Study Abroad Scholarships: How EdOdyssey Is Expanding Access to Global Education
Making Study Abroad Accessible for Every Student
At EdOdyssey, we believe that travel is more than a trip; it’s an extension of a student’s education and a powerful investment in their future.
The experiences students gain abroad can open doors to new opportunities, expand their worldviews, and help them stand out on their academic and professional journeys. Yet, while educational travel is a powerful tool for learning, financial barriers often make it feel out of reach for many students. That’s why we’re doubling down on access.
We’re proud to be growing the EdOdyssey Scholarship Fund this academic year, ensuring that every program we run includes opportunities for students to apply for merit-based and need-based scholarships. Beyond designing affordable, high-quality programs, we’re dedicated to making global learning accessible to students and schools from all backgrounds.
“It means a lot to be part of expanding our scholarship fund at a time when interest in our programs is growing so rapidly,” EdOdyssey Chief Operating Officer Ben Polansky said. “Coming from a non-profit background dedicated to making these experiences accessible, I’m proud to now be part of an independently owned company that gives back in this way. I look forward to supporting the growth of the EdOdyssey Scholarship Fund for years to come.”
These scholarships represent our continued investment in the next generation of changemakers: students who are curious, compassionate, and eager to see the world. By lowering financial barriers, we aim to make transformative travel experiences possible for more young people everywhere.
How We’re Different
Because EdOdyssey is independently owned, we reinvest directly in our students. Our core belief is simple: Travel changes people, and people change the world.
This philosophy aligns closely with our 4P framework (People, Place, Purpose Perspective) in which “People”—in this case, our students—are at the center of our work.
Compared with larger providers, our scholarship model allows us to:
Respond flexibly to student need
Maintain personalized support throughout a student’s journey
Encourage scholarship recipients to share their experiences publicly via Instagram, reinforcing community and connection
Educational travel should be attainable, intentional, and built through the lens of connection and relationships.
Spotlight: EdOdyssey Scholarship Recipient—Sophia Irvine
One standout scholarship recipient this year, Sophia Irvine, joined us in the summer on Nebraska Wesleyan’s “Comparative Healthcare in Peru” program.
A recent graduate and future Labor & Delivery Nurse, Sophia’s application spoke to her passion for women’s health. She said she hoped to study how Peru addresses maternal care, community care, and traditional medicine, because this is knowledge she intends to integrate into her work back home.
When she found out she had received the scholarship, Sophia wrote:
“Thank you so much for this generous award and for the opportunity to be named an EdOdyssey Scholar. I’m incredibly honored and grateful… and I’m very excited to represent EdOdyssey as part of this transformative experience.”
During her semester in Peru, Sophia documented her journey with us on Instagram, reflecting, “I had the chance to explore Peru, and it was truly unforgettable! Our journey was packed with joy, discovery, and insights into the Peruvian healthcare system,” and “Thanks to EdOdyssey, I've made lifelong friends, and I'm already counting down the days until my next visit.”
In another post, she took her reflections on cultural lessons a bit deeper: “What strikes me most is how time moves so differently in places like Peru. Conversations aren’t rushed, moments aren’t wasted, and relationships are never treated as an afterthought. Peru has a culture that embraces creativity in all its forms. Art is embraced with a shared love and understanding for the culture it stems from. Each moment is lived to its fullest. Even in the busiest of places, there is space for warmth, beauty, intentionality, and generosity. I am so incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to experience cultures like these in person.”
Sophia’s story illustrates why EdOdyssey scholarship fund exists: to support students who are not just traveling, but thoughtfully engaging, learning with an open heart and mind, and bringing those lessons back into their careers and communities.
Partner with Us: Expanding Access Through Scholarships
EdOdyssey collaborates closely with partners to ensure meaningful scholarship opportunities are available for students. By integrating merit-based and need-based awards directly into our program offerings, we help institutions expand access to educational travel while supporting students’ academic and professional growth.
We invite faculty and program leaders to connect with us to learn more about EdOdyssey scholarships, application requirements, and how these opportunities can complement your institution’s study abroad initiatives while empowering the next generation of changemakers.
