College/University Students

Sally Whitcher World Travel and Peace Award – It is part of the educational mission of Hostelling International USA (HI-USA) to promote world peace through local and global travel. Since 1934, our organization has stressed the notion that you have to see the world to understand it. The Eastern New England Council of HI-USA supports responsible and meaningful travel through two $500 travel grants, awarded each semester to college students within our region who best demonstrate a commitment to educational and intercultural experiences in their travel plans. The grantees will be able to capture and reflect how their travel experiences promote our mission:

To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.

This award was established in memory of Sally Whitcher, former co-owner and manager of the HI-Wadsworth Blanchard Farm Hostel in South Hiram, ME. Sally died in a swimming accident in 1998 in the Dominican Republic during a trip in which she was helping to provide medical training to local health care professionals. Throughout her life, Sally was committed to the cause of peace and the idea that hostelling could help break down cultural barriers and build more positive relationships. Sally, along with her husband Ed Bradley, created their idyllic hostel in Maine as a way of giving back to the global community that was so important to them.

Click here to read about our winners!

Criteria for award:

Be at least 18 years of age and a post-secondary student planning a course of international study.
Attend college/university within Eastern New England (ME, NH, RI, or Eastern MA).
Project a plan for travel while abroad that features intercultural experiences.
Create a plan for sharing travel experiences and describing the impact of your travel in meeting the HI-USA mission to help all gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.
Demonstrate intent to share those experiences with HI-ENEC and specific audiences within the community (ex. class, student organization, youth group, etc.) through one of the following: writing a newsletter article, facilitating/hosting a travel workshop or traveler’s circle, presentation to the Board of Directors, community exhibit of art, film, music or another artistic product of travels, etc. (other ideas will be considered if proposed by applicant)
Keep a travel blog to share experiences with HI-ENEC and the community
Include reference information for a faculty member or community leader. Applications are available on campus, by mail, online, or via e-mail.
Application cycles begin in March and October, and the travel award is granted in April and November of each year. For additional information and/or an award application, please contact:

Nicole Sheldon-Desjardins.
Director of Education and Programs
Hostelling International USA Eastern New England Council
218 Holland Street Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: (617) 718-7990 ext 17

Read about current and past award winners through their travel blogs.