Learning AFAR
Born from the idea that travel is the best form of education, Learning AFAR grants travel scholarships to high achieving students who would not otherwise be able to explore our world. Learning AFAR is the flagship program of the AFAR Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of AFAR Media.
In addition to the standard Global Explorers program components, the AFAR Media team introduces students to travel writing as a means to not only tell their travel story but also to learn self-advocacy in the telling of their own “life” story. Our end goal is to help students understand they are part of a larger, interconnected world and that their actions have an impact on the world around them.
How to Apply
Each year cities are selected throughout the U.S. Each fall, educators apply on behalf of their school to receive scholarships for 10 students and one educator. Students apply once their school has been selected to participate in the program.
Eligibility
This program is designed for educators and students at the high school level.
Educators & Schools
We seek educators with a passion for travel, a commitment to teaching students about responsible global citizenship and a proven track record for success as an educator in and out of the classroom. Successful candidates currently work within a school serving a large low-income population.
Students
Student selection is based on the following selection criteria: financial need, merit, leadership potential and lack of previous international travel experience.
Scholarship Details
Successful applicants receive scholarships for full program fees and airfare. Travelers are responsible for their own passport fees, immunizations, gear and spending money.
Sample Program Timeline
Educator and student applications: September – November
Monthly preparatory sessions: January – May
Travel orientation and media skills retreat: March/April
We Give Books service project: March/April
10-day expedition: Summer
Global citizenship project & Learning AFAR magazine development: September - November
2013 Program Information
Bringing travel opportunities to low income students in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Oahu and the San Francisco Bay Area with scholarship support from the AFAR Foundation, the Pearson Foundation, Schlumberger, Wimmer Solutions and Elite Parking. The Flagship Program of the AFAR Foundation, Learning AFAR is designed to promote cross cultural exchange by sponsoring international travel for students who cannot otherwise afford to experience another part of the world. In partnership with Global Explorers and with support from the Pearson Foundation, Schlumberger and Wimmer Solutions, Learning AFAR integrates science, service, leadership, literacy and culture in a three-phase program that includes pre-travel curriculum, a life-changing travel experience, and a follow-up service leadership project.
Sharing the Power of Travel
As students prepare for the journey of lifetime, they learn journalism skills from AFAR Magazine staff members, so they may document their travels through writing, photography, and videography. Through Pearson’s We Give Books, Learning AFAR students engage younger students in the learning process and collect books to create libraries in the communities they will visit on expedition. Learning AFAR prepares young people to act on the passions they discover and equips them to share their passion with their home community.
Thanks to generous support from the AFAR Foundation and 2013 travel season sponsors the Pearson Foundation, Schlumberger, Wimmer Solutions and Elite Parking, full program scholarships are available for schools in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Oahu, Seattle and Houston.
2013 Learning AFAR Program Details:
Oahu: Recruiting now! Applications due November 29, 2012. For more information please click here: Oahu School Information Packet
Houston: Coming Soon!
Seattle, Oakland, Chicago, New York: Not recruiting in 2013
To apply, see here:
Educator Section of the Application: Educator Application
Principal Section of the Application: Principal Application
2012 Learning AFAR Scholarship Schools
San Francisco Bay Area: Coliseum College Prep Academy
New York City: Bronx Lab High School
Seattle: TAF Academy
Chicago: Academy High School
Houston: Energized For STEM Academy
Learn more about AFAR at http://corp.afar.com/ Donat.e now to Learning Afar.