Quality education, incredible destinations, and culturally grounded learning communities. Cut the cost, not the experience.
Fellows describe ISFP as transformative. They return with deeper identity awareness, intercultural competence, and a commitment to serve their communities.
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.
I learned about Pan-Africanism and decolonization in Ghana.
Experiences strengthened belonging while expanding perspectives on the African world and its contributions.
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.
I met others in the diaspora and gained new understanding of our shared history, culture, and expression.
The fellowship creates space for students to connect history, place, identity, and global community.
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 across academic and personal contexts.
From exploring a program to returning as a global ambassador, ISFP supports a complete learning journey.
Browse the 2027 destinations and host-college programs that align with your goals and major. Prioritize destinations in the African Diaspora when available.
Explore destinations →Submit the 2027 application with your transcript, recommendation form, written responses, and top three program choices.
Review the checklist →If selected, complete pre-departure steps, finalize course registration with the host, and launch your global learning experience.
Review requirements →Use the official application link and the 2027 recommendation form. Complete applications include every item below.
Prepare these items before you start your 2027 application.
The required form gives the selection committee consistent evidence about Umoja participation, leadership potential, educational circumstances, and support planning. Letters are not accepted in place of the form.
ISFP combines financial support, academic learning, cultural immersion, leadership development, and service back to the Umoja community.
UCEF may request an updated transcript after Fall 2026 grades post.
Type your responses directly into the application.
A deposit is made when the grant is awarded and refunded upon completion of the service project.
Every program below is part of the 2027 application, where you will rank your top three choices. Use the college links, where available, to explore the host program.
Bakersfield College offers English C1003 with travel in late July (prerequisite: English C1000). SMCCCD offers a global internship in Accra, July 10-31, for students with 24+ units; its host deadline is November 6, 2026.
An anticipated East Africa program in the final stages of confirmation. Dates, courses, and costs are pending host finalization.
SBCC offers Contemporary Fiction and Creative Writing in Lisbon, June 6-July 4 (prerequisite: ENGL C1000). SMCCCD offers a faculty-led Drawing program, and Foothill College offers Global Business & Economics in Lisbon, July 12-24; both are pending host finalization.
Foothill College offers Across Cultures & Landscapes, June 28-July 20. SMCCCD offers a Barcelona global internship, May 28-July 25, for students with 30+ units (host deadline November 6, 2026), plus a Fall 2027 Barcelona semester pending host finalization.
SMCCCD offers a Dublin global internship, June 5-July 31, for students with 24+ units (host deadline November 6, 2026). East Los Angeles College has a confirmed Ireland program with details pending host finalization.
SMCCCD offers a Milan global internship, May 30-July 26, for students with 24+ units (host deadline November 6, 2026). Citrus College plans a 12-week Fall program in Florence, and SBCC offers a Fall semester in Rome, about September 9-November 27.
SMCCCD offers a Paris global internship, May 27-July 24, for students with 24+ units (host deadline November 6, 2026). Folsom Lake College / Los Rios offers HIST 368, June 23-July 30, with no French required. East Los Angeles College has a confirmed Paris program pending host finalization.
Film & Theatre Studies, July 6-31, 8 units. About $2,100 is due December 11, 2026, before ISFP awards are announced.
Citrus College plans a four-week Kyoto program, pending host finalization. SBCC offers Film Studies and Studio Art in Tokyo, May 30-June 27, 6 units.
POL 210 International Relations, June 5-26, 3 units. Open only to full-time Cerritos College students with a Cerritos faculty or staff recommendation.
A faculty-led program focused on Filipino American Literature and Filipina/o/x Communities and Cultures. Details are pending host finalization.
Biology and English coursework, July 18-August 8, about 9 units. About $2,100 is due December 11, 2026, before ISFP awards are announced.
ENGL C1001 and/or JAMS 100, with travel about July 12-24. Students from other California community colleges may apply through Cerritos.
HO: Introduction to Public Health, 3 units, with travel about June 21-July 2. A $500 deposit is due February 26, 2027.
A confirmed ELAC study-abroad program. Course, dates, and costs are pending host finalization.
Service learning, August 16-29, generally 4 units. Includes frequent walking and hiking.
Archaeology in the Andes, July 6-27. The program fee of about $2,600 covers in-country transportation, food, housing, and project costs.
Global Medical Brigades, August 9-15. Course, units, and costs are pending host finalization.
Prepare your materials, complete the recommendation form, and submit your 2027 ISFP application.
Each cohort represents a new wave of Umoja students embarking on global journeys of learning and cultural discovery. Explore past Umoja international student fellows below.
Meet the fellows who paved the way through study abroad experiences in the summer of 2024.
View 2024 CohortMeet the next fellows who began their transformative study abroad experiences in the summer of 2025.
View 2025 CohortReview the most common questions about eligibility, funding, applications, responsibilities, and the study-abroad experience.
The Umoja International Student Fellowship Program provides financial and academic support for Umoja students to participate in credit-bearing study-abroad experiences during the 2027 fellowship cycle. The program expands global learning, leadership, and cultural understanding among students from Umoja-affiliated community colleges and universities.
Many fellows engage in courses and community immersion projects that highlight the African Diaspora. For 2027, applicants rank their top choices from the programs listed in the application.
The 2027 ISFP application deadline is December 15, 2026. Award notifications will be issued on a rolling basis, with timing communicated to applicants so students and colleges have time to finalize travel and registration arrangements.
No. Many fellowships have focused on destinations across Africa such as Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal. The 2027 list also includes programs in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The goal is to promote global awareness and Pan-African connection, not to limit geographic choice.
Each fellowship provides up to $5,000 toward eligible study-abroad costs. Some programs cost more than $5,000, so the fellowship may not cover the full cost, and students may need additional financial aid or scholarships for remaining program or travel costs. Funds are paid directly to the host institution's study-abroad program, not to students.
Selection is competitive and conducted by a statewide Umoja review committee. The committee considers academic merit, Umoja participation, global perspective, leadership potential, communication skills, motivation and purpose, and hardships or challenges reflected in the application materials.
Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received an ISFP award.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Type your responses directly into the application.
The primary recommender must be an Umoja Coordinator, Umoja Counselor, Umoja Faculty member, or Umoja Staff/Team Member with direct knowledge of the student. The student's campus Umoja Coordinator must also complete the required coordinator verification section. If the coordinator is also the primary recommender, that person completes both portions. Letters are not accepted in place of the form.
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.
A refundable deposit is released upon successful completion of all post-program deliverables.
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.
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.
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.
For questions about the Umoja International Student Fellowship Program, email info@umojacommunity.org.
