Global Citizen Fellowship 2026 Fall Retreat: Learning and Connecting at the Asian Rural Institute
On October 24–25, 2026, JICUF held the Global Citizen Fellowship (GCF) Fall Retreat at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture. GCF is a year-long leadership program conducted in English for 12 undergraduate students, including students from ICU.
ARI is an educational institution where rural leaders from around the world come together to learn about building sustainable communities through shared living and hands-on experiences.
During the retreat, GCF fellows learned about ARI’s mission and activities and participated in a campus tour, cooking, and farm work. Through interactions with ARI participants, they encountered diverse cultures and perspectives and reflected on what it means to live and work together.
The retreat also provided an opportunity for students to learn through experience about the program’s third module, “Creating Relationship with the Larger Whole.” Surrounded by the rich natural environment of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), students became more aware of the diverse forms of life beyond humans. Through their experiences with food, they learned that we, too, are part of the larger natural world and have a role to play in maintaining the healthy cycles of its ecosystem.
The fellows also reflected on their journey so far, shared the progress and challenges of their Social Impact Projects, and learned from one another as they considered their next steps.
The two days at ARI provided a valuable opportunity for new insights, learning, and meaningful connections. As the GCF program approaches its conclusion, the fellows will continue working on their respective projects, building on the experiences and lessons gained during the retreat.
