--- title: How Young Americans Are Building Better Futures Abroad and The Ripple Effect on Leadership description: Young Americans in global service gain cross-cultural skills and empathy—programmes like Christianson Fellowship foster leadership, inclusion and growth author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2025-11-04T11:00:33.000Z updated: 2026-09-24T22:51:56.394Z canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/how-young-americans-are-building-better-futures-abroad-and-the-ripple-effect-on-leadership image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/nytoduyjh-c.jpg categories: Female leadership content_type: Feature region: Greece publication: Rich Woman Magazine --- Elizabeth Trudel’s morning starts at 7am in a bustling Athens neighbourhood, where she walks to meet refugee teenagers who’ve travelled thousands of miles to find safety. As she unlocks the doors at [Better Days Athens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethtrudel/), she’s greeted by students whose stories span continents but share common threads: displacement, hope and the determination to learn. The Florida native spends her days helping refugee and immigrant students navigate their education through academic support. It’s demanding work that requires patience, creativity and emotional resilience. Yet for Trudel and hundreds of young Americans like her, these international service experiences represent more than gap year adventures – they’re pathways to understanding both the world and themselves. Trudel is one of 115 fellows supported by the [Christianson Fellowship](https://www.interexchange.org/programs/travel-experiences-for-u-s-residents/christianson-fellowship/), which has just increased its maximum funding from $10,000 to $15,000. The fellowship backs Americans aged 18 to 28 who organise their own meaningful service projects abroad, lasting six months or longer. Young Americans head abroad for reasons that go beyond wanderlust or résumé building. Many want hands-on experience in fields they care about, whilst others want to test their assumptions about the world outside their familiar environments. ‘Gaining hands-on experience abroad in a field you’re passionate about, with a well-researched and ethically responsible organisation, is a life-changing opportunity,’ reflects Trudel. ‘The experience will challenge you, broaden your perspective and push you to grow in ways you never expected – both personally and professionally.’ Fellows don’t join pre-packaged programmes; they research organisations, arrange placements and design projects themselves. This independence attracts young people who want genuine responsibility rather than structured activities with built-in safety nets. Research from [NAFSA: Association of International Educators](https://www.nafsa.org/policy-and-advocacy/policy-resources/independent-research-measuring-impact-study-abroad) shows that international experiences significantly enhance intercultural competence, self-confidence, maturity and career prospects. Participants develop global-mindedness through exposure to diverse cultural environments, leading to better academic outcomes and improved employability. The increase from $10,000 to $15,000 might seem modest, but it makes substantial differences in fellows’ abilities to focus on service rather than survival. The additional funding covers housing stability, local transport and basic living expenses in locations where even small amounts stretch significantly. ‘This increase reflects our belief in the power of immersive international service and cultural exchange to foster global understanding and leadership,’ said Christine La Monica-Lunn, Chief Executive Officer of InterExchange and its Foundation. ‘We’re excited to support even more fellows as they engage in community-driven projects around the world.’ The enhanced funding enables longer-term commitments and deeper community relationships. Instead of worrying about expenses after a few months, fellows can concentrate on learning languages, understanding local contexts and developing sustainable project approaches. Applications are accepted three times yearly, with the next deadline on 15 July 2025. A college degree isn’t required – the foundation focuses on motivation, preparation and commitment to ethical service. The 2025 cohort includes Hooper Markert, a neuroscience and behaviour graduate from Columbia University who comes from Birmingham, Alabama, and Lillian Leibovich, a Pittsburgh native who recently completed linguistics studies at Haverford College. Their diverse academic backgrounds reflect the fellowship’s broad appeal across disciplines. Fellows tackle projects ranging from public health initiatives to environmental conservation and education programmes. [Like other advocates working to nurture young people’s compassion](https://richwoman.co/article/teaching-kids-that-kindness-counts-tracy-drost-s-mission-as-mrs-illinois-america-2025), they focus on community-driven approaches rather than short-term interventions. Organisations like [Habibi Center](https://habibicenter.org/) in Athens demonstrate how volunteer-driven educational projects empower refugee youth through safe learning spaces and life skills development. These environments allow volunteers to contribute meaningfully whilst gaining insights into complex global challenges. Participants return with more than enhanced CVs or interesting stories. They develop [practical skills in cross-cultural communication](https://richwoman.co/article/from-struggle-to-success-how-five-million-young-lives-are-being-transformed), problem-solving under resource constraints and adapting to unfamiliar environments. Many discover career paths they hadn’t previously considered or confirm their commitment to fields like international development, education or public health. The personal growth often surprises fellows themselves. Living independently in foreign countries, navigating language barriers and building relationships across cultural differences develops confidence that transfers to other life areas. [Like other advocates who’ve embraced cross-cultural experiences](https://richwoman.co/article/from-immigration-advocate-to-cannes-shirley-maia-cusick-s-journey-of-boundless-vision-and-uns), they return with a deeper understanding of resilience. Research from [International Cultural Youth Exchange](https://www.icye.org/) shows that former volunteers report increased intercultural understanding, social justice awareness and environmental stewardship. Many maintain long-term engagement with global issues after returning home. For their host communities, the benefits extend beyond immediate project outcomes. International volunteers bring fresh perspectives, additional resources and lasting partnerships. Many fellows maintain connections with their placement organisations for years, continuing support through fundraising or professional networks. These experiences shape not only the fellows but also the families and communities they rejoin. Parents often report that their children return with increased empathy, broader perspectives and clearer sense of purpose. The insights gained abroad influence career choices, volunteer commitments and approaches to local community challenges. [Just as community-driven solutions are making waves in homelessness support](https://richwoman.co/article/community-led-housing-solutions-spark-new-wave-of-homelessness-support), these young people often bring fresh approaches to tackling issues in their home communities. As Elizabeth Trudel continues her work with refugee youth in Athens, she’s part of a generation choosing active engagement over passive observation of global issues. The skills, relationships and perspectives developed through programmes like the Christianson Fellowship create lasting impact that extends far beyond individual projects. For young Americans considering similar paths, the foundation accepts applications three times yearly. Detailed information about eligibility requirements and application processes is available at [InterExchange Foundation](https://www.interexchange.org/foundation/christianson-fellowship/).