Gaia Changemakers Program

At a glance

The Gaia Changemakers Program is about transforming worries about the climate, careers, and the world — into action. It’s about empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and values that universities and employers want from their future leaders.

And just as importantly — it’s about connection, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Who:

Teens aged 15–19 with a passion for adventure and impact

What:

A 3-week experience across Zurich, Prague, and the Swiss Alps

When:

June 7th-25th 2027 AND July 5th-July 23rd 2027

How Many?

20 participants — for a tight-knit, collaborative vibe

Ready to join?

Pre-Register 2027

Want to find out more?

Download Brochure

Why This Program?

The Gaia Changemakers Program transforms awareness into action through a 3-week immersive journey across Zurich, Prague, and the Swiss Alps. Participants will:

Think in systems and understand complexity

Build leadership, collaboration, and communication skills

Explore sustainability in real-world contexts

Develop resilience and independence

Discover future pathways and career possibilities

Learning happens through company visits, expert speakers, design-thinking challenges, workshops, and reflection — across both cities and nature. And because it’s summer, growth comes with adventure:

Mountain hikes and a Swiss alpine hut stay

Lake swims and city exploration

Cultural experiences and community-building evenings

Some of our Collaborators:

Where you’ll go

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Destination 1: The Swiss Alps (Engadin Region)

A tangible and visible connection to climate change.

The Alps offer perspective. Glaciers make climate science real. Mountain landscapes inspire creativity and reflection.

Here, participants:

Hike through breathtaking alpine landscapes
Stay in a traditional Swiss mountain hut
Learn about glacier retreat alongside experts
Design solutions to protect communities from environmental change
Strengthen their connection to nature

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Destination 2: Prague, Czech Republic

The perfect blend of history, culture, real-world learning — and fun.

Prague offers insight into how politics and history shape sustainability today. Through workshops on clean energy, circular economy, and social systems, students explore how change really happens.

Expect:

Exploring the impact of history on today’s societal issues
Understanding sustainability in the electronics industry
Building a hydrogen fuel cell car
Learning conflict resolution and sustainable finance
Wandering historic streets, enjoying local culture, and late-evening desserts

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Destination 3: Zurich, Switzerland

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A vibrant city full of urban spark and innovation.

Zurich is a global centre for sustainability and forward-thinking industries. Here, participants explore how cities and startups design for circular economies and sustainable futures — while also enjoying lake swims, rope parks, hikes, and summer energy.

We kick off with:

Team building and climate awareness workshops
Design thinking to develop solutions
Real-world insights into sustainable industries
Reflection and resilience-building sessions

Essential Information:

Dates

June 7 – 25, 2027
July 5 – 23, 2027

Where?

Week 1: The Alps, Switzerland
Week 2: Prague, Czech Republic
Week 3: Zurich, Switzerland

Who?

10th-12th graders, recent graduates
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Approx. 15–19 year olds, from anywhere in the world. We are mindful of our footprint, and will work with you to find a carbon offset solution for travel.

Course Fees

Semi-residential: CHF 5,700
Full-residential: CHF 7,200

Semi-Residential: No Zurich or weekend accommodation included. Transport, accommodation, and meals in Prague and the Alps are included.
Full-Residential: Includes accommodation (July 5–23), all meals, and all weekend activities.

A 3-week journey

Transformation takes time — and that is why we dedicate three full weeks to this experience.

Skills and values are woven into transdisciplinary experiences that explore global issues through company visits, expert speakers, collaborative projects, management-style workshops, music and art experiences, cultural outings, sports, and community building.

What Will You Learn?

Over three weeks, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Through real-world engagement, expert interaction, and guided reflection, students develop the skills, mindset, and knowledge needed to navigate a complex and changing world:

✔︎ Cognitive: Thinking in systems, critically and analytically; learning through inquiry and curiosity; generating ideas and solving complex problems.

✔︎ Teamwork: Active listening, collaboration, conflict management, persuasion, presentation skills, empathy, inclusion, and respect.

✔︎ Personal: Developing a strong sense of self, reflection and gratitude, perspective growth, identifying strengths, exploring future careers, building confidence, and taking meaningful action.

What Will You Experience?

This is not just a program you attend — it is a journey you live. Growth happens through immersion, challenge, connection, and shared adventure.

Participants can:

✔︎ Strengthen college-ready skills and enhance their résumé
✔︎ Network with international corporate and educational leaders
✔︎ Experience a life-changing journey across the Swiss Alps, Zurich, and Prague
✔︎ Gain the confidence and skills to become the Changemaker the world needs
✔︎ Fulfill CAS requirements (for IB students, subject to school approval)

Rooted in the Inner Development Goals, GCP blends personal growth with global responsibility, encouraging students to explore emerging career paths — including those that do not yet exist.

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Content Themes

Students explore global issues such as:

‍Providing Sustainable Energy
Visits to a solar panel start-up, a nuclear power plant, and an energy distributor to understand the complexity of bringing sustainable energy to urban environments.

‍Understanding Circular Economies
Learning from clothing companies such as Freitag and Patagonia, the vegan start-up Planted in Zurich, and APAG CoCyst (automotive electronics manufacturer for BMW and Porsche in the Czech Republic).

‍Art to Ignite a Movement
In the Swiss Alps, combining science and art to understand glacier retreat and climate communication. Students hear from scientists, artists, filmmakers, and musicians — and culminate learning by contributing to a public mural in a Swiss village.

‍Innovative Solutions for the Future
Engaging with cutting-edge companies tackling climate challenges and participating in a Designathon to develop real sustainability solutions.

