In February 2026, Students of Northern Michigan University’s Department of Social Work will have the opportunity to travel to India for a study abroad program exploring Culture, Community, & Social Change. Our group of undergraduate and graduate students will travel together across India to explore how social work is practiced through community engagement, policy development, and grassroots initiatives in India.

This transformative experience will allow us to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, such as meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), visiting inclusive organizations, and spending time in rural villages where we’ll engage with residents, students, and community leaders. We’ll learn how social workers in India approach community-based care, disability inclusion, and collective responsibility, lessons that will shape how we serve our own community.

Our past participants have described this trip as life-changing. They returned with a deeper sense of cultural humility, global awareness, and a renewed commitment to equity and social justice. Many have applied these lessons to their fieldwork and careers by implementing community-centered programs, advocating for inclusive policies, and building stronger connections across cultures.

But as transformative as this journey is, it also comes with significant travel and program costs that fall outside of standard tuition and fees. Our goal is to make this opportunity accessible for all students who want to join, regardless of financial circumstances. The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward group travel expenses, housing, and educational site visits, helping ensure that every student can participate without financial barriers.

We are raising funds collectively because equity is at the heart of social work. By donating, you’re not just helping one student; you’re helping an entire cohort of future social workers gain the global perspective, compassion, and cultural humility needed to make meaningful change in our communities.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Your support helps us take this vital step toward becoming more empathetic, informed, and globally-minded practitioners.

Thank you for believing in our mission, for supporting accessible education, and for helping us learn from the wisdom and resilience of the communities we’ll meet in India.

Together, we can make this journey possible.