--- title: Village Virtual Impact Lab description: Join a global team to tackle real NGO projects, gain valuable skills, and enhance your portfolio in this immersive 16-week internship experience. Apply now --- [Skip to main content](https://content.gng.org/village#main-content) [![Global Nomads](https://content.gng.org/hubfs/Global_Nomads_Logo_Main-3.png)](https://gng.org/) [Skills](https://content.gng.org/village#different) [How it works](https://content.gng.org/village#how) [Alumni](https://content.gng.org/village#stories) [FAQ](https://content.gng.org/village#faq) [Apply now →](https://content.gng.org/village#apply)  Village Virtual Impact Lab FELLOWSHIP # Do real consulting work for an NGO, *with a team from around the world* Join a team of fellows from different countries. Your team takes a brief from a real nonprofit, builds what it needs and presents it to the client, with weekly training and a Global Nomads coach. [Apply now](https://content.gng.org/village#apply) [How it works ↓](https://content.gng.org/village#how) Apply by December 7, 2026 for the January 2027 cohort. - **16 weeks**January to May 2027 - **4 to 6 hours a week**Live every Saturday - **Fully online**Ages 16 to 24 - **Program cost: $3,500 USD**Financial aid available for eligible applicants ![pexels-george-pak-7972353](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-george-pak-7972353.jpg?width=560&height=373&name=pexels-george-pak-7972353.jpg)   Village Virtual Impact Lab is a fellowship program run by [Global Nomads](https://gng.org/), a nonprofit that has been designing virtual, cross-cultural programs for young people since 1998. Our programs have been recognized by - [![Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative](https://content.gng.org/hubfs/Advanced_Leadership_Horizontal_RGB.webp)](https://www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/we-should-trust-youth-to-drive-their-own-learning) - [![HundrED](https://content.gng.org/hubfs/hundred-org-logo-pink.png)](https://hundred.org/en/innovations/3-content-creation-lab) - [![Montessori Global Education](https://content.gng.org/hubfs/Montessori-Global-Education-500-x-122px_New_Colours.webp)](https://montessori-globaleducation.org/star/endorsement/our-endorsements/content-creation-lab/) Training sessions ## **Skills you'll learn working on a real project** Each week you'll join a live training session to develop skills that you will use straight away on your team’s NGO project. ![village\_educator](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/village_educator.png?width=680&height=383&name=village_educator.png) - ### Client consulting Interview your NGO client, find out what they really need and turn it into a project brief. - ### Project planning Build your team’s work plan, with roles, milestones and deadlines. - ### Using AI at work Decide when AI tools help and when they don’t, and write your team’s own rules for using them. - ### Research Research the problem your NGO is working on and pull out what matters for the project. - ### Presenting Present your final work to the NGO and answer their questions. - ### Feedback across cultures Give and receive structured feedback with teammates from different countries. Tools you’ll use: Google Workspace Slack CanvaClaude AI How it works ## 16 weeks, from first brief to final handoff 1 2 3 4 1. Weeks 1 to 3 ### Meet your client Meet your team and your NGO, get the brief, agree roles and a plan. 2. Weeks 4 to 11 ### Research and build Research, interview people, test ideas and draft the work. Mid-point review with your coach. 3. Weeks 12 to 14 ### Deliver Present to the NGO, take their feedback and revise. 4. Weeks 15 and 16 ### Hand off Hand the final work to your NGO, reflect and celebrate. --- ### A typical week - **During the week *2 to 4 hours***You'll mainly work on your project on your own time. We'll also share resources for you to prepare for the live Saturday sessions. - **Saturday, live *2 hours***A training workshop, then time with your team on the project, with your Global Nomads coach. **For example, in week 3:** you learn how AI is used at work and where it falls short. Then your team decides whether, when and how to use it on your NGO project, and writes its own rules for using it. What you leave with ## Real experience, proven outcomes.   ### An actual work product A real deliverable that advances an NGO partner’s mission, and builds your portfolio.   ### A certificate A Certificate of Skills that you can add to your LinkedIn and your CV.   ### Two recommendation letters When you complete the program: one from Global Nomads and one from the NGO you worked with.   ### A global network Lifelong relationships with teammates from around the world.   ### Skills AI can’t replace In other Global Nomads programs like Village, an external evaluator found statistically significant growth in every outcome we measure, including: - Leadership - Collaboration - Empathy - Adaptability - Global mindedness - Cross-cultural communication ![pexels-zen-chung-5537506](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-zen-chung-5537506.jpg?width=452&height=334&name=pexels-zen-chung-5537506.jpg) ### A story unique to you A strong answer when colleges and employers ask how you’ve challenged yourself. Alumni voices ## Global Nomads alumni carry their learning into college and careers ![Nour Akkoush](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nour-akkoush.png?width=120&height=120&name=nour-akkoush.png) Nour Akkoush Global Nomads Alum 2025 · USA/Jordan > "My experiences made it easy to connect, communicate, and collaborate across cultures without hesitation. The skills — communication, leadership, and adaptability — played a big role in securing international scholarships in one of the most competitive fields to get funding in." [Read Nour’s full story](https://gng.org/2026/04/24/alumni-spotlight-communication-in-medicine/) Currently Medical student, accepted into multiple international scholarship programs. ![Samuel Goodness Iffu](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/1000149262-scaled-e1776359336967-300x287.jpg?width=120&height=120&name=1000149262-scaled-e1776359336967-300x287.jpg) Samuel Goodness Iffu Global Nomads Alum 2025 · Nigeria > "Through Global Nomads, I began to understand that real, lasting change comes from listening first. Co-creation has become a core part of how I design and implement my work." [Read Samuel’s full story](https://gng.org/2026/04/16/global-nomads-alumni-spotlight-advocate-for-climate-justice/) Currently Climate and mental health advocate, leading international programs. ![Sophia Bispo](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sophiabispoprof-300x300.jpeg?width=120&height=120&name=sophiabispoprof-300x300.jpeg) Sophia Bispo Global Nomads Alum 2022, 2023, 2025 · Brazil > "It was my first professional experience, and I could not have started this journey in a better place. I expanded my understanding of global issues and began developing an essential \[career\] skill: listening deeply to people." [Read Sophia’s full story](https://gng.org/2026/05/01/alumni-spotlight-sophia-bispo-communication/) Currently Pursuing a master’s degree in journalism. ![Dina Dwairi](https://content.gng.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Dina%20Dwairi.jpg?width=120&height=120&name=Dina%20Dwairi.jpg) Dina Dwairi Global Nomads Alum 2026 · Jordan/Canada > "Global Nomads has \[connected\] me to a global network of youth. Before \[this program\], I really felt like I had to create change entirely on my own. To my past self I’d say: you’re not alone. You’ll meet so many incredible, amazing people on this journey." [Read Dina’s full story](https://gng.org/2026/07/16/alumni-spotlight-dina-dwairi-on-environmental-advocacy/) Currently Climate justice advocate, pursuing a master’s in environmental studies. Cost and eligibility ## What it costs and who can apply   ### Program cost $3,500 USD This covers all 16 weeks, including training, coaching, project support, your certificate and letters. It’s fully online, so there’s no travel or housing to pay for, and there are no other costs. *Financial aid is available to cover program costs for eligible applicants only.*   ### Who can apply - You’re 16 to 24 years old as of January 2027, anywhere in the world. - No experience needed. We look for motivation, curiosity and readiness to work in a team. - The application has a written part and a short video. - Apply by December 7, 2026 for the January 2027 cohort. Common questions ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need experience to apply?↓ No. We review every application individually and holistically, for motivation, curiosity, and genuine readiness to collaborate; grades and prior experience are not factors. The application asks you to explain specifically why you want to do this and what you’re hoping to get from it. It also asks what you’ll bring to the team. How competitive is it to get in?↓ Previous cohorts have had about a 10% acceptance rate. That said, selectivity is about fit and readiness, not credentials. A strong application tells a specific, honest story about why this experience matters to you right now. Can I choose which NGO I work with?↓ Not directly. Global Nomads matches teams to NGO projects. The organization will be mission-driven, working in an area like the environment, human rights, housing, health, education, or community development. The specific NGO changes across cohort cycles, and you may not know it when you apply. You can share preferences, and Global Nomads takes those into account. The goal is to make sure every fellow is working on something genuinely meaningful. What kinds of projects will I work on?↓ Projects vary by program cycle, but fellows always work on authentic projects with real-world application. Past projects have included a climate justice curriculum for California public schools and a leadership toolkit for emerging youth leaders at the Aspen Institute. Other teams have designed virtual events for ministries of education in Mexico. The deliverable depends on what the NGO partner needs, but it will always be something the organization actually uses. Who will I be working with?