Only 10.9 percent of all United States study abroad students from 2016 to 2017 were from minority-serving institutions (MSIs), according to the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
CIEE, a nonprofit study abroad organization, created the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship program to level the playing field and increase student accessibility to international travel. 
“Study abroad is fundamental to shaping strong leaders and contributing citizens,” said Dr. James Pellow, president and chief executive officer of CIEE. “So, every university needs to embrace this.”
Inspired by the advocacy and life story of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, the program was designed for students to learn about intercultural communication and leadership.
First-year and sophomore students from MSIs are chosen to participate in a four-week study abroad experience. Through a partnership with Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (Rutgers CMSI), their flight and program fees are covered.
“I know this is a program that brings out the best in these students and helps them to really see themselves, by the end of the program, as strong, whole, capable leaders,” said Dr. Keshia Abraham, director of strategic initiatives at CIEE. “They go through a really deep process of introspection through this journey with us.”
Since its establishment in 2017, the program alternates every year between London, England and Cape Town, South Africa.
