Explore the World Travel Scholarship: First Passport Edition Program Requirements

The following documents are required by all awardees:   

1. Explore the World Contract  
2. Release and Indemnification 
3. Verification of Demonstrated Financial Need 
4. Copy of Government Issued ID (school is not accepted) 
5. W-2 (this award is considered taxable income by the IRS)  
6. Direct Deposit Form

• Complete the Pre-Travel Survey  
• Submit headshot and video profile as per HI USA guidelines  

Required Documents are due by the acceptance deadline (within 10 days of notification) 

Failure to submit required documents on time will result in forfeiture of award. 

All awardees must attend at least two (2) virtual workshops provided by HI USA.  

Topics include:  

• Orientation (required)  
• Hostelling 101 – Discover why hostels are a great way to travel!  
• Experience the City – Dive into the the culture of your travel location!  
• Travel logistics – How to plan your trip from transportation to sites!  
• Packing – How to pack efficiently!  
• Creating Memories – How to take great photos and videos of your travel.  

Virtual Programs will be offered during the travel preparation period. No travel is permitted until after that period ends. 

First passport awardees will attend a Virtual Meet and Greet with the volunteer travel mentors at the start of Phase 2. The program has six required meetings with travel mentors.  However additional meetings are suggested. 

After each required meeting mentors and mentees must complete a short meeting recap form.  Mentor approval is required for all fund requests. 

Awardees may request passport funds during Phase 2 or Phase 3. Requests should be submitted after meeting with their Travel Mentor to review the passport application process. Mentor approval is required to process passport funds. 

Once passport has been received and mentor has approved travel plans, awardees may request pre-travel funds ($1,400) at least 45 days prior to travel to ensure funds arrive in advance. 

Travel funds may be used to prepare for your trip including transportation*, travel gear, and other travel-related items. 

*awardees must book their own transportation 

Funds are disbursed by direct deposit. 

Awardees may travel from March 1, 2024 to August 31, 2026. Awardees must travel for a minimum of five (5) nights, with a minimum of two (2) nights spent in a hostel.   

Awardees must depart and return to the U.S. during the Travel Period.  Travel must meet the travel requirements of the award.   

While staying at the hostel, awardees should participate in the activities held at the hostel (if available) and explore the local community.    

Awardees must post two (2) videos and four (4) images to Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and/or Facebook. Images and videos should follow the HI USA Guidelines. Posts must tag HI USA and use #exploretheworldhiusa 

Once travel is complete, awardees should meet with their travel mentor for a debrief. 

After that meeting, awardees may request post travel funds ($1,400) 

Awardees will need to complete a post-travel survey and create a post-travel impact video per HI USA Guidelines 

The post-travel request requires an upload of travel images, travel videos, and the impact video. 

Funds are disbursed by direct deposit.

Travel must be completed, and fund request submitted, by August 31, 2025.  Failure to complete travel by the deadline will result in forfeiture of award. All disbursed funds must be returned to HI USA.  

After all Explore the World: First Passport Edition awardees have returned, awardees and mentors will come together for a final virtual meeting to share insights from your first international travel experience. 

Awardees can stay engaged with HI USA as a Volunteer and a HI USA Alumni Member.  Awardees can help evaluate applications for the next cohort, share their travel experience through a virtual program, and/or share information about HI USA to encourage other young adults to travel through hostelling.