Institute of African Studies News

The Institute of African Studies is proud to share how students have benefited from the Emory Free Passport Initiative, an impactful program led by the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives.

This program was designed to remove financial barriers that may prevent students from participating in activities such as study abroad. The program covers U.S. passport application and renewal fees for a limited number of Emory students receiving financial aid. Supported by Emory Global Student Travel Support and Delta Air Lines, this program opens the opportunity for students to engage in international education, research, and cultural exchange.

Akosua Opoku, a student interested in African Studies learned about this initiative from an IAS email, followed up, and was one of the recipients to receive assistance. Akosua is now closer to realizing her dream of exploring Africa and the world. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be selected by the Free Passport Initiative. Getting a passport was a goal for my family, however, it has been put on hold because buying all our passport booklets was expensive. But now that I have one, my family’s overall spending will be reduced”.

We are thrilled to see our students seize opportunities like this and thank the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives for championing equitable access to global education.

Emory’s Carlos Museum is set to host Insistent Presence: Contemporary African Art from the Chazen Collection, an exhibition curated by art graduate student, Margaret Nagawa. Slated to open in the 2025-26 academic year, this groundbreaking show will spotlight powerful, provocative works by African artists, including celebrated Ugandan sculptor Babirye. Nagawa’s curation promises an immersive journey through the diversity and dynamism of contemporary African art, offering visitors an inspiring glimpse into Africa’s cultural vitality and artistic expression. This exhibition is not to be missed for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Stay tuned for more information about this upcoming exhibition.

The Institute for African Studies (IAS) is excited to announce the renewal of its partnership with St. Lawrence University for the Kenya Semester Program (KSP).

As one of the longest-running U.S. study abroad programs in Africa, KSP has provided immersive cultural and academic experiences to nearly 2,300 students from over 40 universities. Known for its academic rigor and interdisciplinary approach, KSP will offer Emory students transformative experiences, complementing the university’s Senegal Study Abroad program.

Following the revision of the U.S. State Department’s Kenya Travel Advisory, Emory is reintroducing this program to enhance study abroad opportunities in Africa. This collaboration reflects Emory’s commitment to global engagement and enriching students’ understanding of Africa.

Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful opportunity.

The Institute of African Studies is proud to announce the launch of the Sunu Cinema Initiative, a student-led program dedicated to bringing African cinema to Emory University. Founded by seniors Marieme Fall and Dyson Stallworth, the Initiative serves as an inclusive platform for students, faculty, and the IAS community to explore and celebrate Africa’s diverse and rich cultural heritage through film. Each screening features a dynamic discussion, encouraging participants to reflect on the film’s elements and themes, connecting the narrative to our modern world. With a rotating selection of screenings, Sunu Cinema hopes to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of African history, art, and contemporary issues among the Emory community.