The Ship for World Youth (SWY) program, facilitated by the Cabinet Office of Japan, engages a diverse cohort of youths aged 18-30 from Japan and 12 other nations in a transformative 43-day maritime journey to foster global citizenship. Despite its long-standing administration of over 35 years, there has been a gap in rigorous evaluations of its educational outcomes. This ongoing study addresses this lacuna by examining the development of global citizenship concepts among participants, utilizing data from semi-structured interviews with 15 individuals who completed the programme.

The findings delineate four critical areas of learning outcomes: Cultural Engagement and Inclusivity, Global Awareness and Sensitivity, Active Global Participation, and Personal Growth and Lifelong Commitment. Participants reported enhanced perceptions of a unified global community, marked by increased open-mindedness, empathy, and an emotional connection to global events—attributes underscore global citizenship’s emotional and cognitive dimensions.

Notably, the program catalyzed a proactive stance towards global challenges, as evidenced by participants’ prioritization of global welfare and personal responsibility in global contexts. The personal narratives also highlighted a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation, essential for sustained engagement in global citizenship.

These outcomes suggest that the SWY program significantly contributes to the cultivation of crucial global competencies in today’s interconnected world, providing a valuable framework for similar international exchange initiatives aiming to nurture future leaders with a deep-seated commitment to global stewardship and cooperative international relations.

Authors:
Haruko Ishii, Hokkai-Gakuen University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Haruko Ishii is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Hokkai-Gakuen University in Japan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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