Startup competitions serve as catalysts for innovation, providing budding entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their ideas, gain exposure, secure funding, and network with industry experts. These competitions attract participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, researchers, and professionals, all striving to turn their innovative concepts into successful ventures.
SEE MORE: 100 GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES FOR ALL FIELDS
Erasmus+: Erasmus+ is a flagship EU program promoting international mobility and cooperation in education, training, and youth. It offers opportunities for students, educators, and young professionals to study, train, or volunteer abroad in various European countries, fostering cultural exchange and personal development.
Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides grants for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake research, study, or teach English in over 140 countries worldwide. It aims to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other nations.
CIEE – Council on International Educational Exchange: CIEE offers a wide range of study abroad programs, internships, and exchange opportunities for students in locations across the globe. With programs in over 40 countries, CIEE promotes intercultural learning and academic enrichment.
AIESEC: AIESEC is a global platform for young people to discover and develop their leadership potential through international internships and volunteer experiences. Operating in more than 120 countries, AIESEC facilitates cross-cultural exchanges and youth leadership development.
Rotary Youth Exchange: Rotary Youth Exchange offers high school students the opportunity to live and study abroad for an academic year or semester. With programs in over 100 countries, Rotary promotes cultural understanding and global citizenship among youth.
IAESTE – International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience: IAESTE provides students in STEM fields with paid internships abroad, allowing them to gain hands-on work experience while immersing themselves in different cultures. With member countries worldwide, IAESTE facilitates professional development and international cooperation.
SEE MORE: LIST OF 100 INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PLATFORMS
Youth For Understanding (YFU): YFU offers high school exchange programs that allow students to live with host families and attend school in countries around the world. With programs in over 50 countries, YFU promotes intercultural exchange and global citizenship among youth.
Cultural Vistas: Cultural Vistas offers a variety of exchange programs, internships, and professional development opportunities in locations spanning the globe. Through its programs, Cultural Vistas promotes cultural understanding and international cooperation.
Experiment in International Living: Experiment in International Living offers immersive homestay and study abroad programs for high school students in destinations worldwide. By living with local families, students gain firsthand cultural experiences and develop global perspectives.
DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service: DAAD provides scholarships, study grants, and research opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members to pursue academic endeavors in Germany. With offices worldwide, DAAD promotes international academic exchange and collaboration.
Chevening Scholarships: Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, enable outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Chevening aims to foster future leaders and promote international cooperation.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program: The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, facilitates cultural and educational exchange by bringing foreign nationals to the United States for various exchange activities. It promotes mutual understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and other countries.
Study in Japan: Study in Japan offers diverse study programs and scholarships for international students, allowing them to experience Japanese culture and education firsthand. With programs at universities across Japan, Study in Japan promotes internationalization and academic exchange.
Erasmus Mundus: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees provide scholarships for international students to pursue master’s programs in multiple European countries. With a focus on excellence and diversity, Erasmus Mundus promotes academic mobility and intercultural dialogue.
Boren Awards: Boren Awards, sponsored by the U.S. government, provide funding for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests. By investing in language study and cultural immersion, Boren promotes international understanding and national security.
Yenching Academy of Peking University: The Yenching Academy offers a fully-funded interdisciplinary master’s program in China studies for outstanding graduates from around the world. Located at Peking University in Beijing, Yenching fosters global leadership and cross-cultural understanding.
Australia Awards: Australia Awards provide scholarships and fellowships for individuals from developing countries to undertake study, research, or professional development in Australia. With a focus on capacity building and mutual understanding, Australia Awards contribute to sustainable development and global cooperation.
International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP): ISEP facilitates affordable study abroad experiences for students by partnering with universities worldwide. With programs in over 50 countries, ISEP promotes academic exchange and cultural immersion for students of all backgrounds.
United World Colleges (UWC): United World Colleges offers two-year pre-university education programs for students from diverse backgrounds. With campuses around the world, UWC emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and intercultural understanding.
ASEAN University Network (AUN) Exchange Program: AUN facilitates student and faculty exchanges among member universities in Southeast Asia. By promoting academic collaboration and mobility, AUN contributes to regional integration and development.
European Voluntary Service (EVS): European Voluntary Service offers young people the opportunity to volunteer abroad for up to 12 months. Sponsored by the European Commission, EVS promotes solidarity, social inclusion, and personal development.
