The Global Youth Village: An International Summer Camp Exchange Program for High School Students

Summer Staff

The summer staff at Global Youth Village is the foundation of the program. Each year, the GYV staff team includes a diverse group of qualified individuals representing a broad range of professions. Whether a recent graduate, professional youth trainer or university professor, all staff have extensive community involvement experience. Most are seasoned international travelers with multiple language skills.

We hire professionals who demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, have worked with teenagers, an understanding of cross-cultural communications, international experience, and knowledge of global issues, dialogue and peace building. The average age of staff is around 22-27 years of age.

We seek individuals with a balance of hard and soft skills. Clearly, staff must be competent and comfortable in working with teens. They must also possess qualities of empathy, a sense of humor, quick thinking, flexibility, and creativity. The staff team as a whole demonstrates many different leadership styles. These traits ensure many teachable moments and a summer that is memorable and fun.

The participant/staff ratio is 3:1. We receive over 700 inquiries a year for staff positions and over 100 applications. Through an extensive application and interview process, 25-30 staff are selected each summer. Reference checks and background checks are part of our screening process.

"...I am giving a presentation this week entitled "Teaching Global Issues in Experiential, Multicultural, Classrooms", based on some of my research, but primarily based on my work these past two summers at the Global Youth Village.

I think my time at Legacy has helped a lot of pieces come together for me - my work with leadership, cross-cultural communications, 'global pedagogy', global issues, and the ongoing wonderful challenge of translating my deep passions for the world into accessible, engaging, inspiring and empowering curricula and programs. This determination has come into clear focus these past few years."

--- Simon Norton, former GYV Workshop Instructor; M.Ed, Harvard; currently working as the Program Director for the School for International Training's Youth Peace Building Programs

"After working at Legacy, I noticed that my style had changed in and outside the classroom. I have more confidence in setting up a culture of mutual respect and discovery in the classroom, and am willing to initiate change in the larger school community."

-- Janet Kaplan, former GYV workshop instructor; teacher, Showa Women's Institute; MAT, ESL, School for International Training

If you are interested in applying for a summer position, please visit our Staff Center.