IN Partnership of the Americas Legislative Fellowship

IU McKinney students can take part in a unique program that allows them to travel and learn in Brazil, the IN Partners of the Americas Legislative Fellowship. The fellowship is part of the Partners of the Americas program.

Indiana and its Brazilian partner state, Rio Grande do Sul, host volunteer travelers with families in the host country. Volunteers take part in one of the six program areas: youth education and leadership, health and medical, arts and cultural, social services, agriculture and natural resources, or justice and civil society. The exchange program can be customized for each participant based upon the fellow’s interest and the program’s current initiatives.

The legislative fellowship began in 2012, but only Indiana and Rio Grande do Sul have kept the exchange program going between their two states. To date, there have been more than 20 exchanges. The Indiana chapter of Partners of the Americas covers the cost for food and travel and provides a stipend for fellows. The chapter also arranges for home stays in Rio Grande do Sul, the costs of which are covered by the Brazilian chapter. During the exchange the fellows will attend meetings relevant to their interests. The fellow will make a presentation to the chapter at the conclusion of the exchange.

Several members of the IU McKinney community have taken part in the exchange, including 3L Kary Helming, Partners of the Americas board member; and Becca Polcz Rice, J.D. ’09, governance chair of the Indiana chapter of Partners of the Americas. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences:

Kyra Helming: “As a legislative fellow with Partners, I was able to not only expand my cultural view of the world but gain real-life, everyday knowledge that has benefited my education and career. I was able to meet with elected officials in Rio Grande do Sul, visit two law schools, attend a law class, watch recent graduates get sworn in as attorneys, and more. Through these experiences, I have been given the opportunity to see how a country on the other side of the hemisphere does exactly what I am currently doing at IU McKinney and through my job, and it is eye-opening. This fellowship is a great opportunity for any student or professional that is looking to expand their horizons and gain new perspectives and knowledge that can benefit your everyday life and career.”

Becca Polcz Rice: “My time as a Legislative Fellow has led me to long-term engagement with the Indiana Chapter of Partners of the Americas. Traveling to Brazil, I’ve learned so much about the government, system of law, and the culture of our sister state, Rio Grande do Sul.

“The fellowship was so empowering and helped me to grow both professionally and personally. I’ve learned so much, including about citizen diplomacy, and how, with continued partnership and exchanges, we can benefit both states. During my fellowship, I met with lawyers, judges, law schools, legislators, and government officials, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.  The federal judges who hosted me actually came to Indiana to get their LL.M. degrees at McKinney after my second visit to Brazil.  It’s been wonderful to continue to work with the Legislative Fellows network in both Indiana and Rio Grande do Sul to keep in touch with former fellows and help to make future fellowships a success. It also allows me to engage with Indiana legislators, government officials, and others throughout the community and state as we build programming for those fellows traveling north to the Hoosier state.”

To learn more about Partners of the Americas and how you can get involved, contact IU McKinney Admission Credentials Representative Sally Frazer at safrazer@iu.edu