, Culture and Leadership – 4 weeks – Combine language and cultural learning with opportunities to develop confidence, communication and leadership skills.
- New Zealand – Heartland Intensive Programme – 2 months – Experience an extended immersion in New Zealand, giving participants the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of local culture and everyday life.
- New Zealand – Kiwi Culture Experience – 3 weeks – Discover New Zealand culture and community through a shorter immersive international experience.
- Paraguay – Environmental Forest Programme – 4 weeks – Explore environmental issues and sustainability while experiencing Paraguayan culture and community life.
Who can apply
This award appears in the younger age group. Individual programmes set their own age limits.
Destination and placement
See the potential programmes above. Final placement depends on suitability, programme requirements, availability and confirmation. A listed country is not a guaranteed destination.
Duration
Options range from two weeks to approximately two months, depending on the programme.
Travel dates
Summer in the year of travel, subject to the selected programme’s schedule.
Accommodation
Varies by programme. Some options involve a host-family stay; check the accommodation arrangements for your confirmed placement.
What the scholarship covers
The funding package depends on the confirmed programme. Check the current scholarship information for covered costs and any contribution or personal expenses before accepting a place. [Editor: insert the approved inclusion list, specifying flights, accommodation, meals, activities, insurance and transfers where applicable.]
Preparation and support
Read the confirmed programme information for preparation, orientation and participant-support arrangements.
Bring your learning home
On your return, you are required to complete an Action at Home Project, reflecting on your experience and sharing what you have learned with your community. Your project can draw on your interests and the people, ideas or activities that shaped your experience.
Find out more about the Action at Home Project
Take the next step
Read the programme requirements and current application information. Tell us why this scholarship interests you, what you hope to learn and how you would share your experience afterwards.
