Overview
The Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF) is a fully funded, eight-month program that offers university students in Japan an opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them, and reflect on how they can contribute to the common good.
Launched in 2025 by the Japan ICU Foundation (JICUF), GCF brings together a cohort of 12 students for a shared journey of self-discovery, global learning, and meaningful action. Through retreats in Japan, an immersive program in New York City, individual coaching, peer learning, and hands-on projects, Fellows explore their values, engage with diverse people and perspectives, and consider their responsibilities as global citizens.
At the heart of GCF is a simple but profound question: “My life for what?” The fellowship encourages students to reflect on this question and explore how they can live with greater purpose and contribute meaningfully to the world.
What will Fellows gain?
Through GCF, Fellows develop a deeper understanding of their own values, strengths, and aspirations while broadening their perspectives on the world and its challenges. As part of a close-knit cohort, they build meaningful relationships, learn from one another’s experiences, and develop the trust and openness needed to engage with different perspectives. They also gain confidence in taking action on issues they care about. Above all, GCF encourages Fellows to reflect on how they want to live their lives and contribute to the common good.
The GCF Journey
The fellowship takes place from April through December 2027 and consists of three interconnected modules. Each builds on the previous one, guiding Fellows from self-discovery and relationship building to global engagement and meaningful action.
Module 1: Discovering Self and Building Relationships
April–June 2027
The fellowship begins with a journey of self-discovery. Through individual coaching, group discussions, and a weekend retreat, Fellows explore their personal values, beliefs, strengths, and aspirations. They reflect on the experiences that have shaped who they are and consider who they hope to become.
Fellows also begin building meaningful relationships with one another, learning to embrace differences, develop trust, and create a supportive community.
Module 2: Understanding the Wider World
July–August 2027
The second module broadens the focus from the individual to the wider world. During an immersive program in New York City, Fellows engage with people and organizations addressing a range of global and social challenges.
Through site visits, discussions, and shared experiences, Fellows encounter different perspectives, deepen their understanding of global citizenship, and reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in society. The experience also challenges them to consider how their values and aspirations connect to the needs of the wider world.
Module 3: Taking Action Boldly
September–December 2027
In the final module, Fellows put their learning into practice. Individually or in groups, Fellows design and implement Social Impact Projects focused on issues they care about, gaining firsthand experience in taking initiative and engaging with others.
Through a fall retreat, individual coaching, and peer reflection, Fellows explore what it means to take responsibility, act with courage, and live as global citizens. The fellowship concludes with a Closing Day, when Fellows share their experiences, reflect on their personal growth, and consider how they will carry their learning forward.
Social Impact Projects
Global citizenship involves more than understanding the world and its challenges. It also means taking responsibility and finding ways to contribute to the common good.
During the final stage of GCF, Fellows design and implement Social Impact Projects, individually or in groups, focused on an issue they care about. Projects can be small in scale, but must involve meaningful engagement with other people. Above all, the Social Impact Project is an opportunity to learn through experience by taking initiative, engaging with others, and reflecting on what they discover. Through this process, Fellows also take concrete steps toward making a positive difference in the world around them.
A Community Beyond the Fellowship
The GCF experience does not end after eight months. Upon completing the program, Fellows become part of a growing community of GCF alumni. JICUF aims to foster lasting connections among Fellows across different cohorts, creating opportunities to continue learning from one another, share experiences, and support each other’s efforts to contribute to the common good.
Key Dates for GCF 2027
- April 10: Program Kickoff
- May 15–16: Spring Retreat
- August 14–30: New York Program
- October 21–23: Fall Retreat
- December 11: Closing Day
Important: Applicants must be available to participate fully in all five events listed above, without exception. Please confirm your availability before applying.
Note on the Fall Retreat: October 21 and 22 (Thursday and Friday) may conflict with university classes. Fellows are required to attend the retreat in full, even if this means missing classes. JICUF will provide an official letter explaining their participation in GCF, which Fellows may share with their professors.
Eligibility
To be eligible for GCF, applicants must:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate degree-seeking student at a university in Japan throughout the fellowship period (April–December 2027). Students may not study abroad, take a leave of absence, or graduate during this period.
- Have sufficient English proficiency to understand and communicate effectively throughout the program, which is conducted entirely in English. Native-level proficiency is not required.
- Demonstrate curiosity about the world, openness to different perspectives, and a willingness to engage actively and openly with fellow cohort members.
- Be eligible to travel to the United States for the New York Program. Students of all nationalities are welcome to apply.
- Commit to participating fully in all required GCF activities, including the five key events listed above, without exception.
Application
Application Period: December 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Application Screening: Applications are reviewed based on the submitted materials.
- Interview: Selected applicants are invited to participate in an interview conducted in English.
Selection results are expected to be announced by the end of February 2027.
Cost
GCF is fully funded by the Japan ICU Foundation. JICUF covers the costs of program activities, including retreats in Japan, individual coaching, round-trip international airfare to New York, accommodations, local transportation, and most group meals during the New York Program.
Fellows are responsible for certain personal expenses during the New York Program, as explained in the FAQs below.
Program Team
Paul Hastings, Program Lead
Paul Hastings is President & CEO of the Japan ICU Foundation, which he has led since 2015. He has extensive experience in international education, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership.
Having grown up in Japan and studied abroad in Sri Lanka during college, Paul has a deep personal appreciation for the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences. He created the Global Citizen Fellowship to provide students with opportunities to better understand themselves, engage with the wider world, and reflect on how they hope to contribute to society.
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 spirit. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time must I commit to the program?
In addition to the five key events listed above, Fellows participate in online group sessions, individual coaching, and peer calls throughout the fellowship.
The program typically includes:
- Three online group sessions, each lasting approximately two hours.
- Three individual coaching sessions, each lasting approximately one hour.
- Peer calls organized in small groups.
- Two retreats in Japan.
- The New York Program, August 14–30, 2027.
- A Social Impact Project during the final stage of the fellowship.
Fellows are expected to participate actively in all program activities. Attendance at the five key events is mandatory.
2. What kind of people will we meet in New York?
Fellows meet individuals working across a variety of fields who share a commitment to addressing important social issues and contributing to the common good.
Past programs have included conversations with people working in education, international organizations, environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, refugee support, and community development. Fellows also have opportunities to meet ICU alumni working in New York.
3. I am taking a leave of absence but can fully commit to the program. Can I apply?
No. Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate degree-seeking students at a university in Japan throughout the fellowship period.
4. What language should I use for the application form, and what language will the interview be conducted in?
The application form must be completed in English, and the interview will be conducted in English.
5. What level of English do I need to be admitted to the program?
English is the primary language of GCF. Fellows must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English during discussions, workshops, coaching sessions, and the New York Program.
However, native-level fluency is not required. We encourage students whose English is still developing to apply, provided they can participate actively in English-language activities.
6. Will I need to cover any costs related to the New York Program?
JICUF covers international travel, accommodations, local transportation, most lunches, and some dinners during the New York Program.
Fellows are responsible for breakfast and most dinners, as well as personal expenses. We recommend budgeting at least US$650 for these expenses. Additional funds may be needed for optional activities such as Broadway shows, baseball games, or dining at more expensive restaurants.
Inquiries
Email us at information@jicuf.org if you have any questions.