Send me to Ethiopia: Study Abroad

Selam,

During my Exploration Seminar  I will be immersed in the unique historic and cultural characteristics of Ethiopia through engaging in cultural traditions, homestays, visits to sacred and historic sites, collaborations with students from the Addis Ababa University. This program will help me grow as a Global Studies major and better perpare me for my Master's program. This opportunity will also help my long term goals of becoming a professional staff promoting diversity outreach at the University of Washington Bothell (UWB) and eventually a professor.

Through this experience, I will earn the knowledge that cannot be found in the classroom alone. Instead of learning of a cultural community through lectures, I will be experientially learning by engaging with the community through the shared experiences with the Ethiopian people. This will better prepare me to pursue a meaningful career in academia, and build my research skills to eventually obtain a doctoral degree.

This program in Ethiopia will give me an opportunity to research at the Ethiopian Leadership Academy. My program leader, Panos, is the President of the non-profit International Leadership Academy of Ethiopia, which opens in August 2013. I took an interest in their focus to build a school which prepares its students to become global leaders and create social change for future generations. Our program will be visiting this Academy and engaging in the process. Panos mentioned that there are options for me at this academy upon opening if I desire to do research. He referred me to a volunteer internship at the International Leadership Academy to further involve myself in their operations. This is my calling, and this program will create a major shift in my life. I hope to continue global leadership work in Ethiopia beyond this program and develop my future research regarding political involvement and the social capital.

Unfortunately, higher education and study abroad programs are expensive, and many students are not able to engage in these programs due to finances. I am blessed to have been accepted into this program and given the opportunity. I have always wanted to study abroad and become a global citizen and engage in global work. My program cost is a total of $6,921.00. The program fee/tuition is covered by grants and loans, $3,200.00. This leaves $3,721.00 which includes; roundtrip airfare $1,800, books and materials $150, local transportation $350, Visa and Passport $140, immunizations/abroad insurance/travel clinic fees $981, and program fee $300. As a part of the program requirements I have already had to pay for some of these things out of my own pocket because of deadlines. I am hoping that some of you can help me reach my goal of raising the remaining $1,000 to pay for my study abroad. Every little bit counts. Even a $5 dollar donation adds up fast! This is an investment in my future and I appreciate everyone for helping me achieve my goals and engage in this work that I am passionate about. Please send it to your friends and family who may be interested in this cause.

Amesegenalehu,

Rachael Meares