Educational Organizations

Racial minorities make up half of the US college population but only a third of American students abroad. Not only are these young people missing out on the joy and professional benefits of a global education, but the American public is missing out on thousands of bright, thoughtful ambassadors for our country and culture.

Fortunately, there are nonprofit organizations working to correct this inequality by providing perspective-broadening international experiences to students from underserved communities, and Rick Steves' Europe is proud to support their efforts by including them in our Season's Givings holiday event.

Take a minute to get to know these organizations and catch up on the transformative work they do:

Teens of Color Abroad

Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA) provides students of color with global language learning and cultural exchange programs. With only 5% of university students in study abroad programs identifying as Black or African American and only 2% of U.S. high school students studying abroad, TOCA works to break down the financial and societal barriers that prevent our youth from accessing international opportunities.

Fund for Education Abroad

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and ongoing support to students with financial need who are marginalized among the US study abroad population. Less than 6% of US college students study abroad, largely due to financial barriers. Founded in 2010, FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college students, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.

HIGH BEAM Foundation

HIGH BEAM Foundation is dedicated to helping underserved high school students cultivate the will and the way to earn a college degree. The unique program kicks off with international travel and uses the transformational power of travel to set the stage for the other phases of the program, which include mentorship in self-awareness, time management, communication, personal finance, and college preparedness.

Learn more about the Rick Steves' Europe Seasons Givings holiday event.