Investing in their future
Using your 529 funds
Transform your education savings into a world-class international internship or service placement with college credit.
At Projects Abroad we’ve always understood that real-world experience is the ultimate classroom.
That’s why we’ve made our experiences more accessible to American families through our exclusive partnership with Greensboro College (North Carolina).
This means our participants can enroll in an accredited Global Course to get 3 college credits alongside their international placement.
Because these credits are issued by a fully accredited US institution, your program tuition may qualify as an eligible education expense under your 529 plan.
This makes your experience more than a trip—it’s a strategic academic investment.
Choose from our Future Global Leaders (high school students) or Global Field Studies (college students) courses.
The academic advantage
Our Global Courses are designed to provide a rigorous framework for international service.
By adding a course to your program, you don’t just volunteer—you will:
- Earn 3 transferable credits: verified by Greensboro College and applicable to major US universities.
- Complete a structured academic course: featuring pre-departure modules and a reflective essay.
- Experience a meaningful international placement: this is Module 2 of your course.
- Receive an official US transcript: worth 3 academic credits.
High school students can use these as elective credits towards their undergraduate degree. College students and recent graduates can add them directly to their academic record.
The 529 funding pathway
- Choose your destination and add the relevant Global Course (Future Global Leaders for ages 14-18, or Global Field Studies for college students or graduates).
- Tick the 529 payment option on your application form.
- Pay your project fee deposit to Projects Abroad like normal.
- Greensboro College will be in touch to invoice you for your course—you pay them directly using your 529 funds.
- Complete your international placement and receive your official US transcript upon completion.
Note:
- This option is available to US residents only.
- We recommend checking with your 529 plan administrator to confirm eligibility under your specific plan first.
Make your savings go further
Schedule a consultation with your Project Expert to discuss credit transfers and 529 eligibility.
Choose a High School Program
Browse our complete range of fully supervised experiences for teens aged 14 to 18.
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Medical Internship in Peru for Teenagers
High School Programs
Medicine
16-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Medical Internship in Peru for TeenagersStarting at $3,370 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$595 -
Conservation in the Galapagos Islands for teenagers
High School Programs
Wildlife
14-18 y/o2+ weeksLodgeView project: Conservation in the Galapagos Islands for teenagersStarting at $3,370 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$695 -
Medicine Internships with Spanish in Argentina for Teenagers
High School ProgramsMedicine
14-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Medicine Internships with Spanish in Argentina for TeenagersStarting at $3,370 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$520 -
Childcare & Community Volunteer Work in Peru for Teenagers
High School Programs
Childcare & Community
14-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Childcare & Community Volunteer Work in Peru for TeenagersStarting at $2,970 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$595 -
Medical Internships in Spain for Teenagers
High School ProgramsMedicine
14-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Medical Internships in Spain for TeenagersStarting at $4,595 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$2,370 -
Rainforest Conservation in Peru for Teenagers
High School ProgramsWildlife
14-18 y/o2+ weeksEco-lodgeView project: Rainforest Conservation in Peru for TeenagersStarting at $3,370 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$695 -
Medical Internship for High School Students in Tanzania
High School ProgramsMedicine
14-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Medical Internship for High School Students in TanzaniaStarting at $3,370 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$495 -
Medical Internships in Nepal for Teenagers
High School ProgramsMedicine
15-18 y/o2+ weeksHotelView project: Medical Internships in Nepal for TeenagersStarting at $3,220 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$495 -
Community Development in Spain for Teenagers
High School ProgramsChildcare & Community
14-18 y/o2+ weeksHomestayView project: Community Development in Spain for TeenagersStarting at $3,720 for 2 weeks
Extra Week:$1,020
Frequently asked questions
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to fund education expenses. Funds in a 529 can be used for tuition at eligible institutions—and because our Global Courses are issued through Greensboro College, a fully accredited US institution, the tuition portion of your program could qualify.
How do I withdraw money from my 529 plan?
You can withdraw 529 plan savings tax-free to pay for qualified education expenses, which include costs required for enrollment and attendance at in-state, out-of-state, public, and private colleges, universities, or other eligible post-secondary educational institutions.
Visit the IRS website and Savingforcollege.com for more information.
What happens to unused 529 funds?
If you finish college and still have money left in your 529 plan, don’t worry—the money is still yours. It doesn’t “expire” or vanish. You basically have a handful of strategic options ranging from “save it for later” to “move it to retirement.”
Speak to your financial adviser or fund manager for advice.
Our trusted accreditations
