How to Become a Global Citizen

When people talk about being global citizens, they don't mean literal citizenship in the sense that they have some sort of international passport. Rather, they're talking about seeing themselves as part of an interconnected and interdependent global community. World citizens recognize that we're all equal and strive for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Ready to learn more? Read on about things you can do in your life to become a true world citizen.

Becoming a Citizen of the World

Learn about different cultures and beliefs, including your own, with an open heart and mind.
Expand your horizons by learning a different language and engaging in other cultures.
Support your local art, culture, and music scenes. Volunteer to help people in need.
Explore opportunities to work or live in another country.

Section 1 of 5:

Having a Global Mindset

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1
Ask your family about your own cultural heritage. Depending on who your parents are and where you live, you might be connected to several different cultures! All of these different cultures make up who you are and give you roots in your community as well as in the world. Understanding how your culture affects you helps you understand how other people's cultures might give them a different perspective on the world.^{[1]
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- Culture comes from all sorts of different facets of life—region, locality, state, country, religion, ethnicity, language, race, and others.
- If you want to dig into your own background, start a family tree using an online database of historical documents and records, such as Ancestry. While these services typically require a subscription, you can often get free access through your local library.
- Explore museums and talk to community leaders to get a better understanding of the heritage and culture in the area where you live.
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Ask other people about their cultural backgrounds. You can talk to your friends, neighbors, teachers, anybody you know somewhat personally to start. Just go in with the understanding that some people don't really like talking about this kind of stuff for whatever reason—don't push it if they seem uncomfortable or offended.^{[2]
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- It's cool to ask people you don't know too, but try to keep your questions in context. For example, if you're at a craft fair, you might ask questions about someone's crafts and how they relate to their culture.
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Respect all people as equal. As a global citizen, you recognize that everybody has something of value to contribute to the world, regardless of where they live or what they look like. You understand that everyone is entitled to the same basic human rights and fight for those who are being oppressed everywhere in the world.^{[3]
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- Read about the history of social justice movements to better understand the context of the fight for equality and how past events shape current realities.
- Learn about civil rights and human rights movements around the world and their leaders. Recognize how prejudice and bias continue to affect your life and the lives of others all over the world.

Section 2 of 5:

Getting a Global Education

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Learn all you can about history and current events. Being a world citizen means being up to date on what's going on all over the world and how today's events are shaped by the past. In addition to international news sources, most countries have at least one English-language newspaper, if you're interested in national news from a specific country. Bookmark good news sources so you can get in the habit of checking them regularly. Here are a few to get you started:^{[4]
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- Real Clear World is a news aggregator that pulls stories and headlines from all over the world, including a lot of smaller stories that might've slipped through the cracks with more mainstream news services.
- Al Jazeera is an excellent source for all news coming out of the Middle East.
- BBC World brings the network's vast news department to your fingertips with in-depth articles you can sort through by continent.
- All Africa is another news aggregator that gathers stories of significance from all over the African continent.
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Adopt the values of global citizenship. People who identify as global citizens tend to believe that everyone should try to live by certain ideals. Read up on values that you're not as familiar with so that you'll be adequately informed. Here are some topics to cover:^{[5]
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- Human rights
- Religious pluralism
- Environmental protection
- Cultural preservation
- Poverty reduction
- Conflict prevention
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Read as much as you can in many narrative styles. News and nonfiction accounts aren't the only way to learn about different cultures and traditions. Poetry, short stories, and novels are also great ways to look at the world from another viewpoint. Narrative allows you to see the world through someone else's eyes, making it easier to empathize with them.^{[6]
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- Try to read books that are written by people from cultures that you're unfamiliar with. For example, if you grew up in Japan, you might read a book from a Norwegian or Brazilian author.
- Beyond reading, you might also look for films, TV shows, and music made by people from different cultures. You could discover your new favorite thing!
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Teach yourself another language. Language offers the best way to really understand another culture—along with helping you become more open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences generally. And learning a new language is more accessible than ever, with several smartphone apps that can get you started with the basics of conversation.^{[7]
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- Most language apps, such as Duolingo, are free to download, but you'll have to subscribe to enjoy premium features.
- There are also language exchange websites and forums online where you can chat with native speakers of the language you're trying to learn.
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Look into the ethical background of your regular purchases. Part of being a global citizen is having an awareness of the impact you have on people around the world—and one way you impact the world is through the products you buy. Live your values as a world citizen by refusing to buy products that were made in unsafe or inhumane conditions. Start with brands you buy frequently, then expand from there.^{[8]
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- For example, if animal rights are important to you, you might check the PETA Beauty without Bunnies list to make sure you're using cruelty-free beauty products.
- Good on You rates fashion brands for ethical treatment of people and animals and sustainability.
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Nurture an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Climate change is a truly global problem that requires a global solution. Do your part by learning more about climate change and doing what you can to reduce your carbon footprint and live in harmony with the natural world around you.^{[9]
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- As a global citizen, you might also encourage your elected representatives to vote for environmental protection measures.
- Simply getting together with some neighbors to pick up trash around your neighborhood is a great way to be more environmentally sustainable while also making friends and beautifying the community where you live.

