LOCAL ROOTS ASSISTANCE
At Walking Tree we do not think cost should prevent enthusiastic students from being able to share in our unforgettable programs. That is why we are committed to fostering opportunities for students to receive both partial and full financial assistance. Local Roots is need-based and awarded to students who otherwise could not pay for our programs. The total amount awarded depends on a variety of factors, including parent contribution, student contribution and availability of aid. We also offer extended interest-free payment plans of up to two years beyond the travel date.
NOTE: Each year we have a limited amount of funding available for our Local Roots Assistance. In order to have the funding available for families that are truly in need, please only apply for this assistance if you could not otherwise afford one of our programs.
LOCAL ROOTS FELLOWSHIPS
We work closely with The Wandering Scholar in our Local Roots program, which provides fellowships (in varying amounts) and extended payment plans tailored to each qualified applicant. In order to qualify for Local Roots assistance, applicants must submit a complete application and deposit (refundable if we do not come to an agreement), plus a Financial Aid Application found under the Apply Now link.
Social Media Fellowships
Social Media connects hundreds of millions of people around the world and proficiency with popular sites is a vital skill. Social Media Fellows are responsible for sharing their study abroad experiences with prospective Walking Tree students and families before, during and after their program. Before their program, fellows will attend a pre-departure online meeting hosted by The Wandering Scholar, to help prepare for the program. During their program, fellows are encouraged to post updates on social media sites and contribute to their group’s blog. After their program, fellows will utilize their public speaking skills to act as ambassadors of Walking Tree Travel and The Wandering Scholar by serving as a reference for future participants, distributing materials and giving presentations to students and parents about their summer experience.
What You’ll Learn:
• Understand one’s role as an advocate for global citizenship
• Develop social media communication skills while strengthening a resume for college
• Hone public speaking skills
• Strategize methods for documenting experiences while traveling
• Connect process of social media communication to promotion of global awareness
Journalism Fellowships
Journalism Fellows are responsible for documenting their study abroad experiences. Before the program departs, fellows will write a short proposal of the kind of article they hope to write and people they hope to interview and attend a pre-departure online meeting hosted by The Wandering Scholar. During the program, fellows will keep a daily account of interesting stories, touching moments, difficult challenges and personal triumphs. They will also encouraged to conduct interviews with students, leaders and locals and contribute to their group’s blog. After their program, fellows will use their notes and interviews to attempt to publish an original article in their school paper, local newspaper or other news sources. The article will also be posted on the Walking Tree and website and may be used in other promotional materials.
What You’ll Learn:
• Understand one’s role as an advocate for global citizenship
• Develop writing and blogging skills while strengthening a resume for college
• Strategize methods for documenting experiences while on program
• Connect process of travel writing to promotion of global awareness
TO APPLY
To apply for our Local Roots Assistance, we need the Financial Aid Application, a Summer Program Application, a copy of the most recent tax return for the people paying for the program, and a deposit of $890. Please note that the deposit will only be cashed if the participant is accepted and agrees to the terms of the assistance package. Otherwise, the check will be returned to you or destroyed.
Local Roots applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For Spring Break Programs, applications are due no later than December 15, 2011. For Summer Programs, applications are due no later than March 15, 2012.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible to increase your chances. For Spring Break Programs, we will notify recipients by January 1, 2012 and aid must be accepted or rejected by January 10, 2012. For Summer Programs, we will notify recipients by March 20, 2012 and aid must be accepted or rejected by March 30, 2012.
THE WANDERING SCHOLAR FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
For students who need full financial aid, we suggest applying for a scholarship from The Wandering Scholar (www.thewanderingscholar.org), a non-profit organization committed to providing international education experiences to low-income students. Each year a select number of students travel on Walking Tree programs on full scholarships provided by The Wandering Scholar.
