2026 Global Citizen Fellowship: New York Program
In mid-August, the second cohort of JICUF’s Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF) traveled to New York for an intensive two-week program. GCF is an eight-month program for ICU and other university students living in Japan. It is designed to help Fellows explore their values, deepen their understanding of the world and their place in it, and consider how they can contribute to the common good.
Led by JICUF President Paul Hastings and Program Facilitator and ICU alumna Yuri Morikawa, GCF unfolds in three modules over eight months, each with a distinct theme. The first, Discovering Self and Authentic Leadership, focuses on values, mindset, and purpose. The second, Creating Meaningful Relationships and Global Awareness, expands the focus outward through the New York Program and other opportunities to engage with different people, perspectives, and social issues. The final module, Taking Bold Action and Living with Purpose, challenges Fellows to put their learning into practice through Social Impact Projects and to reflect on how they hope to contribute to the common good.
This year, the program was opened to students from universities beyond ICU for the first time. Three students from Aoyama Gakuin University, Kindai University, and Kwansei Gakuin University joined nine ICU students, bringing the second cohort to a total of 12 Fellows.
A Two-Week Journey in New York
The New York Program centered on three main components. A series of discussions with people working across a variety of fields and social issues, a series of site visits to organizations working on a wide range of social issues, and a retreat in the Catskill Mountains.
This year, Fellows also took on facilitation roles throughout the program. They communicated with guest speakers and site hosts in advance and helped lead discussions and activities during each session and visit.
Guest Speakers
- Mr. Maung Sawyeddollah, Rohingya Student Network
- Ms. Kate Dempsey, NYC Government
- Mr. Kyaw Moe Tun, Parami University
- Mr. Benjamin R. Nathan, All Of Us Films
- Mr. Kentaro Shintaku, Columbia University Climate School
- Ms. Ryoko Ogino, Columbia University, Center on Japanese Economy and Business
Site Visits
- GrowNYC
- Echoing Green
- UNDP Japan Unit
- NYC Materials for the Arts
- Masa
- Bowery Mission
- Karp Strategies
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guest speakers, site hosts, and everyone who helped make the program possible.
Retreat in the Catskills
Midway through the program, the Fellows spent three days and two nights at the Uplands Center in the Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by nature, they worked on an organic farm, explored local trails, and enjoyed a campfire together.
The retreat also gave the Fellows an opportunity to step away from the busy pace of Manhattan and quietly reflect on everything they had experienced and learned. At the same time, they began preparing for the Social Impact Projects they will develop and pursue during the next stage of the GCF program.
The 12 Fellows came from different universities, academic years, and fields of study. Over the course of two weeks, they learned to listen to one another, find common ground, and, at times, challenge each other’s perspectives.
Their time in New York brought together new people, ideas, experiences, and questions—many of which they will continue to explore as they move into the next stage of the Global Citizen Fellowship.
