Program
Core Elements
- The Human Journey core course consists of three closely coordinated elements: Great Books, Heart's Desire and Designing an Inspired Life. These elements afford our fellows the opportunity to re-immerse themselves in academic life through the exploration of themes from classic and contemporary literature, engage in timeless and relevant themes and topics, and develop an understanding of principles and applications of design thinking as they apply them to their own lives.
- A personally tailored curriculum, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, with selected classes and research opportunities from across the University
- Weekly cohort luncheons and dinners featuring the best of University faculty and external guest speakers across multiple disciplines
Distinctive Elements
- An intentional process affording the opportunity for discerned personal transformation
- An invitation, at your discretion, to spiritual enrichment for those of all faiths
- Access to Notre Dame’s expansive global network through the Global Gateways—based in London, Rome, Dublin, Jerusalem, Mexico City, Beijing, and beyond—along with Notre Dame's domestic gateways
Community Elements
- Opportunities for fellows and their spouses/life partners to build lifelong relationships with members of their cohort as well as the broader University community
- Engagement in research with students and/or faculty in the fellow’s desired area of study
- Cultural and sporting events on campus and in the region
Housing and Living at Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana, is located in a region with a metropolitan population of over 320,000, situated 90 miles east of Chicago. It offers attractive residence options, from homes to apartments to condominiums to full-service hotels—many located adjacent to campus. Incoming fellows are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the program. The cost of housing and living expenses is not included in the program's fees. Most fellows choose to rent an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home within easy walking distance of the Notre Dame campus.
Time Commitment
We recognize and respect that fellows and spouses have obligations to family and other commitments. At the same time our experience has shown that the more immersed the fellow is in the program the greater the benefit as they not only want to play an active role in their own journey, but also want to engage with the Notre Dame community and the cohort. Accordingly, we recommend a minimum commitment of 4 days per week at Notre Dame to optimize the ILI experience for you, the cohort, and the campus community.
Annual Fees
The annual fee is commensurate with a year of undergraduate tuition and fees. The ILI program desires to have a cohort of individuals from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and, accordingly, is proud to have the limited capacity to provide a fee reduction for prospective fellows who have had careers in non-profit, service, and related fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the ILI program.
Visit our FAQ's page to find answers to the specific questions you might have about the ILI experience.