Umoja International Student Fellowship

Study Abroad for Everyone, rooted in the African Diaspora

Quality education, incredible destinations, and culturally grounded learning communities. Cut the cost, not the experience.

Apply Now How it works Oct 15 to Dec 15, 2025

By the Voices of Our Fellows

Fellows describe ISFP as transformative. They return with deeper identity awareness, intercultural competence, and a commitment to serve their communities. These reflections summarize recurring themes from the most recent cohort.

Transformative learning

Life-changing and eye-opening. I realized how I am connected to Africa and the strength that comes from that connection.

It did not meet my expectations, it over-exceeded them.

Students highlighted growth in patience, self-awareness, and purpose clarity that carried into their academics and leadership.

Identity and cultural connection

I learned about Pan-Africanism and decolonization in Ghana.

I met others in the diaspora and gained new understanding of our shared history, culture, and expression.

Experiences strengthened belonging while expanding perspectives on the African world and its contributions.

Leadership and community impact

I plan to attend Umoja meetings and events to talk about my experience and answer questions for future students.

I plan to step into leadership to advocate for the program and encourage more students to go.

Fellows return prepared to mentor, present, and organize on their campuses.

Resilience and growth

I had to distance myself for my mental health and peace.

The biggest challenge was adjusting my attitude and managing money, but I learned to be patient and take care of my health.

Students practiced self-care, communication, and adaptability, skills they now apply across academic and personal contexts.

The Sankofa spirit

Guided by Sankofa, fellows bring their learning home through vlogs, blogs, campus talks, and peer coaching.

I am compiling my journal reflections and vlogs to inspire future applicants.
I will present at orientations and workshops to expand access to global learning.

How it works

Explore options

Browse partner programs that align with your goals and major. Prioritize destinations in the African Diaspora when available.

See partner institutions

Apply to ISFP

Submit your application during the window below. Include your essay, transcript, recommendation, and supplemental documents.

Apply Now

Prepare and go

If selected, complete predeparture steps, finalize course registration with the host, and launch your global learning experience.

Review requirements

Key program components

Financial support for eligible credit-bearing partner programs
Cultural immersion and community engagement in host locations
Professional development for leadership and career readiness
Network building across Umoja colleges and universities

Eligibility

Minimum 2.25 GPA
Community college Umoja student with at least 12 units completed
Declared certificate, associate, or transferable degree major
Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement
Credit-bearing course at an institution with an Umoja Program

Application essay prompts

Goals for studying abroad and how the program will help you reach them
Why an African Diaspora focus matters for your learning and growth
How fellowship support will help you persist and complete your program

Two to three pages, up to fifteen hundred words.

What to submit

Unofficial academic transcript
Recommendation from Umoja Coordinator, Staff, or Faculty
Financial aid award letter, resume, brief bio, and professional photo
Agreement to weekly vlogs, website features, and presentations upon return

Umoja Sankofa Service Project

Post-study abroad survey
Ten short videos while abroad capturing your experience
Presentation at an approved venue and at a campus event

A deposit is made when the grant is awarded and refunded upon completion of the service project.

Study anywhere in the African Diaspora

Ghana

Egypt

Spain

France

United Kingdom

Application Window October 15 to December 15, 2025 Apply Now

Partner Institutions

Umoja partners with colleges across California and beyond to make study abroad accessible for Umoja students. These institutions collaborate to host, fund, and promote African Diaspora centered study abroad experiences.

Study abroad FAQs

What is the Umoja International Student Fellowship Program (ISFP)?

The Umoja International Student Fellowship Program provides financial and academic support for Umoja students to participate in credit-bearing study-abroad experiences during Summer 2026. The program expands global learning, leadership, and cultural understanding among students from Umoja-affiliated community colleges and universities.

Fellows engage in courses and community immersion projects that highlight the African Diaspora, but students may apply to any study-abroad program offered through a college that also has an Umoja Program.

When is the application period and when will awards be announced?

The application period runs from October 15 – December 15, 2025. Award notifications will be issued during the first week of January 2026, allowing time for students and colleges to finalize travel and registration arrangements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Active Umoja student enrolled at a California community college with a recognized Umoja Program
Completed at least 12 college units and hold a minimum 2.25 GPA
Declared in a certificate, associate, or transferable degree program
Enroll in a credit-bearing course that is part of, or linked to, a study-abroad program hosted by a campus with an Umoja Program
Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement

Does the program only support travel to Africa?

No. While many fellowships focus on destinations across Africa such as Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal, students may apply to any approved study-abroad program offered through a college that has an Umoja Program. The goal is to promote global awareness and Pan-African connection, not to limit geographic choice.

How much funding can students receive?

Award amounts vary by funding availability and destination costs. Each fellowship provides financial assistance toward tuition, program fees, lodging, or travel. Funds are paid directly to the host institution’s study-abroad program, not to students. Typical awards range from partial to full program coverage, depending on budget and need.

How are recipients selected?

Selection is competitive and conducted by a statewide Umoja review committee using the following criteria:

Strength and authenticity of essay responses
Academic performance and leadership involvement
Quality of the recommendation letter from an Umoja Coordinator, Faculty, or Staff member
Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and Umoja values

Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received an ISFP award.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

Unofficial transcript
Financial aid award letter
Resume and professional photo
Two- to three-page essay, up to 1,500 words, responding to the program prompts
Recommendation letter from an Umoja Coordinator, Faculty, or Staff member

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

What are the essay prompts?

Personal and academic goals for studying abroad and how participation will advance them
Why an African Diaspora focus is meaningful for your learning and growth
How fellowship support will help you persist and complete your educational journey

Essays should be 2–3 pages, double-spaced, and reflect personal insight and authenticity.

Who should provide the recommendation letter?

Only Umoja Program Coordinators, Faculty, or Staff may write the recommendation. Share the official prompt and deadline with your recommender and express appreciation for their support.

How are fellowship funds disbursed?

Funds are transferred directly to the college’s study-abroad program upon execution of an Award Letter between UCEF and the institution. Students sign an individual award agreement acknowledging their responsibilities; the institution signs a corresponding grant letter to receive the funds. No direct cash awards are issued to students.

What are fellows required to do after receiving the award?

Sign the official Award Letter and Agreement
Participate in pre-departure orientation and cultural preparation
Complete weekly video reflections while abroad
Submit a post-study-abroad survey and present a Umoja Sankofa Service Project at an approved event such as the Umoja Conference, Symposium, or a campus program

A refundable deposit is released upon successful completion of all post-program deliverables.

What types of experiences do past fellows report?

Past participants describe the fellowship as transformative and life-changing, noting deeper cultural awareness, stronger identity development, and enhanced academic motivation. Students consistently emphasize growth in patience, leadership, and global citizenship.

What challenges do fellows typically encounter abroad?

Cultural adjustment and group dynamics
Health and dietary changes
Financial and logistical hurdles

How will fellows share their experiences with others?

Each fellow serves as a global ambassador by documenting their journey and sharing insights through campus presentations, videos, blogs, or Umoja events. Many alumni mentor new applicants or present at regional symposia.

Can past fellowship recipients apply again in the future?

Yes. Previous participants may re-apply; however, priority is given to students who have not yet received the fellowship to maximize access across the Umoja network.

Who can I contact for more information?

Dr. Julian J. West
Director of Programs, Umoja Community Education Foundation
Email: jwest@umojacommunity.org