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Global Citizen Certificate

Traveling with EF Gap Year gives students the chance to earn a certificate from EF and the Nobel Prize Museum by demonstrating their learning in a multimedia project. This Global Citizen Project prompts students to reflect on their study abroad experiences and helps them hone the skills to become leaders for global peace and prosperity.  

Project impact

The Global Citizen Project challenges students to showcase their knowledge of their program’s global dimensions and demonstrate their ability to confront important global challenges through thoughtful action. In addition to joining a global community of fellow change-makers, students will receive an official EF/Nobel Prize Museum Global Citizen Certificate to display on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and more. Interested students: Please review the process below.

  1. Note connections to the prompt to better prepare yourself for the project submission

  2. Document your experience through photos, videos, and journal entries

  3. Ask questions of your Tour Director, Student Life Coordinator, and locals you meet.

  1. Reflect on what you learned on your program, and gather all necessary evidence and research

  2. Choose a project format and develop a response to the prompt; be sure to review the rubric as you complete your project

  3. Create your project and submit it using this form

  4. If your project passes, you’ll receive instructions to access your certificate and a link to view your project in our digital exhibit

PROJECT PROMPT

The Nobel Prize Museum celebrates the world-changing ideas of the Nobel Laureates and their commitment to making the world a better, more truthful place. How did your travel experience help you deepen your appreciation of the global dimensions of your program, uncover a truth about the world, develop a new idea, or provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable you to contribute to making the world a better place?

PROJECT PROMPT

Students can choose to complete their project following any of the three format options below. (Please note: the file size limit is 75MB for all submission types.)

Written essay


Write a 1000–1500 word essay responding to the prompt, including specific examples from your unique program experience.​

Video

Create a 6–8 minute video piece responding to the prompt, including specific examples from your unique program experience.​

Podcast

Create a 6–8 minute podcast responding to the prompt, including specific examples from your unique program experience.​

Submit your project

Grading rubric

Each project will be evaluated according to an evaluation rubric. There are a maximum of four points available for each of the five elements for a maximum total score of 20. Projects must score a 12 or above to earn the certificate. Students are encouraged to review this grading rubric as they reflect on their programs and work on their submissions.

Curiosity, openness to new experiences, willingness to leave your comfort zone​



Exemplary (4)

My project meets the Proficient criteria. In addition, I demonstrate a curiosity and openness to new ideas, people, places, and cultures.



Proficient (3)

I reveal how my research and travels have made me more curious, open-minded, adaptable, and more knowledgeable about my host country.​



Developing (2)

I showcase a willingness to leave my comfort zone and engage with new people, places, or ideas, but do not draw connections between my new experiences in my answer. ​



Needs work (1)

I do not reference any new experiences or realizations that helped me come to my conclusion. ​

Cross-cultural understanding and communication, empathetically engaging with new mindsets and values 

Exemplary (4)

My project meets the Proficient criteria. In addition, I showcase an awareness of the interconnectivity between history and modern day, places in my host country and across the world, and my own life.  

Proficient (3)

I discuss differences between cultures and show respect for people whose backgrounds are different than my own. 

Developing (2)

My research and reflection are authentic and convincing. However, I do not show much understanding of other cultures. 

Needs work (1)

I do not mention or show any evidence of engaging with cultures other than my own .

Self-awareness, showcasing adaptability and flexibility, demonstrating empathy towards self and others  

Exemplary (4)

My project meets the Proficient criteria. In addition, I use examples to expose patterns or themes that relate to my question. I discuss how my perspectives or approaches have changed after traveling.  

Proficient (3)

I share original thoughts based on my experience and explore what my topic says about my own life and the prompt. 

Developing (2)

I speak from a personal perspective, but my reflections are shallow or do not reveal my own thoughts and development.   

Needs work (1)

My project does not include any personal touches or perspective. 

Ability to navigate and make an impact in an ever-evolving world by becoming a better collaborator, strengthening leadership and decision-making skills, and understanding the impact you can make in the world  

Exemplary (4)

My project meets the Proficient criteria. In addition, I draw logical conclusions based on credible examples. I propose ways I can make a positive impact on others based on what I’ve learned.  

Proficient (3)

I combine ideas from past personal experiences, observations made, and knowledge acquired during my EF experience, and my own view of the world around me. 

Developing (2)

I make general connections between my area of exploration and the world, but I do not include my own role in those connections.  

Needs work (1)

I do not make connections between my travels and the world or my own life.  

Use of clear communication and storytelling skills to clearly explain your conclusions 

Exemplary (4)

My project meets the Proficient criteria. In addition, I include different points of view and describe the strengths and limits for each.   

Proficient (3)

My thoughts and conclusions are presented clearly, with clear connections to the prompt, thoughtful evidence, and analysis of that evidence. 

Developing (2)

I present evidence, but I do not have thorough analysis that explains its connection to the prompt.  

Needs work (1)

It is not clear how my project connects to the prompt, or my conclusion and argument are vague.  

Get started

Excerpts from past projects

West Valley College

A Love Letter to Peru - Zoey V.


“Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were able to connect through our actions. Together, we helped to build a section of trail through the town… It showed me that I am more capable than I thought I was as an individual and even more capable when working together with a group of like-minded people.”

University of Tennessee at Martin

Galapagos Essay - Alex J. M.

"I plan to make the world a better place by opening doors which many would be too scared to open themselves; people are not as different as they seem despite differing languages and cultures…The world is changing all around us constantly and people can be made observant of it if they are willing to expand their boundaries.”

University of Texas at Arlington 

The German Experience - Dhawal R.


“This journey has been incredible and unforgettable. It has given me an understanding of how people operate and live in various regions of the world. As a foreign national in the United States, I am constantly gaining fresh perspectives on diverse cultural lifestyles, and this trip has added to my list of new experiences.”

Submit your Global Citizen Project

Once you’ve completed your Global Citizen Project, please fill out the form below
and attach your final written essay, video, or podcast submission to be evaluated.