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme: The JET Programme invites foreign nationals to work as assistant language teachers or coordinators for international relations in Japanese schools and communities. With participants from over 40 countries, JET promotes grassroots international exchange and mutual understanding.
Chegg Global Student Exchange Program: Chegg provides a platform for students to explore study abroad programs and scholarships worldwide. By simplifying the process of finding and applying for exchange opportunities, Chegg promotes access to international education.
**[World Learning](https://www
.worldlearning.org/)**: World Learning offers exchange programs, internships, and leadership development initiatives for students, professionals, and emerging leaders worldwide. With a focus on experiential learning and cross-cultural exchange, World Learning fosters global citizenship and collaboration.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: The Swiss government offers scholarships for international students and researchers to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. With a reputation for academic excellence and innovation, Switzerland attracts top talent from around the world.
Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP): APLP brings together emerging leaders from across the Asia Pacific region for a nine-month intensive leadership development program in Hawaii. With a focus on cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, APLP prepares leaders to address regional and global challenges.
Peace Corps: Peace Corps volunteers serve in communities around the world, promoting peace and development through grassroots initiatives in sectors such as education, health, and agriculture. With a commitment to service and cultural exchange, Peace Corps volunteers make a positive impact in communities worldwide.
YES Abroad: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, YES Abroad offers scholarships for American high school students to study abroad in countries with significant Muslim populations. By fostering mutual understanding and intercultural exchange, YES Abroad promotes global citizenship among youth.
Teach For All: Teach For All partners with organizations worldwide to recruit and train leaders to expand educational opportunities and address educational inequity in their communities. With a network of programs in over 50 countries, Teach For All promotes educational excellence and equity globally.
TechWomen: TechWomen brings emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East together for a professional mentorship and exchange program in the United States. By empowering women in STEM fields, TechWomen promotes gender equality and innovation.
World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community: The Global Shapers Community comprises young leaders under 30 working together to address local, regional, and global challenges through community projects and initiatives. With hubs in cities worldwide, Global Shapers fosters collaboration and innovation among youth.
Teach For America: Teach For America recruits and trains recent college graduates and professionals to teach in high-need schools across the United States. By addressing educational inequity and promoting educational excellence, Teach For America strives to create opportunity for all students.
Youth Leadership Camps Canada: YLCC offers leadership development programs and camps for youth, empowering them to become positive agents of change in their communities and beyond. With a focus on experiential learning and personal growth, YLCC inspires young leaders to make a difference in the world.
Greenheart Exchange: Greenheart Exchange facilitates cultural exchange programs, internships, and work and travel experiences for individuals worldwide. With a commitment to environmental sustainability and global understanding, Greenheart promotes responsible travel and cross-cultural exchange.
Atlas Corps: Atlas Corps brings nonprofit leaders from around the world to the United States for a professional fellowship program. By fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, Atlas Corps empowers social change agents to address critical issues in their communities.
Semester at Sea: Semester at Sea offers study abroad programs aboard a ship, allowing students to travel to multiple countries while earning college credit. With a focus on global comparative education and cultural immersion, Semester at Sea prepares students to be engaged global citizens.
Watson Institute: The Watson Institute offers programs and fellowships for young social entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, training, and resources to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. With a focus on impact-driven entrepreneurship, Watson Institute empowers changemakers to create positive change in the world.
International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA): IFMSA facilitates international exchange programs for medical students, promoting collaboration, cultural understanding, and global health equity. With member organizations in over 130 countries, IFMSA strives to create a healthier and more equitable world.
This list represents just a fraction of the exchange programs available worldwide. Whether you’re a student looking to study abroad, a professional seeking international experience, or an organization promoting cross-cultural exchange, these programs offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Explore the links above to find the exchange program that’s right for you, and embark on your journey to global citizenship and understanding.
Global UGRAD – Global Undergraduate Exchange Program: Global UGRAD provides scholarships for undergraduate students from around the world to study at U.S. colleges and universities. Through academic coursework, community service, and cultural immersion, Global UGRAD fosters mutual understanding and leadership development.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX): CBYX offers scholarships for American high school students to study and intern in Germany, while also hosting German students in the United States. This reciprocal exchange program promotes cultural understanding and strengthens ties between the U.S. and Germany.
