Global Learning Opportunities
Global Travel for Students
CIEE Global Navigator Program (summer study abroad) – scholarships available!
CIEE: Application deadline: January 21. CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad organization that has been around for over 75 years. There are 40 amazing destinations around the world that you can visit for 3-4 weeks in the summer.
There are language immersion programs in which you immerse yourself in the local scene while you improve your fluency in Spanish, French, Japanese or other languages. There are also programs that focus on service learning where you can work with a community on global issues such as climate change, social justice, or youth mentorship. Grow your leadership skills and earn up to 50 service hours! Other topic programs include culinary arts, dance, filmmaking, theater, fashion marketing, and sports management.
Ingraham is part of the CIEE Global Navigator School Network and we have access to up to $100,000 in CIEE scholarships for students each year. If you need help with the application, please see the application help page, which has detailed instructions for every task.
AMIGOS (summer volunteer programs in Latin America)
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture as a local, not a tourist. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after going through our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice.
What you’ll do:
- Go beyond travel and become part of a new community
- Make real friendships that last a lifetime
- Volunteer and learn about ethical service
- Improve your Spanish by using it in everyday conversation
- Experience a new culture
- Earn 24+ service hours
- Gain confidence and leadership skills that prepare you for college and beyond!
- Earn two college credits on 3+ week projects
The Experiment in International Living
The Experiment offers high school summer abroad programs in more than 10 countries and virtual exchange programs. Participants explore the world through hands-on experiences in local communities and through the lens of a specific theme.
- Travel through Germany and visit Belgium and Luxembourg as you learn about international politics and gain fascinating insights into the European Union in the Germany: International Relations & The E.U. program.
- Study Japanese through intensive language training and exciting activities. Explore vibrant Tokyo neighborhoods and stay with a host family in a different region in the Japan: Japanese Language & Culture program.
- Work with a local organization and learn about Africa’s tangible and imagined histories as you earn college credit and prepare for your future career in the Ghana: Internship Contemporary Art & Culture program.
- And more! CLICK HERE to learn more and apply.
Study abroad in Germany with a FULL SCHOLARSHIP in 2026-27!
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full immersion experience. Learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. Embark on an adventure that is unlike any other. The CBYX program additionally offers vocational and young professional scholarship opportunities; visit the Programs page to learn more.
Application due November 3.
As a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) high school program participant, your exchange year will include:
- Placement with a carefully selected German host family
- Admission to a German high school
- Pre-departure training in the United States and orientation programs in Germany
- Language lessons upon arrival in Germany
- Cultural excursions to the German Bundestag and select German cities
- Meetings with U.S. and German government officials
Global Learning Opportunities in Seattle
OneWorld Now
This After-School Program combines world language learning and leadership development to support students in their journey to becoming global citizens. Twice weekly, students take after school critical world language classes in Arabic, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian. These languages are less commonly taught in U.S. schools but are widely used world languages that will be beneficial for future global leaders. Students can earn up to 1.0 high school credit per year for these classes.
Classes start on October 20th. OneWorld Now often offers global trips in the spring. Learn more here: https://oneworldnow.org/programs/afterschool/
FIUTS Intercultural Leadership Institute
(8-week series starting on Wednesday, October 22nd from 4:00 to 6:00 pm)
This program is designed for high school students to explore diplomacy, international relations, and cultural exchange without leaving Seattle. The program features guest speakers, simulations, and service opportunities with international visitors. After completing the program, students will be invited to serve as ambassadors for future visiting programs, extending their engagement and impact.
FILI helps students grow into global citizens and leaders, providing hands-on opportunities to interact with diverse cultures, gain practical leadership skills, and make friends from around the world. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion and join a network of active young leaders. There are a limited number of scholarships available.
For more information:
World Affairs Council Global Connections Club
This free, virtual club meets every second Wednesday of the month from 4–5 PM (after school) for one-hour sessions. Just like other school extracurriculars, students are encouraged to treat this as a meaningful opportunity to grow, connect, and lead.
The Global Connections Club brings youth together to:
- Explore world affairs and better understand today’s pressing global challenges.
- Connect local issues to global perspectives.
- Build cultural competence and leadership skills to become globally engaged citizens.
Each session will feature guest speakers, interactive discussions, and opportunities for student moderators to lead conversations, keeping youth voices at the center of the experience.
Learn more here: https://www.world-affairs.org/program/wac-global-connections-club-gcc/
Host an international student in your home!
Engage with the world without leaving your home. There are several short-term hosting opportunities throughout the year. If you are interested in hosting, you can sign up with these two local organizations:
FIUTS Hosting and Friendship Programs
World Affairs Council of Greater Seattle
Writing Contests
Local Letters for Global Change Writing Contest – due November 14
Make your voice heard this fall by writing a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue you want them to prioritize, shows how it connects to your local community, and proposes a solution. Through this contest, students can practice global citizenship, civic action, and persuasive writing, all while exploring the underreported issues that matter to them through Pulitzer Center news stories. Click here for more information.
Prizes:
We will select one first place winner and up to four finalists for each issue category. First place winners will receive:
- $300 to support global community engagement in your classroom (prize distributed to your class teacher)
- Publication of your letter, photo, and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
Finalists will receive:
- $75 to support global community engagement in your classroom (prize distributed to your class teacher)
- Publication of your letter, photo, and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
All entrants will be invited to participate in a Pulitzer Center town hall event, held virtually in November, to share their solutions with other students from around the world.
World Affairs Council World Citizen Essay Contest – due March 24, 2026
In 1,000 words or less, respond to ONE of the following questions:
- What role should global citizens play in strengthening democracy?
- How can local actions, whether in schools, communities, or neighborhoods, connect to global challenges facing democracy?
- What lessons from history can guide young people today in helping democracy remain strong?
- How can democracy help communities address shared challenges such as climate change, clean water, or sustainable growth, both locally and globally?
- Looking ahead, what kind of democracy do you hope future generations will inherit 75 years from now?
More details: https://www.world-affairs.org/event/democracys-promise-youth-reflections-at-250-years-2026-world-citizen-essay-contest/