Description
The UO-Otago Indigenous Studies Exchange (ISE) program provides unique opportunities for select students from each campus to immerse themselves in Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) academic and cultural activities in an international context. The GEO Study Abroad will offer full scholarships* to two UO students to participate in the Fall 2025 Semester (July – November) at the University of Otago.
NAIS majors and minors at the University of Oregon will have the opportunity to explore Indigenous sovereignty and Native studies through the lens of the University of Otago’s Te Tumu School of Maori Pacific and Indigenous Studies programs, an experience designed to help students frame their understanding of Native American and Indigenous Studies topics in the United States within a broader international Indigenous Studies perspective. Similarly, University of Otago students will have the opportunity to live with, learn from, and work alongside Native American and Indigenous students, UO Native American and Indigenous Studies majors and minors, and tribal communities in and around the campus.
Scholarship Details
The UO-Otago ISE Scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition, room and board, airfare, passport and visa application fees (if applicable), and additional fees associated with required course or extra-curricular activities (if applicable).
Application Details
To apply for the UO-Otago ISE Scholarship, submit the following materials (in word or pdf format) in one email to williamj@uoregon.edu by 5pm on Monday, January 8, 2024.
- Unofficial Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member, adviser, employer, volunteer coordinator, or member of a tribal community (Your recommendation letter may be submitted separately by the recommender to: williamj@uoregon.edu).
- A Personal Statement that explains your desire to participate in the UO-Otago ISE exchange (2-3 pgs max, single-spaced). Your personal statement should also address the following two topics:
- Your academic goals and expectations for participation in this program.
- Examples of your community engagement and/or extra-curricular activities that are relevant for this program.
- Essay Question (1 pg max, single-spaced): In what ways has your NAIS coursework and your experience in college prepared you to participate in the UO-Otago Indigenous Studies Exchange program
Application Deadline(s)
All application materials must be submitted to williamj@uoregon.edu no later than 5pm on Monday, January 8, 2025.
Additional Information
All UO-Otago ISE participants will be required to apply for the program through the Global Education Oregon (GEO) website no later than February 1, 2025. A scholarship award offer does not constitute acceptance into the program; receipt of scholarship funds is subject to the student’s completion of all aspects of the GEO application and acceptance of GEO policies and procedures.