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Global Citizen Year

As a community of changemakers, we understand students may be interested in pursuing a meaningful gap year before their first-year at American University. With that, we are excited to announce a new partnership with Global Citizen Year: an 8-month global immersion and leadership development program in Brazil, Ecuador, India or Senegal. Global Citizen Year Fellows live with a host family and apprentice to a local organization working in education, health or the environment. Through this experience, students develop valuable global perspectives and leadership skills that help them thrive in college and 21st century careers.

American University is happy to grant admitted, first-year students a deferral to join Global Citizen Year, as we believe this hands-on global experience will help empower lives of purpose, service and leadership - core goals for an American University education.

How to Apply

Each Global Citizen Year experience occurs from August through April. If you are interested in participating in a Global Citizen Year program, we encourage you to complete your application no later than the May deadline. You will also need to request a deferral from AU no later than June 1 .

If you apply for Global Citizen Year after you have been admitted to American University, Global Citizen Year will fast-track your application, guarantee you a final interview, and consider you for their generous pool of need-based financial aid

If you are accepted to both American University and Global Citizen Year, Global Citizen Year will award you a $5,000 merit scholarship, and American University will defer your admissions offer and any merit scholarships for one year to allow you to participate. If you received need-based financial aid, you will need to reapply for your new term by completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Wyatt Foster, Senegal 2018

American University, Class of 2022

Wyatt chose to take her Global Citizen Year in Pambal, Senegal because of her interest in women’s health and to strengthen her French skills. For eight months she lived with a host family and worked as a teaching assistant for an English teacher at her community’s local high school.

“My Global Citizen Year was a turning point in my life. It changed how I see the world and the people in it. Coming into my time at AU after my GYC affected every class choice I’ve made, every essay I’ve written, and all the clubs and organizations I’ve gotten involved with. Global Citizen Year will push you to be strong, to be vulnerable, to be open-minded, to be patient, and to realize that learning doesn’t just come from sitting in a classroom.”

Xander Coleman, Senegal 2019

American University, Class of 2023

Xandra choose to take a Global Citizen Year to challenge herself and gain experience in a field of study she was interested in. During her time in Pire, Senegal she worked both as a nurse assistant at a health post delivering babies and helping with basic patient care and as an English teacher assistant at the local middle school.

“Along with perspective and connections, the most valuable thing I gained from the experience, was a mindset of learning. My newfound mantra has given me the confidence to take charge of my future, explore the variety of classes and opportunities AU offers, and interact with my peers and faculty with a sense of assurance."