• MECE: African Indigenous Knowledge Systems – Languages and Civic Traditions Application

    Apply here for Cal State LA's U.S. Department of Education–funded MECE program. It is a five-week Summer 2027 institute in South Africa, where educators and future teachers study isiZulu and South African culture and civic traditions, then create curriculum for U.S. classrooms.

  • Please first note the following eligibility criteria for the MECE program:

    To be eligible, an applicant must be:

    • A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident; and
    • A teacher or prospective teacher at a U.S. school, college, or university, meaning one of the following:
      • A secondary school teacher currently employed full-time at a U.S. school or school system;
      • A faculty member currently employed full-time at a U.S. college or university;
        An education administrator who plans, conducts, or supervises modern foreign language or area studies programs at the secondary or postsecondary level; or
      • A graduate student, or an undergraduate junior or senior, enrolled at a U.S. college or university and preparing for a teaching career, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

    Field of study. Applicants must teach, study, or administer programs in modern foreign languages, area studies, or related humanities or social science fields with substantial area-studies content. Examples include African studies (including Pan-African and Black Studies), history, political science, and civics. Applicants who work across several subjects must spend most of their time in these fields. Eligibility is based solely on field of study and professional role.

    Academic and professional excellence. Participants are selected based on academic and professional excellence. Indicated by the GPA and faculty recommendation for students; teaching record, recommendations, and a statement of purpose.

    Program description. The program provides intensive study of isiZulu (beginning/intermediate) in South Africa over 5 weeks in 2027, along with study of South Africa's culture, history, and civic traditions. Participants will also examine the founding documents and primary sources of the American political tradition, including the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and compare them with South Africa's political tradition.

    Participant commitments. Selected participants agree to:

    • Complete pre- and post-program isiZulu proficiency assessments in reading, writing, listening, and speaking;
    • Integrate foreign language and area studies content into their teaching or curriculum within six months of returning;
    • Develop or implement new instructional materials or lessons on patriotic education topics at their home institution; and
    • Conduct at least one outreach activity, such as a workshop, presentation, or publication, within six months of returning.


    Veterans' preference. In accordance with Section 106(a)(2) of the Fulbright-Hays Act, preference will be given to U.S. citizens who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants who are veterans should indicate their service and attach documentation.

    Selection is made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

  • You do not need to complete this application in one sitting. You may save your progress at any time and return later to finish your application. Please note: Your application will not be considered submitted until you have completed all required sections and clicked the Submit button.

  • Eligibility

  • Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?*
  • Are you currently employed full-time at a U.S. school, college, university, or education agency, or are you a prospective teacher who is a junior, senior, or graduate student?*

  • Armed Forces Service

  • Have you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Reserves or National Guard?*
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  • Contact information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Professional information

  • Is it a Minority-Serving Institution?
    • Pre-service teacher/student details 

    • Prior experience

    • Have you previously participated in a Fulbright-Hays program?*
    • Have you previously traveled to or studied in Africa?*
    • Have you studied any of the following languages?

    • Essays

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    • Optional demographic information for federal reporting

    • Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
    • Race
    • Sex

    • Commitments

    • Attendance at the spring pre-departure orientation is mandatory. If you cannot attend the pre-departure orientation, you will not be able to travel.

    • Electronic signature

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