CAS Trips believes that sustainable travel and global experiences should be available to all, regardless of economic circumstances. Traveling shapes us as people, broadens our horizons, and encourages us to think outside of ourselves and our comfort zones, and it is with these truths in mind that we are pleased to offer the Ross Duran Financial Scholarship to qualifying students.
The Ross Duran Scholarship gives students the chance to attend one of our Global Student Exchanges, with program fees fully covered. Winners will join peers from around the globe to experience specially curated activities, creative expression, and service opportunities together.
ABOUT
Ross Duran
Ross Duran began his IB journey in 1988 as a history teacher and retired in 2011 after having served as IB coordinator at four high schools in the Portland, Oregon USA metropolitan area.
In 2010 Ross chaired a committee of IB coordinators in the Portland area to host an IB World Student Conference at Oregon State University. Following its success, the IB decided to sponsor these conferences for IB DP students and asked Ross to coordinate them. IBWSC had 18 conferences between 2012 and 2018 involving thousands of students from every corner of the globe. Themes explored were in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG’s), including: Human Rights in the 21st century, Global Citizenship, Ethics of Food Sourcing, and Student Activism and Social Justice in a Global Context.
In 2019, Ross became part of the CAS Trips team in coordinating the annual Global Student Conference series inspired by the IBWSC conferences. Continuing to connect the aims of the UNSDG’s with many students from all over the world through focus on topics such as the Climate Crisis and the Future of Food. In 2024, CAS hosted their last student conference. Ross continues to offer his experience to CAS Trips for future endeavors.
The Scholarship Application Process
STEP 1
Collect your teacher references
STEP 2
Complete your written submission
STEP 3
Film your video component
STEP 4
Summarize your interest in the scholarship
STEP 5
Submit your Application
STEP 1
Collect your teacher references
You must include 2 teacher references with your application in order to be considered for the scholarship. Please speak to these teachers and get their approval to use their contact information.
STEP 2
Complete your written submission
Drawing on your academic studies and personal experiences, explain how the concept of “Think Global, Act Local” can be applied to address one or more of the planet’s most pressing challenges.
1000 words maximum.
STEP 3
Film your video component
Each video submission (3 min maximum) must answer the following prompt:
How could this travel opportunity impact you and the future of those around you?
-
- Please explain your answer in the video.
- Reflect on how your answer corresponds to your personal experiences.
- Be sure that the video is unique and engaging.
- Feel free to add individual creative flair in the form of a song, dance, or other creative expression.
- Demonstrate awareness of other cultures and a global mindset.
Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and share the link in your application.
STEP 4
Summarize your interest in the scholarship
Tell us why you are applying for the scholarship in 150 words max. Please be sure to also address your financial need in the summary.
STEP 5
Submit your Scholarship Application
Proofread your essay and rewatch your video. Once complete and you are happy with it, fill in all details and upload the submissions through the application form. Include the written answers as text files and link the video.
Please note the following application deadlines:
- Peru Discovery 2026 – submitted no later than March 1, 2026
- Lisbon Adventure 2026 – submitted no later than June 1, 2026
- Prague Spring 2026 – submitted no later than December 1, 2025
Submit the Application
