Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship

FREDERICK DOUGLASS GLOBAL FELLOW APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.00
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
• Identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on study abroad programs (e.g. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander).
• Submit a complete application no later than February 14

Items below should be submitted through the online application.

• Letter of recommendation (preferably from an administrator or faculty member at your school, but other recommenders are acceptable)
• Copy of most recent transcript
• Personal video

• Award will cover the full cost of travel to and from participation in a four-week, 3-credit study abroad program sponsored by CIEE.
• Sixteen (16) will be selected.
• Fellows are expected to present and share their study abroad experience with their campus community upon their return to campus.

What is the background of the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship?
CIEE began the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship in 2017 to empower students of color – who are traditionally underrepresented on study abroad programs – with a curated study abroad experience focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and the tools needed to create positive change. Fellows are selected based on their academic achievement, communication skills, and commitment to social justice.

What will the Fellows study?
The program explores the impact that effective leaders have had on social justice movements and critical peace and conflict resolution efforts around the world.  Frederick Douglass Global Fellows will explore conflict and injustice from various perspectives and the leaders who sought to affect positive change for their communities and their countries.  Fellows will return to America with new perspectives on how effective leaders influence positive social change and inspired to be the catalyst for positive change in their communities and in our world.

Nettie Washington Douglass, the great, great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, has supported the Fellowship since its inception. To use her words, “We are excited to participate in the development of leaders that are taught the value of intercultural awareness and molded to be change agents in their communities like our great ancestor, Frederick Douglass.”

Where will the Fellows study?
The Fellows will be based in Dublin and travel around the country where Douglass campaigned against slavery and oppression in 1845. Co-sponsored by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Fellows will have the opportunity to meet Irish government representatives, as well as the leaders of organizations who support social justice and the advancement of diverse communities in Ireland. You can watch Nettie Washington Douglass’s August 2020 interview with CBS This Morning about her ancestor’s journey to Ireland on YouTube.

What are the dates of the program?
This summer’s cohort will study from July 11 to August 6. Please note these dates are subject to change. Please confirm with CIEE before making any travel plans.

Is the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship a full scholarship?
The award covers the full cost of travel, housing, program field trips, and participation in a four-week summer study abroad course taught by CIEE. Meals and recreational activities are not covered.  

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?
We invite applications from first-, second- and third-year students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are from ethnic backgrounds typically underrepresented on study abroad programs.

How do I apply?
The application is online at ciee.org/FDGF and due on February 14, Frederick Douglass’s birthday. Applicants must submit a recent transcript (an unofficial version is acceptable), a letter of recommendation, and a 3-4 minute video that answers at the following questions:

• How are you inspired by the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass?
• Why are you interested in this study abroad opportunity?
• How have you tried to solve a social problem or improve the lives of others?

What should I know about the application?
Request your letter of recommendation well in advance of the deadline. You must secure this recommendation from someone at your college or university. You can request this from the president, chancellor, provost, vice provost, dean, administrator or faculty member who knows you.

In the application, you will submit the name and email address of the person you are requesting a recommendation from. The recommender will automatically receive an email with directions to upload his or her letter of recommendation to your application. Your recommender’s letter must be received by the February 14 application deadline.

Your video is another critical component. We hope that you will use it to share your story, and why you are uniquely qualified to take advantage of this opportunity.  

How many students will be selected for the Fellowship?
This year we expanded the class from ten to sixteen fellows.

Is the Fellowship competitive?
Yes, the Fellowship is competitive, but somebody has to be chosen and it might be you! Additionally, even if you’re not selected for the Fellowship, all eligible applicants receive a $1,500 grant that may be used for a CIEE Summer 2022, Fall 2022, or Spring 2023 program.  Many have been successful raising the remainder of the program fee from their institution or other scholarships.

When is the application due?
Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 14. Late applications will not be considered for any reason and all application tasks must be finished in their entirety.

When will the selection of the Fellows be announced?
March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day – of course!

Where can I find more information?

1. Visit our website: www.ciee.org/FDGF
2. Follow us on Instagram: @ciee_Douglass
3. Email us with your questions: FDGF@ciee.org