Travel influencer Gabby Beckford has had adventures in over 40 countries and works to inspire hundreds of thousands every month by “making the incredible accessible.” Her Young Travelers Network, travel TikTok, Packs Light blog, and TEDx Talk aim to empower those from communities least prone to travel.

A major portion of Beckford’s audience is college students interested in study abroad experiences. Unfortunately, only a small portion of US undergraduate students have the opportunity to study abroad.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), only 10% of college students take advantage of international travel programs during their studies. Of that number, only 25% are ethnic or racial students from underrepresented communities. Beckford knows those numbers mean thousands of people have missed out on fulfilling a lifelong dream, and she has decided to give them the chance at a re-do.

“There are so many people who couldn’t afford to attend college or couldn’t spare money for travel while paying for their educations,” Beckford says. “Many regret this lost opportunity for the rest of their lives. If you always dreamed of the chance to explore other lands, cultures, and languages but felt like doors were closed during this time in your life, this grant is for you,” she explains.

Packs Light’s Study Abroad Re-Do Grant

Packs Light finds that the time students are in college is a unique opportunity for travel. During this period of life, students share a strong drive to expand their worldview through intentional exploration. They may need more resources or experience to make this happen, but entities are in place to offer them support.

Now, Packs Light provides financial aid for people who want one more shot at the study abroad experience. The Study Abroad Re-Do Grant offers this support to people who missed it the first time around. “Travel abroad shouldn’t be limited only to students,” Beckford remarks. “Sometimes, we do get a second chance at fulfilling our wildest dreams.”

Through the Study Abroad Re-Do Grant, three applicants will receive $5,000 to design their very own life-changing adventures abroad. Packs Light hopes this first round of winners will redefine the study abroad experience because, rather than a year-long, semester, or summer experience, the grant funds any international trip with an intentional learning component.

For the best chances of success, applicants will want to approach their trips as learning experiences — resort stays and shopping sprees are not the goals. Answers to the 10 application questions that catch the judges’ eye will outline travel goals such as language emersion, cultural exploration, or conservation efforts.

Who should apply for the Study Abroad Re-Do Grant?

According to Beckford, “anyone who regrets missing out on a travel abroad experience as a student should apply for this grant.” Packs Light encourages people of all backgrounds to seek risk and seize opportunities through transformative, inspirational, and impactful travel. This new grant aims to remove financial and logistical barriers to international travel for people in any phase of life.

“Often, people have the confidence to explore the world, but logistics and finances stand in their way,” says Beckford. “Traveling to a place with a new culture and language can be intimidating, and planning and preparing for such a trip without support is daunting. If you don’t have someone to help you gain the skills you need, you may never take the plunge.”

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and US citizens. The three grant winners must be able to take their trip before August 31, 2023. During their travels, they will share three social media posts with #StudyAbroadRedo and #PLgrant to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. To encourage the next round of applicants, they will share insights about their travel preparation experience during an interview call with Packs Light before their trip and reflections about their journey in a final call on their return.

“If you are a mom who put off travel to have children, a graduate burdened with college debt, or a full-time professional who has never had time to broaden your horizons through travel, this is your chance,” says Beckford. “Tell us about the barriers that held you back. Tell us about the dream trip you have always wanted to take. Tell us how this trip would impact your life. Make your answers stand out from the rest, and we’ll help you make those dreams come true!”

The time to apply is now. Sponsors for the Study Abroad Re-Do Grant were finalized on the first of the year, and the application opens on February 27 with a deadline of April 15. Winners will be selected by May 15 and announced on June 15, 2023.