Global Citizenship

Global citizenship means being aware of the wider world—and understanding your place within it. It is about recognizing how local actions connect to global impacts, and working together to create a more peaceful, fair, and sustainable planet. Rather than being tied only to nationality or borders, global citizenship emphasizes shared responsibility for humanity and the environment.

As defined by Oxfam, a global citizen is someone who takes an active role in their community and contributes to a better world. In the context of travel and service learning, this mindset helps us approach cultural exchange with respect, engage with local projects thoughtfully, and reflect on how the lessons we learn abroad can shape our everyday choices at home.

Global citizenship is grounded in a set of values that shape how we see the world and interact with others. These principles include respect for human dignity, appreciation of cultural diversity, and a commitment to equity and justice. They also emphasize care for the environment, recognizing that sustainability and conservation are essential for the well-being of future generations.

Living by these values helps us make daily decisions with global impact in mind—whether that means supporting fair trade, reducing plastic use, or listening with empathy to people whose experiences differ from our own. In service learning and travel, these principles remind us to approach every project with humility, partnership, and a willingness to learn.

Global citizenship is sometimes confused with other concepts like global awareness, multiculturalism, or sustainability. While these ideas share common ground, global citizenship is broader. It is not only about recognizing cultural differences or environmental concerns—it is about seeing how all these pieces connect and acting on that understanding.

For example, a traveler who practices global awareness may learn about Costa Rica’s biodiversity. A global citizen goes a step further: they join conservation efforts, reflect on the global drivers of habitat loss, and consider how personal choices—like reducing single-use plastics or supporting community-based tourism—play into the bigger picture.

 Global citizenship is not an abstract idea—it comes alive in the choices we make each day. It begins with small, thoughtful actions: listening respectfully, conserving resources, or seeking to understand different perspectives. When traveling, practicing global citizenship might mean supporting locally owned businesses, joining conservation projects, or being mindful of cultural traditions.

Back home, it can look like advocating for fair policies, reducing waste, or sharing what you have learned with others. Service learning is a natural way to practice global citizenship because it blends action with reflection. Each experience—whether on a turtle patrol in Costa Rica or in a community project at home—builds habits of care, responsibility, and connection.

 Global citizenship is a lifelong journey of learning and action. Whether you’re preparing for a trip, planning to volunteer, or simply curious about how to engage more meaningfully with the world, these resources can help you dive deeper.

• Our Pedagogical Approach →  Learn how we design experiences rooted in reflection, cultural understanding, and community partnership.
   
• Learning Portal → Explore articles and tips about Costa Rica, ethical travel, and cultural immersion.
   
• UNESCO on Global Citizenship → Global standards for education and international cooperation.
   
• Oxfam: What Is Global Citizenship? → Simple, action-oriented resources from a leader in global education.

• Blog Post: How Travel Cultivates Global Citizenship → A closer look at how travel experiences strengthen global citizenship in action.