How can I use my Segal Education Award to go abroad?

By joining an international program with a provider partnered with an accredited Title IV college or university, your funds can be transferred directly to the institution. This can cover in-country costs and travel expenses as part of an official study or intern abroad program. You can either pay up front and be reimbursed, or the institution may pay the provider directly.

How much of my trip will my Segal Education Award cover?

The amount covered depends on destination, duration, and overall program fees. Having at least $2,000 USD in funding can pay for a short-term program. A full-time award can cover up to 6 months abroad.

What expenses can my Segal Education Award go toward?

Your Segal Award can cover enrollment and credit fees, program and logistics fees (accommodations, meals, airport transfers, 24/7 support), travel expenses (flights, passport fees, insurance), and add-on experiences (language lessons, cultural tours, SCUBA certifications).

What is the difference between Warren Wilson College and the University of Montana?

Both are accredited Title IV Schools of Record, but they handle Segal Education Award payments differently. Warren Wilson College enrollment starts at $2,249 and can accept award funds in advance, invoicing IVHQ or Intern Abroad HQ directly for program costs. The University of Montana enrollment starts at $999, but you pay upfront and are reimbursed from your award funds after your program starts. Pathways Abroad support and planning resources are free; the enrollment and credit fee is a required, paid cost paid to the school.

Which academic institutions process Segal Education Award payments?

It depends on which institution the provider partners with. For example, IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ partner with Warren Wilson College and the University of Montana, both accredited Title IV institutions.

Do I have to take a course if I've already completed my degree or I'm not interested in earning credit?

Yes. To access your funding, you need to enroll as a non-degree-seeking student and pursue at least one academic credit.

Can I bring a friend or family member along with me?

Yes! Companions who meet basic program requirements can pay standard program fees directly to join you, though your award only covers your individual costs.

I have two Education Awards. Can I go on two separate experiences and take the same course twice?

Yes! Students are eligible to take the same course two times. If you have two Education Awards, you can plan more than one international experience with us.

What if my Education Award is expiring soon (or I haven't received it yet)?

We recommend starting the process at least 3-4 months before your program start date, and you can book up to 12 months in advance. If your Education Award is expiring, you can request funds now for future travel. If you haven't received it yet, you can still apply and get started.

Can I transfer my Segal Education Award to a child or grandchild for international travel?

Yes! If you were 55 or older when you began your service, eligible dependents can use the transferred award for high school, gap year, or college-level programs.

Is there a service fee to use Pathways Abroad?

No. Guidance and planning resources are 100% free for alumni and program staff.

For Alumni

Turn Your Segal Education Award Into a Global Adventure

You earned it. Now use it. Here's how it works.

See where you can go

50+: Destinations
600+: Placements
1-24: WEEKS

Getting Started

Three simple steps to get started.

01
Explore eligible programs
Browse international volunteer and internship programs by destination or field.
02
Get your planning guide
Receive a personalized guide built around your award, goals, and timeline.
03
Connect with a provider
We introduce you directly to the provider and help you move forward.

Swipe to See

Moments from AmeriCorps alumni around the world.

Emily working in a plant nursery in the Galápagos — Emily
Sustainable Agriculture Volunteer
Galápagos · IVHQ · 2 weeks

Brittani volunteering in Ocho Rios, Jamaica — Brittani
Childcare Volunteer
Jamaica · IVHQ · 4 weeks

Nick during his GIS and reserve management internship in South Africa — Nick
GIS & Reserve Management Intern
South Africa · Intern Abroad HQ · 12 weeks

Chelsea volunteering in Belize — Chelsea
Marine Conservation Volunteer
Belize · IVHQ · 1 week

Maurice volunteering in Lisbon, Portugal — Maurice
Community Development & Food Security Volunteer
Portugal · IVHQ · 4 weeks

Sheyla with fellow medical volunteers at Centro Clínico Social La Merced in Guatemala — Sheyla
Medical Volunteer
Guatemala · IVHQ

Joshua teaching English to students in Cusco, Peru — Joshua
Teaching English Volunteer
Peru · IVHQ · 2 weeks

Sarah with her community development project in Quito, Ecuador — Sarah
Community Development Volunteer
Ecuador · IVHQ · 1 week

