WASHINGTON (January 8, 2019) – A Howard University student is part of a newly launched digital campaign highlighting a unique study abroad opportunity for students attending Minority Serving Institutions. Carmen Crusoe, a junior, Africana Studies and Political Science double major, is an alum of the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship after studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, last summer. Crusoe is now reflecting on her experiences in a testimonial video created to target interested students and potential applicants at Howard University.  

“I was drawn to apply for this fellowship because it embodies what I value in a study abroad experience, which is the ability to develop leadership skills, become a global citizen, and engage in international educational exchanges,” Crusoe explains. “Above all, I was intrigued by the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass.”

The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship is sponsored jointly by Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions. Along with spending four weeks in South Africa, Crusoe, a Naperville, Illinois native, traveled to Barcelona, Spain to speak at the annual CIEE conference. She was invited to the conference to share her experiences as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow. Crusoe is now sharing those same experiences in her testimony, as part of CIEE’s push to attract 10 new students, ahead of this year’s study abroad missions. 

“To me, a student who studies abroad is the future global leader, a bridge builder, and a crusader for culture and humanity,” she says. “Any student who has a passion for servant leadership, is serious about expanding their worldview, and is looking for an authentic experience, then they should definitely apply for The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship."

The fellowship was created in honor of Frederick Douglass, renowned African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and international statesman. According to CIEE, the fellowship highlights the characteristics that today’s young leaders need most: a keen intellect, strong work ethic and a global perspective. This year, CIEE is including an additional bonus for qualified students who apply before the February 14 deadline. All qualified applicants who don’t receive a study abroad opportunity through the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship are guaranteed a $1,500 grant towards select programs for summer 2019. For more information, visit https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/scholarships/frederick-douglass-global-fellowship. 

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About CIEE

A nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, CIEE is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available. Visit ciee.org for more information. 

Photograph #1 – Carmen Crusoe, junior, Africana Studies and Political Science double major

Photograph #2 – Crusoe while studying abroad in Cape Town, South African, Summer 2018. Credit: Seed Lynn

Media contact: Ramzey Smith, Office of University Communications, Ramzey.smith@howard.edu