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Global citizenship award
An internationally-focused leadership development program open to all students.
The Global Citizenship Award (GCA) is an extra-curricular program providing distinctive international and leadership opportunities to prepare you as a global citizen.
As a GCA participant you will be invited to attend a series of speaker events and practical skills development seminars around the key themes of global citizenship, leadership in an international context, and community and diversity. You’ll be supported to make the most of overseas and local student programs such as international exchange, faculty-led programs, international internships and volunteering.
Why get involved?
Join the GCA to:
- strengthen your intercultural competencies
- create meaningful international networks
- maximise your overseas study and/or work experience
- prepare yourself to compete in increasingly global labour markets
- understand your role as a global citizen.
How it works
As a GCA participant you will earn points for participating in events and activities focused on one or more of the program themes, from a range of local and overseas options. You'll be encouraged to undertake an experience abroad during your time at the University. You can also complete the GCA without going abroad, through globally-focused opportunities available in and around the University.
To complete the GCA, you will:
- participate in six practical skills Development Seminars, including two compulsory and four elective seminars
- attend one Influential Leaders Speaker Series event
- achieve 100 Citizenship in Action points.
Development seminars
These seminars will give you the theoretic underpinning for the GCA. Through a mix of online and in-person seminars, you will learn about cultural competence, student leadership and more. You will also have the opportunity to tailor your program to your own international and professional interests.
Influential leaders speaker series
In these events, you'll hear from high profile leaders and learn from their experience across a number of fields. You will have the opportunity to ask questions at the Q&A and interact with the speakers and other distinguished guests. One to two events will run each year.
Citizenship in action
You'll achieve points for experiences that provide opportunities to put the GCA themes into practice and develop your skills as an engaged global citizen. 100 Citizenship in Action points are required for completion of the award.
Example experiences include:
- overseas study, internships and volunteer work (15-50 points)
- participation in domestic or international conferences (5-15 points)
- participation in the MATES Abroad mentor program (5-10 points)
- executive of an on-campus club or society (10 points)
- courses in culture and/or language (5-10 points)
Further information
Email sydney.abroad@sydney.edu.au to learn more about the GCA program.
Last updated: 31 October 2022
