| Purposeful travel can provide a wonderful introduction to a city, country, or region. Immerse yourself in another culture while gaining a deeper understanding of its people and history. Plan a trip on your own, or go through a program that provides a focus. Also consider heritage programs that provide travel opportunities for individuals of a specific nationality or ethnicity. |
| Web Resources Transitions Abroad: Articles, programs, resources and links for travel, including information on ecotourism and socially responsible travel. |
| Harvard Programs
The Kawamura Visiting Fellowship Program invites up to four MIT and/or Harvard students to tour Japan and experience many aspects of Japanese society for five weeks in the summer. All expenses are paid and a traveling stipend is provided. The Program is open to all Harvard and MIT undergraduate and graduate students, and candidates from all academic specialties are considered. Proficiency in Japanese is NOT required. The application deadline for Harvard students is Monday, January 14, 2008. |
| Non-Harvard Programs
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) offers a Cultural Program for Foreigners, which includes special lectures on Korea, intensive readings and discussions, field trips, excursions, traditional culture classes, and more. The entire program is conducted in Korean. Undergraduate students (second year or above) and/or graduate students in Korean studies are welcome to apply. French Cultural Services offers up to 50 Youth and Sports Grants every year to students of French who wish to participate in short-term cultural and linguistic programs in France. The programs enable students to experience a major cultural event or explore a specific region in France for approximately ten days. All expenses, accommodations, meals, and activities are paid for. Airfare is not included. To apply, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student (ages 18-25); be an American citizen or permanent US resident; and have a basic proficiency in French. Since 1994, Intercultural Dimensions has run an experiential travel and educational program to Senegal, West Africa called Crossing Cultures. The Crossing Cultures travel group is comprised of only five participants plus the leaders (former Peace Corps Volunteers) so that the program may be custom-tailored to the interests of each person. Participants live in homes in villages and small towns. Extended stays for volunteer work and field study can be arranged. Servas is an international, non-governmental, interracial peace association run in over 100 countries by volunteers. It operates through a network of Servas hosts around the world who are interested in opening their doors to travellers. Through Servas, travellers have opportunities to meet Servas hosts who may offer two nights accommodation and invite travellers to share a meal. |
| Heritage Programs
If you are a Jewish young adult (ages 18-26) who has never been on an organized peer educational trip to Israel, consider the Birthright Israel Program. It’s a ten-day, free trip to Israel that covers roundtrip airfare (from designated cities), hotel, transportation, most meals, and other associated land costs for trips. The China Synergy Program is designed for outstanding Chinese youths to learn about the current socio-economical, technological and cultural development of China. Over the course of 17 days, selected delegates will visit a variety of cities, (meeting with prominent officials, scholars, and students) and sightsee. Most expenses are paid; students are responsible for airfare, fees, visa, medical insurance and personal expenses. Participants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students whose mother and/or father is originally from China. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is committed to further educating students about the culture, history, and language of Italy. Through the Voyage of Discovery Program, they offer an all-expense paid trip to Italy for Italian-American university students (ages 18-23). This includes round-trip transportation between the US and Italy, chaperoned supervision, room and board, tours, and tour itinerary. The trips feature meetings with Italian representatives in such fields as business, industry, government, and culture. |