Gaia ChangeMakers Program

The Gaia ChangeMakers Program (GCP) offers a transdisciplinary approach to preparing students for an uncertain world, to empower them to feel confident and ready so they thrive when they leave school. The program is also designed to teach students the skills and values that the world is desperately in need of, to bring change for a better future.

The GCP is a semi-residential program (full residential available) that takes place over 3 weeks in 3 locations. Zurich, The Swiss Alps and Prague, Czech Republic. Through real-world experiences (company visits and expert speakers), projects and a values-based curriculum, students explore who they are and their what drives them, learn about systems thinking, and develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. They gain life-long skills and values that help them advocate for change for a better world.

During the week learning is immersive, hands-on, and holistic with experiences* such as
- building a hydrogen-fueled remote control car while exploring societal barriers for a green energy transition.
- doing a glacier clean up while learning about climate impacts in vulnerable areas, from one of the top geologists in the world and the cutting-edge research happening to stem these impacts.
- putting together a musical concert on the glacier, painting a mural in a Swiss mountain village, and hearing from filmmakers and artists who speak at global levels (COP28 UAE) to understand how art can be used to ignite a movement.

For fully residential students, evenings and weekends are filled with fun excursions and sightseeing to explore the cultural, natural and historical gifts of each location.

*specific experiences are subject to change due to emergent situations.

Course leader

The program is deigned and led by Diya Kanoria - an experienced teacher, graduate of University of Cambridge, who has led many school trips around the world. She has a background in Science, Finance and Teaching, perfect for a transdisciplinary program.

Target group

High School Students in their final two years of school, or recent school graduates (Approximately 16-19 years old).

Course aim

The Gaia ChangeMakers Program (GCP) has two aims. The first is to fill in the gaps of traditional schools, so students learn to be life-long learners and feel empowered and confident to thrive in an uncertain world when they graduate. The second is to teach students the skills and values that the world is desperately in need of, to bring change for a better future, and help the world achieve the sustainable development goals.

Fee info

CHF 4200: Until January 31st, The fee of CHF 4,200 is an Early-Bird Discount.
After which the fee will be CHF 5,400 for the program.

For ALL students the fees will cover
1. Daily Lunch when in Zurich
2. All program activities from Monday to Friday 9-6pm when in Zurich
3. All Program activities, food and accommodation when in the Alps and in Czech Republic.
4. Travel to/from Zurich to Prague and the Alps

The fees do not cover transport to/from Zurich from the student's home.
CHF 1500: This fee is only for students requiring accommodation in Zurich. The additional CHF 1500 will also cover:

1. ALL meals when in Zurich, including the weekends
2. Evening and weekend activities like hiking, excursions to other cities of Switzerland, visiting a chocolate factory and exploring what Switzerland has to offer. Excursions on request may be added based on student interest. Additional costs will always be discussed with parents/guardians first.
3. Accommodation for the entire duration of the program starting from the 14th of July (1 night before the program begins), and ending on 2nd August.

Scholarships

We have some financial aid available for Fee 1. Students must still pay for travel to/from Zurich and insurance, and if overseas, Fee 2.
We also encourage students to fund-raise within their local communities to help them get support with the fees.