Information Session Recording
Overview
The Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF) is a rigorous, English-language leadership program for undergraduate students in Japan who aspire to deepen self-awareness, expand their understanding of the world, and contribute to the common good. Launched in 2025 by the Japan ICU Foundation (JICUF), the fellowship brings together 12 students—six from International Christian University (ICU) and six from other universities in Japan—for an immersive journey of self-discovery, global engagement, and purpose-driven reflection. Rooted in JICUF’s mission to nurture global citizens who advance the well-being of humanity, the program is fully funded and designed to help students grow as thoughtful, engaged leaders in a rapidly changing interconnected world.
What will students gain?
- A deeper understanding of self, purpose, and authentic leadership
- Exposure to global issues and change-makers through an immersive summer program in New York City
- Practical tools for building relationships and working across cultures
- A supportive community of peers, coaches, and mentors
- The opportunity to articulate personal purpose and future vision at the final symposium in Tokyo
The GCF Journey
The fellowship runs from April to December 2026. Here is a graphical illustration of the GCF journey.
Module 1: Foundations (April – June)
Theme: Discovering Self and Authentic Leadership (ME)
- Program Kickoff & Orientation: April 4, 2026 at ICU
- Spring Retreat: May 16 – 17, 2026 at Shonan Village Center
- Focus on values, mindset, and purpose through coaching and facilitated sessions
Module 2: Global Exposure (August 15 – 31)
Theme: Creating Meaningful Relationships and Global Awareness (WE)
- 2.5-week New York Program, including site visits to NGOs, UN missions, and social enterprises
- Guest speakers and a retreat at The Uplands in the Catskill Mountains north of New York City
- Continued individual coaching, online sessions, and peer calls focused on cross-cultural leadership and systems thinking
Module 3: Integration & Purpose (September – December)
Theme: Taking Bold Action and Living with Purpose (WHOLE)
- Fall Retreat: October 24-25, 2026
- Program Completion Day: December 5, 2026 at ICU
- Fellows synthesize their experiences and present their reflections and future vision at the final symposium, centered on the question: “My Life For What?”
- Ongoing coaching and peer discussions help fellows integrate learning into their next steps
Eligibility
To be eligible for GCF, applicants must:
- Commit to participating in all components of the fellowship.
- Be degree-seeking students enrolled at a university in Japan for the entire fellowship period (April–December 2026). Students may not study abroad, take a leave of absence, or graduate during this time.
- Non-Japanese students are welcome to apply, but they must be eligible to travel to the United States, as the New York program is a required component. To learn more about the current policies, please visit this website.
- Demonstrate curiosity about the world, openness to cross-cultural dialogue, and a sincere desire to contribute to the common good.
- Have enough English proficiency to understand and communicate in English throughout the program.
Application
The application period for the 2026 Global Citizen Fellowship opens on December 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m. JST on January 15, 2026. The selection process includes two stages: a documentary screening and an interview. The results will be announced by the end of February.
Cost
The fellowship is fully funded by JICUF. All costs associated with participation—including domestic retreats, the New York program, coaching sessions, and group learning activities—are covered.
Program Team
Paul Hastings, Program Lead
Paul is President & CEO of the Japan ICU Foundation. He joined JICUF in 2006 and served in numerous positions before assuming the leadership of the Foundation in 2015. Paul grew up as a third culture kid in Japan. While a student at Bowdoin College, he studied abroad for a semester in Sri Lanka. That experience led him to a lifelong commitment to the field of international education and global learning. In addition to his role at JICUF, Paul is President of the Board of Directors of the American Friends of Asian Rural Institute, a member of the Board of Trustees of The American School in Japan, and a baseball coach in his town of Maplewood, NJ, where he lives with his wife and two sons.
Yuri Morikawa, Program Facilitator
Yuri is an experienced coach and former management consultant specializing in organizational and leadership development. She has trained and coached more than 3,000 leaders and coaches globally from various backgrounds, such as corporate executives, NGO leaders, business owners, and independent professionals. Her coaching integrates mind, body and spirits. Based on her knowledge of cross cultural management, deep listening and strong support for behavioral change. Yuri designs and facilitates training programs and workshops which awaken the potential within, and empower authentic leadership and aligned relationships both individually and as teams.
FAQs
1) How much time must we commit to the program?
- The online team sessions are two hours each, and three are planned throughout the year.
- The individual coaching sessions are one hour each, and three are planned throughout the year.
- Peer calls can be shorter. Students who are teamed up can decide the length.
- There will be two retreats: spring retreat in May and the fall retreat in October.
- The NY program is held during the second half of August.
2) What kind of people will we meet in New York?
You will meet with professionals working in a variety of fields. The common thread between the people you will meet is that JICUF has identified them as exemplary global citizens. We aim to provide you with opportunities to meet people who are committed to the common good and have sought ways to address issues that are important to them. For example, this may include educators working in New York City schools, people working for international organizations, individuals working to eradicate poverty in New York and people working for environmental organizations. In addition, there will be an opportunity to meet ICU alumni working in New York.
3) I am taking a leave of absence but can fully commit to the program. Can I apply?
No, you must be enrolled as a degree seeking student during the entirety of the fellowship period.
4) What language should I fill the application form in, and what language will the interview be conducted in?
The application form must be filled out in English, and the interview will be conducted in English.
5) What level of English do I need to be admitted to this program?
English is the primary language of GCF, and one of the major components of the fellowship is the NY program. Therefore, you must be able to communicate effectively in English. However, this does not mean that your English must be fluent. We encourage students whose English is still developing to apply.
6) Will I need to cover any costs related to the New York program?
While your travel, accommodations, local transportation, most lunches and some dinners will be covered, students will be responsible for breakfast and most dinners while in New York. We suggest students prepare to bring a minimum of $650 to New York. Of course, if you want to see a Broadway show, a baseball game or go to more expensive restaurants, you will need to bring more money.
Inquiries
Email us at information@jicuf.org if you have any questions.