The Fellowship Experience
Live and work alongside the global majority in Brazil, Ecuador, or India. During your eight month immersion, you’ll become part of a family and apprentices to community efforts advancing education, health and sustainability.
Eligibility
U.S. and United World College students who have finished high school and not yet enrolled in college.
Timing
September 2021 – April 2022
cancelled due to COVID-19
Tuition
$32,500
Learn about our scholarships
Application Deadline
To be announced
AN EXTENDED IMMERSION LIKE NO OTHER
You may know exactly what you want to do with your life, or you may still be contemplating your college major. Either way, one thing is certain—as a Global Citizen Year Fellow, you start your first year of college with exponentially more purpose and passion than those without this unique gap year experience.
Download the Guide
August
Global Launch
Become part of a select cohort of promising young changemakers. Together, your global cohort will kick things off with a week at Stanford University where you’ll get the foundation to make the most of your gap year. Learn about making a global impact from world-class speakers and industry leaders at organizations like Google, Kiva, and Room to Read. Build new friendships, and board your flight with a close-knit cohort of amazing Fellows by your side.
September
Country Launch
Land in your new country and begin easing into deep immersion. You’ll start with a six week series of trainings, language tutoring, and progressively longer stays with your host family.
October – April
Global Immersion & Apprenticeship
Soon, you’ll truly become part of your host family and community. At your apprenticeship you’ll get to work on local projects for responsible impact. You’ll have support from your Team Leader and friends, and the independence to shape your own experience.
April
Re-Entry Training & Lifelong Network
Reunite with all the Fellows in California, making meaning of your experience and learning how to share your story to inspire change. Enter college with our alumni network behind you, and new opportunities to look forward to.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The Fellowship is designed to cultivate the curiosity, courage, and conviction that leaders need in order to build a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable society. Through trainings, immersion, and the relationships you build, you'll be exposed to a variety of life experiences and perspectives, allowing you to integrate these points of view into your own values and purpose. You’ll learn from innovative leaders and experts across a variety of fields, balancing hands-on projects with ample time for reflection.
Jeffrey (Ecuador ‘19) shares how each part of his experience taught him lessons you can’t learn in a classroom.
See Jeffrey's Story
Global Citizen Year informed every class that I took in college, shifted my values from grades to learning, and drove my commitment to make a change in the world.”
ANANDA DAY, SENEGAL ‘10, UNC CHAPEL HILL ‘14
TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, SYNG
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Reflect upon and understand your place in the world, and build meaningful relationships among those with differing perspectives. You’ll be encouraged to make connections between local community and global context; analyze social, political, and economic issues; and use your passion, strengths, and skills to have a positive, responsible, and sustainable impact.
Henry (Ecuador ‘18) broke through the superficial to form genuine relationships with his family and community.
See Henry's Story
SEE WHICH APPRENTICESHIP FITS YOU BEST
Fellows apprentice to local efforts advancing education, sustainability, health, and much more!
Take the quiz to find out which local project is the right fit for you.
LIFELONG NETWORK
Get unparalleled access to an inspiring, tight-knit community of Global Citizen Year alumni. Connect with other bold, ambitious Fellows—both during your Global Citizen Year and beyond.
View our alumni network across the globe
View The Map
Global Citizen Year gave me the confidence to discern where my passions live and the courage to pursue those passions.”
JORDAN LEE, ECUADOR ‘14, YALE UNIVERSITY ‘18
RESEARCH ANALYST, MCKINSEY & CO DOHA OFFICE
COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS
Global Citizen Year works directly with a growing number of excellent colleges and universities that are actively encouraging their incoming students to consider a Global Citizen Year.
The best college experiences start with a Global Citizen Year. Let our many college partners tell you why!
See College Partnerships
Fellowship Destinations
We thoughtfully chose these three countries for their critical languages, safety, vibrant cultures and rich possibilities.
Brazil
Ecuador
India
Not sure which destination is right for you? Take the Quiz
FAQ
How much does the fellowship cost?
Our full tuition is $32,500, and we offer both merit and need-based scholarships. We are committed to making our program accessible, and historically, about 30% of our class have received a FULL gap year scholarship, and an additional 50% have received partial gap year scholarships. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information about merit scholarship opportunities and what is included in tuition.
What about college?
Most colleges are supportive of gap years - not surprising when studies show that gap students get higher GPAs and are more active on campus. Whether you choose to defer your acceptance or to re-apply, our Director of College Admissions Guidance will support you through the process. We're also proud to offer several college partnerships.
EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR FELLOW
Fellow / Ecuador
— Anna del Savio
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Amari Leigh
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Basil Wiering
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Fernanda Tornell
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.…
Fellow / India
— Luciana Ribeiro da Silva
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.…
Fellow / Ecuador
— Noah Hapke
I co-teach English classes at the school in my community.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Sarah Murray
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.…
Fellow / India
— Alana Poole
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.…