Studying abroad is only the first step...

“My experience working with ENGAGE gave me personal, real relationships with people from very different backgrounds. I gained facilitation skills. I definitely improved my organizational skills.  I learned that it is not just the issues, it is the people.”
                    – Laura Millay, ENGAGE Global Citizen 2002

The ENGAGE Global Citizen™ Program trains the next generation of global justice workers. ENGAGE Global Citizens work both abroad and at home linking communities in grassroots action for social justice.

The Global Citizen Program enables recent college graduates to intern directly with study abroad programs for one year, offering them the opportunity for hands-on work experience alongside partner community-based organizations and to strengthen the relationship between community partners and study abroad programs. In addition, Global Citizens also serve as links to connect community organizations to a larger audience through the ENGAGE network. ENGAGE's flagship Global Citizen Program in Thailand, affiliated with CIEE-Khon Kaen (Thailand), serves as an example of how Global Citizens can serve the interests of study abroad programs, deepen the educational experience of students, and connect local communities to international networks.

The opportunity for continued direct action does not end when Global Citizens return home. Through the ENGAGE network, many Global Citizens choose to use their experience and skills gained abroad to develop or lead ENGAGE Campaigns. Past campaigns have included raising awareness about dam development, as well as the ongoing Fair Trade Jasmine Rice Campaign. Other Campaigns currently underway include the Trade Justice Campaign, which is focusing on the US-Thailand Free Trade Agreement.

For more information about the Global Citizen Program, please review the information below and by clicking on the links at left. For additional details, please contact Carleen Xiong, International Education Director, by clicking here.

Education
Most students begin by studying abroad with an ENGAGE-Affilated Abroad Program; while this is not a requirement for participation in the Global Citizen Program, previous field experience or participation in a community-based education or volunteer program helps to prepare participants for their experience as a Global Citizen.

Training
As ENGAGE Global Citizens, students work directly with study abroad students and are immersed in local communities, focusing on development issues such as dam development, land and water rights, health and spirituality, micro-enterprise and economic development, and sustainable agriculture. The Global Citizen Program enhances skills and understanding of language and culture, organizing techniques, facilitation skills, and group building. The roles and responsibilities of Global Citizens can be adapted to fit the needs, working model, and context of the study abroad program they intern with.

Action
Students can translate their experience gained abroad into action in the United States by organizing and participating in ENGAGE Campaigns and by contributing their skills and first-hand knowledge to social and environmental justice organizations.

Global Citizen Profiles
Get to know our Global Citizens! Our growing list of Profiles will give you an idea of the types of activities that ENGAGE Global Citizens have participated in and where they are working today.

Are you ready to become a Global Citizen? For more details about the program, please contact Carleen Xiong, International Education Director, by clicking here.