your journey, supported
The Alumni Abroad Foundation (AAF) is a community-powered movement built on a simple belief: exposure creates opportunity.
We invest in students ready to cross the borders — financial, perceived, or geographical — that have kept the world just out of reach.
You don't have to have a passport to apply. You don't have to know exactly where you want to go. You just have to say yes. AAF provides the financial support and peer community to help make it real — the journey itself is yours.
Eligible experiences must be connected to an academic, career, or service purpose — but that can take many forms. Semester abroad, co-ops, service trips, missions, and shorter academic travel all qualify. If you're not sure whether your experience fits, apply and let us figure it out together.
our founding year mission
As we launch our inaugural year, we are seeking a founding cohort of 10 students. We are not just looking for travelers; we are looking for students ready to see the world differently — and come back changed.
SELECTION Criteria
Academic Foundation
Currently enrolled undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA in good academic standing.
Demonstrated Need
Pell Grant eligibility is one indicator of financial need, but not the only one. Students who face genuine financial barriers to international travel — regardless of Pell status — are encouraged to apply.
A Real Barrier
Priority is given to students who face a real access barrier: first-generation college students, those who have never traveled internationally, those without a network that normalizes travel, or those for whom cost alone makes the experience feel out of reach.
Clear Intent
A demonstrated educational, career, or personal purpose for the experience. We want to understand why this experience, and why now.
The Pay-It-Forward Commitment
AAF is built on a cycle of opportunity — and that cycle starts before you come home.
We encourage you to engage in at least one community or service experience during your travels. Show up as a global citizen, not just a visitor. When you return, share your journey through a post-travel reflection to inspire the next student who isn't sure it's possible for them.
How your grant works
AAF awards a $1,000 Global Experience Grant to each selected student.
70% Upon Award: released before you travel to cover upfront costs
30% Upon Arrival: released when you submit a photo confirmation from your destination
You choose where you go. We help you get there. AAF is not a travel organizer — we're the enablement layer that makes your experience financially possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In most cases, yes — your experience will be organized through or in partnership with your university. But we recognize that's not always the path. Co-ops, service trips, independent academic programs, and other purposeful experiences are also eligible. What matters most is that there's a clear academic, career, or service purpose behind the travel. If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, apply and let us figure it out together.
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Yes — and intentionally so. AAF is not a replacement for your university's study abroad office or existing programs. We're the financial and connective layer that helps you actually participate in them. If your school has a program but cost is the barrier, that's exactly what we're here for.
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Yes. Our 2026 pilot is currently in selection. If you missed this cycle, applications for 2027 travel will open in August 2026, so please be on the look out.