I believe deeply in the importance of global learning. Growing up biculturally between Japan and the United States, studying abroad in Sri Lanka during college and living and working in India have deeply impacted me. These experiences helped me crystalize my values and inspired me to work in international education. At the Japan ICU Foundation, we believe in the power and importance of global learning experiences, and we are so excited to share the launch of the Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF).

GCF is a yearlong cohort-based program for undergraduate students at ICU. 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 all participants.

The extracurricular experiential learning program is designed around the academic calendar. The following showcases the focus for each term.

Spring Term
The Spring Term is focused on self-discovery. Through individual mentoring, group discussions, and an off-campus weekend retreat, the focus will be on exploring one’s values, diversity, culture, and life purpose. Some of the questions we will explore include:

• What are my core values? 
• What is/are the culture(s) that shaped who I am?
• What are my greatest hopes and fears? 
• What is my purpose in life?

Summer Break
During the summer break, students will spend two and a half weeks in New York City. The focus will be on broadening one’s worldview and learning from experienced changemakers. Some of the questions we will explore include:

• What are some urgent global issues?
• How are people addressing them?
• What are ways in which I can contribute to the common good?

Autumn Term
The Autumn Term is focused on taking action to impact positive change. The students will work closely with the GCF Team and with each other to design social impact projects. A second retreat will also be held in nature during the fall break. Some of the questions we will explore include:

• What issue do I want to work on now?
• How can I create social impact?
• How can I collaborate with others?

Winter Term
During the Winter Term students will implement their social impact projects. A culminating event will be held in March to celebrate the GCF journey! Some of the questions we will explore include:

• What did I learn from designing and implementing my project? 
• What did I take away from the fellowship?
• What are my next steps?

The application will be open from December 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025 on our website. We encourage ambitious ICU students to apply for this amazing opportunity.

We are thrilled to offer this new program, and hope that it inspires students for years to come.