Exceptional Philanthropy Abroad Course in Israel and Jordan this January - Scholarships and Travel Awards Available – Apply by October 1!

Join us this January for a unique, new winter abroad philanthropy course in the Middle East, “Israel and Jordan: Engaging and Exploring the Complexities of Global Philanthropy and NGO Leadership.”  We will not only provide you a unique education experience but select students will receive scholarships and travel awards to help cover a substantial portion of the course and trip costs. 

Since philanthropy is one of the building blocks of all three of the monotheistic religions in the Middle East, we will explore and experience the multi-faceted world of philanthropy in Israel and Jordan and examine the role philanthropy and NGOs play within a multitude of issues and sociopolitical spaces.  We will visit with various NGOs, attend lectures from renowned leaders and experts, and work directly with various organizations through hands-on projects. Issues explored in the course include: the Israeli/Palestinian peace process, the role of women, minorities and immigration, refugees, the environment, and LGBT.  The course will also incorporate various important cultural excursions to allow students to appreciate the rich history and culture of Israel and Jordan.  

The trip will go from December 31 – January 19 and be led by Honors College Faculty Fellow and Professor Noah Drezner who has led multiple groups of students to the area and taught the honors philanthropy course a number of times.      

You need to apply for the trip by October 1^st and the application and more information on the course can be found at this MyEA address: http://myea.umd.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10927  After you submit your October 1 application, we will subsequently follow up with you about the process for requesting scholarship and travel funds for the abroad course.  

Fees: Students are responsible for the course fee and international airfare, plus daily meals and personal expenses. The course fee is not set yet, but should be approximately $4,000 plus airfare of $1181, with the potential for full scholarships for select students.  The course fee covers the costs of in-country transportation and lodging for the entire trip, guides, events, some group meals, and administrative costs. 

If you are interested in taking the course and/or have any questions, please email Dr. Noah Drezner (ndrezner@umd.edu) or Philanthropy Center Associate Director Jen Littlefield (jnlittle@umd.edu)

I hope you will join us for a rich educational experience in the Middle East this January.

Best wishes,

Prof. Bob Grimm