Summer Experiential Learning Opportunity

Complete your Immersion Experience in Ireland exploring the impacts of effective leaders on social justice movements and conflict resolution around the world. This program is a competitive fellowship offered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). The award will cover the full cost of travel for, and participation in, a four-week summer program focused on the theme of transformational leadership across cultures. The Fellowship is very selective, with around 12 participant chosen from across the US.

In the Summer of 2023, the program will be multisite and students will visit Wasghington D.C., CapeTown, South Africa and Dublin, Derry and Belfast, Ireland. Frederick Douglass traveled around Ireland in 1845, campaigning against slavery and oppression. The Fellowship is co-sponsored by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, and 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.

Students attending this program will satisfy their Vanderbilt Immersion Experience, part of the Immersion Vanderbilt graduation requirement. Students attending this program do not earn Vanderbilt course credits.

Eligibility and Application

The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship is open to students who 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), and who are first-years, sophomores, or juniors at the time of application. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, and be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.

CIEE application includes:

• Letter of recommendation from the college/university President or senior administrator that describes your maturity, leadership capabilities, and resiliency
• Copy of most recent transcript
• Personal video
   

CIEE will make the final selection, which will be made "in the spirit of Douglass himself, with special emphasis on leadership, effective communication, experience in agitating for positive change, and a commitment to cross-cultural respect and understanding." Fellows commit to sharing their study abroad experience with the Vanderbilt community, and GEO can help support students in this.

Cost and Award

The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship covers transportation, housing, and academic costs. Food and entertainment are not included. Students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for additional funding via Vanderbilt.