Become a Global Citizen Year Fellow

Given current developments and projections for COVID-19, we have made the extremely difficult decision to suspend our 2020-2021 Global Citizen Year Fellowship which was set to start August 2020. If you'd like to be notified when we open applications for next year's program starting in August 2021, you can request information here.

Apply online in just 1-2 hours. No test scores required! Our selective admissions process is designed to get to know you as a whole person, not a number.

The strongest applicants are invited to interview with a staff member or alum. This is your opportunity to share your story and ask questions about the program.

Within just 2-3 weeks of your interview, you'll receive the admissions decision.

(1) Select your country: We'll provide a detailed country guide to help you confidently choose your destination.

(2) Apply for financial aid: We offer both merit and need-based aid. For need-based aid, you'll submit your FAFSA or CSS Profile and fill out a short form about your family’s financial situation.

(3) Complete a medical form: Schedule a visit with your doctor to complete a medical form confirming that your health and well-being can be maintained during 8 months abroad.

You're in! After we confirm your country, financial aid award, and medical review status, you'll have 2 weeks to send in a $500 deposit and reserve your spot as an official Global Citizen Year Fellow. Let the adventure begin!

Our admissions process is designed to select and bring together the most promising young leaders of the new generation - individuals who will inspire change during their gap year and beyond. Coming from diverse backgrounds across the US and the world, what these young leaders have in common is curiosity, grit, and a drive to make an impact. For all the aspiring changemakers and students hungry to take education into their own hands, this year is for you.

The Eligibility Criteria outline the requirements for Fellows to be reliable, fully committed, and capable of of working hard to achieve the program goals.

By design, Global Citizen Year is a challenging program. Fellows step out of their comfort zones and push past former limits. The health and the well being of our Fellows and staff are of the highest priority at Global Citizen Year.

It is important to recognize that there is, and always will be, a certain degree of risk in the very nature of a Global Citizen Year. Because Fellows live, work, and travel in environments that can be remote, dynamic, and physically or emotionally challenging, we expect Fellows to work with us to maintain good health and well-being. For more details, please see the General Terms & Conditions, the Policy Handbook, or contact us at admissions@globalcitizenyear.org.