Cultural Awareness & Leadership Program
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”
–Mark Twain
Cherokee Gives Back opens its doors to those who would like to learn about and experience Ethiopia while strengthening their leadership skills and assisting local entities. People seeking an international, purposeful experience stay at the Cherokee House in the capital city of Addis Ababa and are matched with Ethiopian organizations and businesses for a one to four month term. They have the additional opportunity to interact with local leaders, businesses and citizens to expand their own leadership capabilities. We also encourage participants to travel to different areas of the country to get a more complete picture of what Ethiopia has to offer. The goal is to motivate people to live a life of greater awareness, humility and service.
Our team in Ethiopia connects guests to organizations and travel opportunities, facilitates leadership development, helps them navigate the challenges of living in a new culture and provides a supportive environment.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
What You Can Expect from the Cultural Awareness and Leadership Program
- Cultural orientation: Information provided before and after your arrival in Addis.
- Leadership cultivation: Weekly feedback and learning sessions.
- Practical application at a local business or NGO: Daily obligation to your placement based on your skills and its needs.
- Exposure to local leaders: Speakers, visitors and field trips.
- Safe living environment: Community living with caring staff.
- Opportunities to travel outside Addis: Information on how to engage with other areas of the country.
- Assistance in satisfying university requirements: As needed.
What We Expect From You
- Full commitment and cooperation with all aspects of the program: cultural, leadership, service placement and community living.
- Sharing the experience: Contributing posts to our blog and sharing pictures and videos of your time.
- The below list of participant attributes.
PARTICIPANTS
Typical participants are gap-year, undergraduate or graduate students taking time off from school or looking to fulfill internship, scholarship or independent study requirements.
We are looking for guests with the following attributes:
Ability to adapt to a different culture: Awareness of and sensitivity to possible differences and respect of the host culture will greatly enhance your ability to adapt to Ethiopia.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Forming friendships with fellow guests and Ethiopians is key to adjusting to the country.
Flexibility: Time, schedules and success are often defined and observed differently in other cultures. You must be able to handle change with grace.
Independence: Guests have individual placements, so you have to be able to function without a group of peers with you at all times.
Self-starter: Some placements provide little guidance or oversight. You may need to identify where you can best be of service and initiate projects when appropriate.
Willingness to learn: You are there to learn. Always remember to keep the posture of a student and keep an open mind. In addition to participating in your placement in Addis, we encourage guests to travel and engage with other areas of the country.
PROGRAM CALENDAR
Participants can choose to stay for a short or long term in Spring, Summer or Fall.
COSTS
We ask participants to cover their expenses, including room and board. In the past, participants have often raised that money, and a focused and creative fundraising effort is an excellent way to mobilize your friends, family and community to motivate them to become involved in Ethiopia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
1. Fill out and submit the Interest Form. We will email you with more information about costs and steps for planning your trip.
2. When you decide you would like to apply, set up an interview with the CGB staff.