Section 3 of 5:

Bringing the World to Your Community

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Share and listen to stories. Get people in your local community involved both in sharing stories about people's heritage and preserving those stories for posterity. Having these stories readily available helps people be more open to each other.^{[10]
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- For example, you might ask someone from a different culture what their biggest holiday is and what it's like to celebrate it in their home.
- You might also ask what it was like growing up in that culture and what their favorite memories from childhood are.
- Social media is another good way to share and listen to stories posted by people from other cultures to raise awareness among all of your friends and followers as well.
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Support local art, music, and culture. Find out what kind of local theaters, museums, and other venues exist in your community and when they have events. Supporting your local scene helps you give back to fellow community members as well as build your community—and have a good time doing it!^{[11]
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- Get a group of friends together if you're nervous about going by yourself—you can go out to eat as well and make a night of it.
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Make friends with people of different backgrounds and cultures. There's no better way to open your mind and expand your perspective than to have friends who grew up under different circumstances than you did. Do this by intentionally getting involved in hobbies or activities where you're likely to cross paths with people from different backgrounds.^{[12]
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- For example, you might join a community sports league or sign up for a free art class at your local community center.
- Local ethnic groups frequently have events and gatherings where you can learn more about their culture (and probably taste their food as well).
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Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Keeping your values as a global citizen in mind, look for a nonprofit organization or community group that allows you to act on those values in your local area. Homeless shelters, senior centers, community centers, libraries, and animal shelters are a great place to start.^{[13]
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- When you volunteer locally, your actions have a ripple effect that increases the overall good in the world.
- Talk about your efforts with friends and family to inspire them to take part as well.
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Donate to nonprofit organizations that support global interdependence. There are plenty of national and international nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to promoting the same values that you hold dear as a citizen of the world. Give a little money to some of your favorite organizations when you can to help them promote their causes. Here are some organizations you might want to look at:^{[14]
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Stand up against injustice. There are many ways to protest injustices against people, animals, and the planet. Speak out appropriately in ways that you feel comfortable to raise awareness and champion equality and human rights.^{[15]
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- For example, you might attend a peaceful protest where you live for a cause that you care about.
- Check social justice hashtags and use them to post and respond to posts from others that advocate for justice and equal rights.
Angelina Jolie, Actress & Humanitarian

Live empathetically and help others to the best of your ability "We have a responsibility to be aware of others. We need to make justice the norm, not the exception."

