Knowledge Without Borders: Democracy and Memory Fellowship Recipients
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The Knowledge Without Borders: Democracy and Memory Fellowship is a purpose-driven study abroad scholarship designed for U.S. undergraduate students who are passionate about understanding the world around them. Launched in 2026 by CIEE and sponsored by a generous gift from donor Karen Collias, founder of Knowledge Without Borders, the fellowship awards four exceptional Pell-eligible students $10,000 each to support their study abroad experience in Berlin.
At its core, the Fellowship brings together students who are interested in history, political science, civic leadership, social justice, and global affairs. Through a fully immersive experience in Berlin, Germany, Fellows explore how the past shapes the present – especially when it comes to democracy, memory, and civic responsibility.
Fellowship Eligibility
Students selected for the Knowledge Without Borders Fellowship are chosen through a competitive process that considers both academic readiness and a strong interest in global and social issues. To apply, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a current undergraduate from an accredited institution
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant-eligible (required)
- Be a first-generation college student (preferred)
- Have a demonstrated interest in history, political science, civic leadership, social justice, and global affairs
Meet the 2026 Knowledge Without Borders Fellows
Each fellow was selected for their academic dedication, leadership potential, and commitment to understanding complex global issues. Together, they reflect the mission of the Knowledge Without Borders Fellowship – bringing together students who are ready to engage with history, challenge perspectives, and think critically about their role in shaping a more informed and equitable future.
- Name: Metzli Perez
- School: UC Santa Barbara
- Majors: Sociology and History
“Studying abroad is important to me as a first-generation Latina college student because higher education has already been a transformative and rewarding experience, and I want to fully embrace opportunities like this. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve explored my passion for social justice. My experiences within my identity and in higher education have been tied to broader questions of access and equity. Studying abroad offers an opportunity to step outside of the systems I’ve learned about in the U.S. and examine how other societies understand and address injustice."
- Name: Jennifer Lee
- School: UC Irvine
- Major: Public health
“Studying abroad is important to me because I want to build my cultural competency, adaptability, and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. As someone planning to go into nursing or public health, I know effective care goes beyond clinical knowledge. While in Berlin, I hope to learn how culture and history shape how people experience health. Being immersed in a new environment will challenge my worldview and help me become a more open and aware provider, which is essential for delivering equitable and culturally competent care.”
- Name: Sarah Kim
- School: Northwestern University
- Majors: Industrial engineering and international studies
“While studying in South Korea with the U.S. State Department, I was struck by how different the Korea I experienced was from the Korea of my grandparents’ childhoods. As a Korean-American, my time abroad reshaped how I think about identity, making me more aware of how nationality and belonging are interpreted across cultures. Studying in Berlin would allow me to explore how historical memory sustained this transformation and functions as an active component of democracy. Engaging with the city’s monuments and memorials would help me understand how remembrance shapes identity, accountability, and responses to political polarization, and how societies use history to build more resilient democratic futures.”
- Name: Carter Maki
- School: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Majors: History and political science
“Study abroad is one of the most important decisions for me because we learn by the things we see and do. The idea of me going abroad has been a dream that I've been wanting to do for a couple years, and now I have a real chance of doing so. Going to Berlin is arguably the only chance I will have for a very long time, to not only see the world and different cultures outside of the American perspective, but understand how to incorporate and compare their history, politics, and perspective to the American perspective I've only known for my entire life.”
A Transformative Experience Awaits
During the fellowship, all four students will take part in CIEE’s Berlin Open Campus Block program for fall 2026, completing two consecutive six-week blocks in Berlin. They will enroll in a range of courses – both in-person and, in some cases, online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University – covering topics like history, international relations, global health, and more. Coursework will provide opportunities to dive deeper into subjects such as Holocaust studies, German history, and Berlin’s cultural and political landscape.
Beyond academics, Berlin itself becomes their classroom. Fellows will attend guest lectures led by historians, activists, and civic leaders, visit important historical and memorial sites, and take part in small-group discussions and workshops that encourage reflection and connection. Through this immersive experience, they will explore how memory, accountability, and democratic responsibility continue to shape society, gaining academic insight and a deeper understanding of their role in today’s global community.
Congratulations to the Fellows on being selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We can’t wait to see how they take full advantage of this experience and the impact they’ll make during their time in Berlin and beyond.