Joey on the shoreline of Isabela Island in the Galápagos — Joey
Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring Volunteer
Galápagos · IVHQ · 2 weeks

Dominic on his first trip abroad in Peru — Dominic
Community Support Volunteer
Peru · IVHQ · 9 weeks

Joseph in Athens, Greece — Joseph
Sustainable Fashion Volunteer
Greece · IVHQ · 4 weeks

Tully at the Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, Indonesia — Tully
Teaching Volunteer
Bali · IVHQ · 3 weeks

Mia during her internship in Auckland, New Zealand — Mia
Event Management & PR Intern
New Zealand · Intern Abroad HQ · 12 weeks

Read their experiences abroad

Award Essentials

Using your Segal Education Award abroad

Your award can help fund international volunteer programs and global placements through eligible Title IV institutions.

What it covers

Enrollment and academic credit costs
Program fees: housing, meals, transfers, 24/7 support
Travel: flights, passport costs, insurance
Learning experiences: language lessons, excursions, SCUBA certification

What to know

Roughly $2,000 funds a short-term program; a full-time year award can fund up to six months
You enroll as a non-degree-seeking student for at least one credit
Start 3-4 months ahead; you can book up to 12 months in advance

Why global learning

What you bring home from a placement abroad

Cross-cultural communication
Cultural humility
Problem solving
Resilience
Curiosity and initiative
Global perspective
Inclusive leadership
Independence
Career readiness
Empathy and understanding
Critical reflection

Read: why global learning matters

What the Segal Award can cover

These are sample budgets created to show the range of destinations, placement types, and durations your award could fund.

Nepal
2 weeks · Volunteer
$2,000
What's included
- Volunteer placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Housing
- Meals
Morocco
2 weeks · Internship
$3,000
What's included
- Internship placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Housing
- Meals
Peru
1 month · Volunteer
$4,000
What's included
- Volunteer placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Spanish language lessons
- Machu Picchu visit
- Housing and meals
- $750 toward flight
Japan
6 weeks · Internship
$5,000
What's included
- Internship placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Housing
- $975 toward flight
Tanzania
3 months · Volunteer
$6,000
What's included
- Volunteer placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Housing and meals
- Safari
- Maasai village tour
- $800 toward flight
Spain
2 months · Internship
$7,395
What's included
- Internship placement
- Academic credit and enrollment
- Program fees
- Travel insurance
- Housing and meals
- $885 toward flight

A full-time award is currently $7,395, and can stretch to about six months abroad depending on destination and program fees. Need help estimating yours? .

Free alumni support

Not sure where to start? We will help you narrow it down

Tell us what you want out of your time abroad and we will point you toward programs that accept your AmeriCorps Education Award, then walk you through the paperwork so nothing gets lost along the way.

Explore programs Ask us a question

Alumni drop-in advising

Tuesday drop-in advising for alumni

Open Q&A about using your Segal Education Award abroad, choosing a program, and next steps. Every Tuesday at 12:00 PM ET. No prep required.

Save my Tuesday spot Prefer a structured walkthrough? Join Friday's info session.

Key terms

The award vocabulary, in plain language

Six terms that come up in almost every conversation about using your award abroad.

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: The education benefit you earn after completing a term of AmeriCorps service. It is also called the AmeriCorps Education Award, and a full-time term earns up to $7,395. It can pay for eligible education costs, including approved study or intern abroad programs.
Title IV institution: An accredited college or university approved to receive federal student aid. Your Education Award can only be paid to a Title IV institution, which is why programs abroad are enrolled through a partner school.
Study or intern abroad program: An international program taken for academic credit through a Title IV school. Because it is credit-bearing, program fees, in-country housing and meals, and often travel can be covered by your award.
Non-degree-seeking enrollment: Enrolling in at least one academic credit without pursuing a full degree. This is how alumni who already finished school access award funding for a program abroad.
Provider: The organization that runs the program overseas and partners with the accredited school. Pathways Abroad refers alumni to vetted providers such as International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.
Award expiration: Education Awards must be used within seven years of completing service. If yours is expiring, funds can be requested now for travel scheduled later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything alumni ask us about using the Segal Award abroad.

Still have questions?

Explore our resource hub or get in touch.

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