↓ A small team of youth fellows from different countries, backgrounds, and life experiences. Each program cycle includes 32 fellows, working in teams of eight. Global Nomads intentionally builds cohorts that are diverse across gender, nationality, socioeconomic background, cognitive style, disability, and lived experience. Our programs have included participants from more than 35 countries. Experienced Global Nomads team leaders will also support you, providing structure, coaching, and accountability throughout the 16 weeks. What does the weekly schedule actually look like?↓ Fellows participate in a live, two-hour meeting each week - usually on Saturdays - which includes training workshops and team-based work. Outside these meetings, fellows spend about 2–4 hours per week on assigned tasks. What skills will I actually build?↓ We track eight leadership and professional competencies across every cohort, verified independently: leadership, collaboration, adaptability, cross-cultural communication, empathy and perspective-taking, initiative, global mindedness, and action orientation. You’ll also participate in training sessions on research methods, client communication, presenting, giving and receiving feedback, and professional storytelling. You build these skills by applying what you learn in workshops to your real project work. I have a disability or learn differently. Is Village designed for me?↓ Yes. Global Nomads builds accessibility and universal design into its programs by default and has significant experience supporting neurodivergent learners and participants with disabilities. We designed the structure, coaching support, and asynchronous flexibility with diverse learners in mind. If you have specific accessibility needs, you’re welcome to mention them in your application or when you connect with the team. I have spotty internet. Can I still participate?↓ We designed the program with connectivity constraints in mind. The asynchronous portions accommodate unstable connections, power outages, and time zone challenges. Financial aid funding can also cover devices and internet access for participants who need it. If connectivity is a concern, please mention it when you apply. What does the $3,500 fee cover?↓ The fee covers the full 16-week program: weekly live team sessions and workshops led by Global Nomads staff, individual and team coaching, project management support, professional and leadership skills training, and, when you complete the program, a Certificate of Skills and two recommendation letters (one from Global Nomads and one from your NGO partner). The program is fully virtual, so it involves no travel or accommodation. There are no additional costs beyond the program fee. What if we can’t afford the full fee?↓ Financial aid is available, and at least half of every cohort participates through financial aid funding. Funding can also cover devices and internet access where needed. Cost should not be the reason you don’t apply. If the fee is a barrier, mention it in the application. It won’t affect how we evaluate the application. When do applications open, and what’s the process?↓ Applications for the January 2027 cohort are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by December 7, 2026 to be considered for January. The application includes a written part and a short video. We review every application individually and holistically, for motivation, curiosity, and genuine readiness to collaborate. More questions? Email [village@gng.org](mailto:village@gng.org) ## Apply now Applications for Village Virtual Impact Lab will be reviewed on a rolling basis.    Check your eligibility and submit your application [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIgbhlj4C7r88JhYS5IvjYlIGsYu2hCwm8yIRwJf7YpBNobQ/viewform?usp=preview).   Apply by December 7th, 2026 to be considered for the first Village cohort in January 2027.   Applications received after December 7 will be considered for future cohorts. Due to the large quantity of applications, we cannot provide individual feedback on your application.   To preview the application before you open the form, check out[this document](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YxJM19wQ9R7V_bZKIsK7BznmIXyyZexjVffjpn0mqA0/edit?usp=sharing).   For more on how to apply, check out our alumna Sydney’s video below! ***Video description:*** *Sydney, a young woman with fair skin, curly brown hair, and glasses, sits in front of a beige wall with a patterned window curtain behind her. After introducing the Village Virtual Impact Lab, she shares a screen recording of the Village application in Google Forms to explain each section of the application. For a text-based preview of the application, visit* [*this link*](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YxJM19wQ9R7V_bZKIsK7BznmIXyyZexjVffjpn0mqA0/edit?usp=sharing)*.* **Global Nomads Group** 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the USA 209 West 29th Street, Suite 224, New York, USA EIN: 75-2750127 [f](https://www.facebook.com/globalnomadsgroup) [ig](https://www.instagram.com/globalnomadsgroup) [in](https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-nomads-group) Village is a program of Global Nomads Group, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding among young people worldwide. Your program fee directly supports our mission to make these experiences accessible to youth regardless of background or resources. 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