Fellowship Period: April 2025 ~ March 2026
Application Open December 1, 2024 (Sunday) ~ January 15, 2025 (Wednesday) 11:59pm JST
Information Session Recording
Overview
The Japan ICU Foundation is launching the Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF) in 2025. GCF is a yearlong program for undergraduate students at ICU which aims to nurture global citizens who will contribute to the wellbeing of humanity. Based on the three pillars of global citizenship: awareness, responsibility and participation, GCF is designed to allow participants to explore their values, develop an awareness of the world and their place in it, and seek ways to contribute to the common good. The fully-funded program is free to the 12 participants.
What will students gain?
- A deeper knowledge of global issues and how different people and organizations are working to solve them
- A heightened self-awareness and a clearer understanding of core values and purpose in life
- A sense of ownership of their cultural roots which empowers their authentic leadership
- Intelligence and skills about how to work and to create relationship in a diverse world
- A sense of responsibility and solidarity for the common good
- Experience taking action to make a positive change in the world
Key Dates
Program Kickoff – April 4, 2025
Weekend Retreat – May 16-18, 2025
New York Program – July 3 – 20, 2025
Nature Retreat – March 2026
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.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for GCF you must be an undergraduate degree-seeking student at ICU. We are seeking students who have a keen interest in and firm commitment to the program. To be considered, applicants must be available for the entire program. While the primary language of GCF is English, we welcome students to apply regardless of English fluency.
Application
The application will consist of two stages; a documentary screening and an interview. The application will open on December 1, 2024 and will close at 11:59 pm JST on January 15, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to be interviewed. The results will be announced on February 7, 2025 and successful students will be required to commit to participation by February 14, 2025.
Cost
JICUF will cover the costs for all students to participate in GCF. This includes two domestic retreats, a 2.5-week summer program in New York, individual mentoring sessions and group zoom sessions with the Program Facilitator and the JICUF team throughout the year. This is a significant investment by JICUF to fulfill its mission to nurture global citizens, and students are expected to engage fully with all activities.
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 three retreats: spring retreat (2 days in April 2025), NY program (2.5 weeks in July 2025), final retreat (2 days in March 2026).
- It is up to each student how much time they commit to their social impact project.
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 changemakers. 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 from ICU but can fully commit to the program for a year. Can I apply?
You may apply if you are taking a leave of absence or plan to take a leave of absence during the fellowship period. However, we ask that you explain why you are taking or plan to take a leave of absence from ICU, what you are doing or will be doing during your leave of absence, and when you will be re-enrolling at ICU. Please indicate your answers to these questions in the personal statement of the application.
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. Do the social impact projects have to be related to SDGs?
While many projects may be related to SDGs, we do not require alignment with specific SDGs. What is important is that you are able to articulate the social impact of your project.
Inquiries
Email us at information@jicuf.org if you have any questions.