The £2.5 million programme is aimed at supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and is being funded by the Department for Education and run in partnership with the British Council.
Funding will be targeted at schools with above-average numbers of Pupil Premium students. Over the course of the programme, it is estimated that trips could be funded for 2,900 pupils. Young people will be encouraged to stay with host families abroad where possible, maximising their opportunity to practise language skills and be fully immersed in another culture.
There is a simple application process, grants to cover the administrative cost of organising trips, and seminars to help schools without much experience of international visits to find partner institutions abroad – in Europe or further afield.
Schools can register their interest online and be notified when applications open.
Visit www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/exchanges/