The Japan Foundation: The Japan Foundation offers various exchange programs to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. These programs include language study, arts and culture exchanges, and academic collaborations, contributing to global cultural diversity and cooperation.
Summer Work Travel Program: Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Summer Work Travel Program allows college students from around the world to work and travel in the United States during their summer breaks. Participants gain valuable work experience, cultural exchange, and cross-cultural understanding.
International Student Exchange – ISE: ISE facilitates cultural exchange programs for high school students, allowing them to live with host families and attend school in different countries. By promoting cultural immersion and intercultural understanding, ISE enriches the lives of students and host families alike.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI): CHCI offers leadership and professional development programs for Latino youth, including internships, fellowships, and a public policy conference. By empowering young Latino leaders, CHCI strengthens the Latino community and promotes diversity and inclusion in U.S. leadership.
Twinning Exchange Program: The Twinning Exchange Program, supported by UNESCO, facilitates cultural exchange and collaboration between cities around the world. Through partnerships and joint projects, twinning cities share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to common challenges.
European Solidarity Corps: The European Solidarity Corps offers opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across Europe. By promoting solidarity, social inclusion, and active citizenship, the European Solidarity Corps empowers young Europeans to make a positive impact on society.
Atlantic Council: The Atlantic Council organizes various exchange programs and initiatives to foster transatlantic cooperation and strengthen ties between North America and Europe. Through research, advocacy, and diplomatic engagement, the Atlantic Council promotes peace, prosperity, and security on both sides of the Atlantic.
Cultural Homestay International (CHI): CHI offers cultural exchange programs, including high school exchanges, au pair placements, and work and travel opportunities. By facilitating cultural immersion and intercultural exchange, CHI promotes global understanding and friendship.
ISEP Direct: ISEP Direct provides students with the opportunity to study abroad at partner universities around the world. With programs in over 50 countries, ISEP Direct offers academic courses, cultural immersion, and support services to help students make the most of their international experience.
Global Leadership Adventures (GLA): GLA offers summer programs and service-learning adventures for high school students in locations around the world. By combining community service, cultural immersion, and leadership development, GLA empowers young people to become global citizens and changemakers.
American Councils for International Education: American Councils organizes a wide range of international exchange programs, language immersion programs, and educational initiatives. With a focus on promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence, American Councils fosters global engagement and cooperation.
Global Citizen Year: Global Citizen Year offers gap year programs for high school graduates to live and volunteer in communities around the world. By promoting experiential learning, global citizenship, and leadership development, Global Citizen Year prepares young people for college and careers with a global perspective.
Experimentory: Experimentory offers summer programs for middle school students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in experiential learning. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, Experimentory prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.
International Baccalaureate (IB): The International Baccalaureate offers educational programs for students aged 3 to 19, including the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme. With a focus on inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship, IB prepares students for success in a multicultural world.
American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs: AFS offers study abroad programs, intercultural learning experiences, and volunteer opportunities for students, families, and educators. By promoting understanding, respect, and collaboration across cultures, AFS builds a more just and peaceful world.
Experiment: Experiment offers immersive summer programs for high school students in locations around the world. By combining academic study, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure, Experiment provides students with a transformative learning experience.
Global Navigator Scholarships: Global Navigator Scholarships provide high school students with the opportunity to study abroad and explore their passions in areas such as language, culture, and service. By expanding access to international education, Global Navigator Scholarships promote global citizenship and understanding.
German-American Partnership Program (GAPP): GAPP facilitates exchange programs and partnerships between schools in Germany and the United States. By promoting language learning, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, GAPP strengthens ties between the two countries.
Global Citizens Network (GCN): GCN organizes community-based travel programs and service-learning experiences for individuals and groups. By promoting cross-cultural exchange, sustainable development, and global citizenship, GCN empowers participants to make a positive impact on the world.
Global Experiences: Global Experiences offers internships abroad for college students and young professionals in locations around the world. By providing hands-on work experience, cultural immersion, and professional development, Global Experiences prepares participants for success in a globalized workforce.
International Student Exchange – ISE: ISE facilitates cultural exchange programs for high school students, allowing them to live with host families and attend school in different countries. By promoting cultural immersion and intercultural