What is Global Citizenship Project (GCP)?
The Global Citizenship Project (GCP) is a Shenandoah University-funded, truly unique international travel and educational experience offered annually during spring break exclusively to selected students, staff, faculty and trustees! Through a gift from Dr. Nancy Larrick Crosby, longtime friend and former trustee of the university, the Global Citizen Project (GCP) began during the 2004/2005 academic year. Over the years, students, faculty, staff and trustees have been fortunate to travel and experience life in many different countries around the world. Click the GCP history tab to see where previous fortunate GCP travelers have participated in the project.
Why does SU offer this project and why should I apply?
Global thinking is core to our institutional mission and can be key to your educational development while studying at Shenandoah University. Our mission states…“Shenandoah University educates and inspires individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.”
Is it really funded by SU?
Shenandoah University is so committed to being a campus community that truly understands and promotes global thinking that it is willing to fund the majority of the expenses involved and to allow as many selected students, staff and faculty as possible to participate and experience, learn, grow and share in this unique travel opportunity.
What is included:
Most of the project expenses such as pre-departure preparation meetings, round-trip airline tickets, airport transfers, accommodations, daily excursions and activities, and most meals.
What is not included:
Individual items such as passport, visa, inoculations, personal purchases, and some meals.
Who can apply from SU?
- Full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students*
- Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students
- Staff who are eligible for full-time benefits
- Faculty who are eligible for full-time benefits
- Shenandoah University trustees
Applicants must be committed to at least one additional year at Shenandoah University after returning from the project in order to educate the university community and others about their experiences abroad. Applicants with no or limited international travel experience will be highly considered although not exclusively. Your compelling essay is key.
*Are seniors ineligible?
Seniors may apply for GCP, but they should explain in their essay how they plan to return to SU the following fall after participating in GCP to assist in promoting the next year’s project as well as to share their experiences with others. Returning full-time SU members are eligible.
What if I have already traveled abroad or have previously traveled with GCP?
GCP does favor those applicants who have limited or no travel experience but not exclusively! A Selection Committee will screen applications and select a group of participants that provide a broad representation from within our Shenandoah University community and who have articulated strong and compelling responses to the essay questions. Those who have previously traveled with GCP may apply again as long as the eligibility requirements are still met. Faculty and staff may re-apply to participate in GCP every 4 years.
When does GCP take place?
During spring break. If selected please note GCP is a participatory and group-oriented cultural experience; not your typical spring break vacation! You should be prepared to depart as early as the Friday prior to spring break and return as late as the Monday following spring break. You will be responsible to work with your faculty for any coursework assignments due on that Friday and Monday.
If selected, where will I be going?
That’s the big question: you don’t know….yet! You do not select your destination. You must be willing to go wherever the selection committee has chosen for you. In order to participate, you are to have an open mind, be flexible and be willing to learn about any other culture in the world. If selected, you will know where you are going with GCP prior to the holiday break.
May I trade destinations?
No, you may not. The intention of GCP is not to provide the “dream destination” of each and every participant but rather to expose the GCP traveler to a culture which one may have never considered and to show the traveler the value and fascination of that culture. After a GCP experience, we believe SU members will have a better understanding of themselves and of the world around them as well as a desire to continue exploring, including one’s dream destination, wherever in the world that may be.
How many destinations/participants are there?
Usually, there are five or six different groups traveling to one of five or six destinations around the world. There are typically 11 travelers in each group including a leader (with destination expertise), faculty and staff participants, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
How do I apply?
To apply complete the online application form. Have your essay ready. You can start your application and save it to complete and submit it at any time prior to the deadline.
What if I applied previously and was not selected?
Well, try again! Consider rewriting your essay and making it even stronger. Applications are reviewed anew every year. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! You should also consider the many other learning abroad opportunities offered through SU, including short-term, faculty led programs and semester abroad.
How does the selection process work?
Each essay is coded with a unique number so that it is unidentifiable by name to the selection committee readers. The selection committee selects candidates based on the thoughts and passion expressed in the essays. A smaller committee then makes the placement decisions. With your heart and soul, type a one-page compelling essay as to why you are applying and how you envision sharing your experiences upon your return. Be creative and thoughtful! Once selected, each participant must be willing to go ANYWHERE they have been chosen to go in the world. There will be mandatory preparatory and pre-departure meetings to attend up until departure and upon your return as well as other social obligations for being a participant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline to apply is Monday, September 9, 2024! Don’t wait until the last minute! Join in this very unique tradition at SU and apply to participate in the next Global Citizenship Project!
