The GCY Experience
As a GCY Fellow you will defer college to spend a year exploring the world through firsthand experience. With the support of our team, experts across fields, and your host community, you will deeply immerse in another culture. You will learn a new language, form deep relationships, and develop the empathy and skills needed to improve others’ lives over the course of your own.
TRAIN
The fall after you graduate from high school, you and your fellow Fellows will come to California for the US Training Institute. Through workshops led by leaders across business, government and the social sector, you’ll develop frameworks for the experience to come. Whether exploring global development, understanding social enterprise, or honing your skills as a leader, you will leave the training prepared for the adventure ahead. Learn More→
APPRENTICE
Following the US Institute, and one month of in-country orientation, you will spend six months living with a family in a community in Africa, Asia or Latin America. During your stay, you will work as an apprentice, supporting a local project addressing a pressing need. Over time, you’ll learn the local language, grow close to your homestay family, find your place in your new community, and develop a new understanding of what it means to have an impact. Throughout your experience, your fellow GCY Fellows, and GCY Team Leader will be an important network of support. Learn More→
CONNECT
While in the field, you’ll share your day-to-day experiences through your writing, videos and pictures – connecting friends, family, and supporters to life in your new community. You’ll aso have opportunities to post to the GCY Blog and other media channels like Current TV. When you get home, you’ll create a Capstone Project – a unique expression of your GCY experience in words, images or film. We’ll then help you connect with classrooms, communities and leaders across the country to share your experience – raising awareness about global issues and engaging others in meaningful action to support global development. Learn More→
TRANSITION
Once in college, you’ll bring a wealth of experience, a global perspective, and a range of interests to your campus. Throughout your college experience and beyond, GCY and a network of GCY Alumni will be there to support your continuing journey as a globally-minded change-maker, offering new opportunities and a growing network of mentors. Learn More→
If you believe, as I do, that young Americans need to become good citizens of the world, then you will hope, as I do, that this idea of a Global Citizen Year soon captures the imagination of the rising generation."
Harris Wofford
Former US Senator
Former CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service