The InterExchange Foundation supports young Americans with a passion for improving the world by participating in meaningful projects abroad.
We fund impactful service projects abroad with up to $15,000 in grant money to support motivated young Americans who are committed to perform meaningful service projects abroad. If you are passionate about helping communities abroad thrive and eager to learn about the local culture, submit an application for the next application deadline (deadlines: March 15, July 15, October 15).
Fellows identify a project or an organization working on an issue they care about, and with the support of the Christianson Fellowship, contribute their skills and passion to that endeavor for at least six months on-location abroad.
This intercultural experience is a meaningful way to help others, improve skills, and gain insight about another culture.
Supported project types include:
- Community Development
- Education
- Environment
- Human Rights
- Public Health
- Sustainable Development
Fellow Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
- 18-28 years old at project start date
- Participates on-site in an internship or volunteer abroad project for at least 6 months
- Demonstrates interest in project topic and outline specific project goals and impact measurables
- Possesses specific skill(s) to contribute to a community abroad
- Is excited to learn about another culture and share one’s own
- Fellows have to answer Pre- and Post-Project Reflection questions and provide short videos and/or blog posts as well as photos detailing their experience abroad
Project Requirements
- Benefits local community
- Sustainable (project can continue after fellow leaves and/or effects are long-term)
- Involves collaboration and interaction with local residents and community leaders
- The Fellowship does not support independent research projects or academic study abroad programs.
- Projects must not be part of a degree requirement or for class credit.
- Projects must be non-activist, non-partisan, non-political, and non-religious in nature.
- Projects must be fellows’ primary activity while abroad (~ 30 hours per week on average).
- Project budgets must be designed to support the fellow while abroad (e.g. housing, meals, transportation, insurance etc.). Incidentals including equipment, hardcopy materials, printing, or room rentals that are essential for the project’s success can be submitted for consideration as long as they do not exceed $500 in total supplies costs for a project of six months duration and $1000 for a project of twelve months duration. Personal equipment is excluded.