Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
About the Fellowship
The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between CIEE and the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions (PENN CMSI), in an effort to make study abroad accessible to students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI).
100% of a recipients’ program fees and travel costs are covered for an intensive 4-week, 3-credit summer study abroad program designed to enhance their leadership and intercultural skills. Frederick Douglass Global Fellows commit to sharing their experience and intercultural growth with peers and classmates.
Ten scholarships are awarded annually based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and nominations from students’ MSI senior leadership.
New for this year, all qualified applicants who don’t receive a Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship are guaranteed a $1,500 grant toward select summer '19 programs. This grant is available only for the summer 2019 sessions and is non-transferable.
The deadline for the 2019 cohort in London, England has passed.
2019 Application ClosedWe will announce the fellows of the 2019 cohort at the end of March.
The 2020 cohort application will open this September.
Select Summer ’19 Programs
Qualified Applicants for the Frederick Douglas Global Fellows who were not selected for the 2019 fellowship can choose from the below programs.
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Summer Business + Communications
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Summer Business + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Spend summer exploring international business in the culture-filled capital of Catalonia.
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Summer Language + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Beyond the classroom, get to know the city with guided tours to storied museums and cathedrals
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Summer in Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Pack your bags and immerse yourself in the rich culture of one of Europe's most dynamic cities
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Summer in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Spend your summer in Buenos Aires - the Paris of South America – and immerse yourself in its rich heritage while studying contemporary culture at our Global Institute.
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Summer in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Study abroad next summer in Cape Town, South Africa, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of one of Africa's most dynamic cities with CIEE.
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Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Monteverde, Costa Rica
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Summer Sustainability + The Environment
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Dig into today’s pressing environmental issues while living on the edge of the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
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Summer in Paris
Paris, France
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Summer Business + Culture
Shanghai, China
There’s no better place to study global business than the financial and cultural hub of Shanghai.
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Summer STEM + Society
Yucatan, Mexico
New for summer '19 Against the backdrop of Mexico’s rich culture, biodiversity, and history – students explore science and society with interdisciplinary courses in the natural sciences.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Frederick Douglass Global Fellow scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate freshman or sophomore attending a Minority Serving Institution
- Be Pell Grant-eligible
- Have a minimum GPA 3.00
- Reside in the U.S. with student status or be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident.
TO BECOME A FREDERICK DOUGLASS GLOBAL FELLOW…
Items below should be submitted through the online application.
- Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member at your institution, preferably a member of senior leadership (president/chancellor, provost, vice president, or dean)
- Copy of transcript
- Proof of Pell Grant eligibility
- Personal Video - Upload a short 2-minute video that provides a detailed explanation of your objectives for study abroad. In this explanation discuss how the combination of your major and participation in study abroad will support your development and help you meet your academic goals and become a global leader.
- Personal Essay - Discuss why you believe study abroad is important for students from MSIs and how you plan to share your study abroad experience with others upon returning (Limit 800 words).
2020 Cohort
Fill in your details to stay up-to-date about the next Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship cohort.
See and Hear from Our Previous Fellows
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2017 London Cohort
Some more from our 2017 London group.
Learn more -
2018 Cape Town Cohort
Some more from our 2018 Cape Town group.
Learn more
In honor of Frederick Douglass...
The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship was formed to honor African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and international statesman - and highlight the characteristics that today’s young leaders need most: a keen intellect, a strong work ethic, and a global perspective.
Consistent with Douglass’ legacy, Frederick Douglass Global Fellows are meritorious individuals who demonstrate high academic achievement, possess exemplary communication skills, display the hallmarks of self-determination, exhibit characteristics of bold leadership, and have a history of service to others.
Award Details
- Fellowships will be awarded based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and nominations from students’ MSI presidents.
- Awards will cover the full cost of travel to and participation in a four-week 3-credit study abroad program sponsored by CIEE.
- 10 fellows will be selected from accredited MSIs.
- Fellows will be expected to present and share their study abroad experience with their MSI community upon their return to campus.
- View updated FAQs.