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 enrol 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:
- We recommend checking with your 529 plan administrator to confirm eligibility under your specific plan first.
- This option is available to US residents only.
Make your savings go futher
Schedule a consultation with your Project Expert to discuss credit transfers and 529 eligibility.
Choose your project
Browse available High School Specials below, or visit our High School Specials page for more information.
1-3 of 48 Projects
Medical Internship in Peru for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $3,370 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $595 USD
- Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 16-18
Volunteering with Children in Cambodia for Teens
See this project- Price: $2,970 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $595 USD
- Start Date: Summer/Winter Break
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 14-18
Medical Internship in Spain for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $4,595 USD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $2,370 USD
- Start Date: July and August
- Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
- Ages: 14-18
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 accreditations