Section 4 of 5:

Traveling Around the World

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Advocate for international cooperation. This doesn't necessarily require physical travel, although it could. Keep up to date on issues facing the international community and the different proposals put forth to address those issues. Promote solutions that foster cooperation rather than competition and encourage an end to armed conflicts.^{[16]
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- For example, you could share articles or other information on your social media accounts about international treaties and other global initiatives.
- Take part in public demonstrations designed to pressure politicians into signing international agreements or enforcing the agreements they've signed.
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Take a road trip to explore surrounding communities. Start to expand your focus outward from your own backyard and engage with nearby cities and towns. While you're visiting, don't just do touristy stuff—interact with local people and experience the local culture.^{[17]
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- A lot of small towns are known for a particular fair or event. Check out the towns in your area and write down these events on a calendar—they're great ways to learn about area culture.
3
Teach in another country. If you're a native English speaker, you have the opportunity to teach English in another country and expand your horizons as a global citizen. Many employers also take care of a lot of the logistics for you, making this an easy way to explore a different part of the world.^{[18]
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- You can teach English even if you're still a student, although some employers would prefer that you have at least a bachelor's degree.
- Certification from an organization such as TEFL will help you qualify for some of the best positions teaching English.
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Volunteer to support people around the world. There are many nonprofit organizations that take groups of volunteers to different countries to help build communities and support the people living there. Working in another country gives you a fresh perspective on life and helps you appreciate the way your culture affects the way you live.^{[19]
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- The types of opportunities available to you depend on your background and skills. For example, if you're in school to be a nurse, you might find out if you can volunteer with a medical or healthcare organization such as Doctors Without Borders.
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Live temporarily in another country. Although it can take a little more planning, living in another country offers you an unparalleled opportunity to expand your horizons and worldview beyond the borders of your home. You'll come to realize just what you take for granted about living in your own country and might even find things you prefer about the foreign culture you explore.^{[20]
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- If you're currently in school, you might be able to arrange to do this as an exchange student for a semester or a year.
- Some school programs also arrange for you to work in another country for a limited time, provided you can speak the local language.

Section 5 of 5:

What is a global citizen?

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The term "global citizen" describes someone who thinks globally. A global citizen recognizes that they are a part of the global community and that their actions can impact the lives of people on the other side of the world. Global citizens are aware of their place in the world and strive to make the world a happier, healthier, cleaner, greener, and more peaceful place to live in.^{[21]
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- Global citizens believe that all people have equal value and equal rights in the global community. They also promote environmental protection and sustainability.
- Global citizenship is not a legal status. There's no such thing as a global passport and companies that offer to register you as a global citizen have no legal power or significance.
- Benefits of being a global citizen include being empowered to be a part of changes in the world, being more aware of the problems facing the world, and doing your part to make the world a better place for all people.

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Do I need visa to be a citizen of the world?

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You don't need any documents to a citizen of the world. All you need to do is identify with a global community, and take action to help with the positive growth of the global community. You are still a citizen of your country. The term "global citizen" is more of an idea than an actual citizenship.

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What steps should be taken trying for the "Global Citizenship"?

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The term "Global Citizenship" is more of an idea than an actual citizen. To be a global citizen, you should follow the advice in this article, believe that you are a member of a worldwide community, and be an active member of your community.

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How could I get a world citizen passport?

Donagan

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There's no such thing. Passports are issued by national governments.

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Tips

Becoming a world citizen requires a conscious effort. It is an ongoing, sometimes frustrating process, but it is worth it.

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Reach out to members of your community who come from other cultures, but do so in a respectful manner.

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Warnings

Friends, family, or other community members may disagree with your efforts to become a global citizen. This can be hurtful and frustrating, but sit down and talk to them about why you are making these efforts.

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Don’t spend all of your money in an effort to become an active community member. Money is not required to learn and be active. Budget wisely.

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Don’t stay in any situation that risks your safety. Learn and grow in a safe environment. Stepping out of your comfort zone and risking your safety are not the same.

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Global citizenship is not a legal status. There are some companies that claim to register you as a global citizen online, but this is just for fun and doesn't grant you any rights or privileges.

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