Change a student’s life forever.
Every USOA grantee is given the opportunity to travel internationally, funded entirely through the generosity of our donors. International experiences are the fastest way to:
Learn foreign languages
Increase personal independence and confidence
Develop global leadership skills
100% of your gift goes directly towards funding a grant for a specific, deserving young American student to experience life internationally, and they’d love to share with you what they’re learning.
“Thank you” from our students
“There aren't enough words in the English dictionary to describe how impactful this trip was for me. Genuinely, this trip enabled me to become the best version of myself. Any donation, big or small, is impactful for students going on these types of trips. These aren't just trips. I'll carry this experience with me until the day I die. From the people I met to the self-improvement I experienced on the Camino, there's no price tag that could replicate what this trip did for me. To those that donated, I hope you know how impactful this experience was for me and while it sounds cliche, this trip changed my life. Being abroad changed my life. And most importantly the camino changed my life and the man I am today for the better. While I may not know you directly, I am more than grateful for the money that was put forth not only for me but also the other adventurers.”
Summit Shaw, USOA Class of 2025
“I am not a person who throws around the phrase "life-changing," but my Camino de Santiago was truly a brain-changing experience. I met hundreds of people from all over the world and understood for the first time that we all have so much more in common than we realize. I explored 500 miles of southern France and northern Spain, which taught me that no matter where you go or what you do, touristy or off-the-beaten-path, there is always something worthwhile to be appreciated, someone new to meet, and something new to learn. I also spent countless hours inside my own mind as I walked the Camino. That level of alone time can be uncomfortable at first but I realized how wholesome humanity and the natural world can be (to the point where I can't help but notice it constantly now that I'm back home). Through my Camino, I gained the gratitude to love life, the patience to fully experience it, and the humility to take comfort in having so much more to learn from it.”
Ben Vonderheid, USOA Class of 2026
“Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am for this opportunity. I know that it has completely changed my life and I haven’t even returned home yet. I am a different person than I was a month ago. The hardships, the highlights, the silly moments all contributed to fundamental changes. I’ve learned so much and I understand how important it is to have people do this at a young age. The confidence I feel is something strong and something quiet. It will show up not in my words but in my actions. I have this feeling of being able to accomplish anything I put my mind to. As a young woman in a male dominated career I cannot thank the donors enough for helping me gain this perspective as it’s so important for me to have.”
Olivia Shampo, USOA Class of 2026