Our Approach

The Gaia Changemakers Program is based on four pillars interconnected by systems thinking and circularity:

Self-Discovery & Development
Education goes beyond academics. We encourage exploration of passions, strengths, and values in a safe, supportive environment aligned with sustainable practices.

Inquiry-Based Learning
Curiosity is nurtured. Students take an active role in their education, developing critical thinking and deep conceptual understanding.

Contextual Learning
Real-world immersion builds relevance and meaning. Local and global issues are integrated into the curriculum to equip students to address complex challenges.

Community Partnerships
Collaboration is central. Partnerships with organisations and businesses connect students with real-world expertise and bridge theory with practice.

Ready to join?

Pre-Register 2027

Want to find out more?

Download Booklet

Have any questions?

Book a call

Want to become a sponsor/collaborator?

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone with a reasonable command of English who is entering their final three years of high school or has just graduated from high school may apply.

Every applicant has a unique story, so if you do not quite fit the criteria but feel strongly about attending, please write to us. We review situations individually and are happy to discuss whether the program would be a good fit.

What language is the program in?

The program is conducted in English. You do not need to be perfectly fluent, but participants should feel comfortable understanding discussions, participating in workshops, and communicating with peers and facilitators.

What are the 2026 program dates and times?

July 6th – July 24th, 2026

‍Program days typically run Monday–Friday, approximately 9am–5pm.

For participants who are not based in Zurich (fully-residential students), weekends and evenings include additional excursions, cultural activities, and sightseeing. Zurich-based participants are welcome to join these optional activities if interested.

What does a typical day look like?

Participants should expect full, engaging days running approximately from 9am to 5pm. Activities may include company visits, walks, talks, workshops, collaborative projects, games, and reflective sessions.

For fully-residential students, evenings and weekends include additional cultural and experiential activities. These may include city tours, mountain hikes, lake swims and picnics, a visit to Switzerland’s best-known chocolate factory, and an excursion to Bern — the capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Additional experiences may be added as plans develop.

A detailed outline of the program can be found in our downloadable brochure.

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Is this program academic or experiential?

It is experiential. We blend systems thinking, sustainability, leadership development, design thinking, expert engagement, and reflection into real-world contexts across cities and nature.

Can IB students fulfill CAS requirements?

Yes. The program aligns strongly with CAS values and may fulfill requirements, depending on your school’s approval.

How many students attend?

We intentionally cap the program at 30 participants to ensure strong mentorship, meaningful collaboration, and a close-knit community.

What are the program fees?

Semi-Residential
CHF 5,700
Early Bird (before Feb 28, 2026): CHF 4,700

‍Fully-Residential
CHF 7,200
Early Bird: CHF 6,200

What does the fee include?

For all students:

Daily lunch in Zurich
All weekday program activities
Welcome dinner (July 6th)
All activities, accommodation, and meals in Prague and the Alps
Travel between Zurich, Prague, and the Alps

For fully-residential students:

All meals from July 5th (arrival day) until July 24th
Evening and weekend activities
Accommodation for the full duration (July 5–24)
Airport pickup and drop-off at Zurich Airport on arrival and departure dates

All students must have personal health and travel insurance.

What is the difference between semi-residential and fully-residential?

Semi-residential students:

Arrange their own accommodation in Zurich
Do not have weekend/evening accommodation in Zurich
Have transport, meals, and accommodation included in Prague and the Alps

Fully-residential students:

Stay with the program for the entire duration
Participate in all weekend and evening activities
Receive airport transfers on official arrival/departure dates

What will accommodation be like?

In Zurich and Prague, participants stay in youth hostels that meet high standards of safety and cleanliness. Rooms are shared with fellow program participants. Some hostels offer private bathrooms and showers, though this cannot be guaranteed.

In the Alps, participants stay in a remote and traditional Swiss mountain hut, which we will hike to together. Accommodation is simple, shared, and part of the authentic alpine experience. At all times, one or more Make The Change chaperones stay on-site with students.

If you would like more details and photos of accommodation, please request our Student Needs Brochure at gcp@makethechange.education.

Do you help with visa applications?

Unfortunately, we are not able to assist with visa applications at this time. Students who are not Swiss residents must ensure they apply for and obtain the appropriate travel permissions well in advance. Please note that Switzerland is part of the Schengen region, so entry requirements may depend on your nationality.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Until Dec 31, 2025: Full refund minus CHF 200 processing fee
Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2026: 50% refund
From March 1, 2026 onward: No refund

We strongly recommend cancellation insurance.

Is financial assistance available?

Once the minimum number of participants required to run the program has been reached, we offer a limited number of places for asylum seekers based in the Zurich area (with the relevant residence permit).

We are committed to increasing accessibility and would welcome sponsorships or donations to expand opportunities for more students.

If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the program, please contact us at gcp@makethechange.education.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payment plans may be discussed individually. Please contact us to explore options.

How do you ensure safety and well-being?

The health, safety, and well-being of our students is always our highest priority. We are committed to providing the support necessary to ensure students feel safe, healthy, and able to fully engage in the program experience.

All team members undergo background checks and hold up-to-date first-aid certification. We also have a comprehensive Student Needs Brochure outlining our safety protocols and participant care approach. You may request this by emailing gcp@makethechange.education.

What is the staff-to-student ratio?

Approximately 1:10, depending on the location and activities.

What happens if my child becomes ill?

We will ensure appropriate medical care and keep parents/guardians informed of any significant concerns.

Participants must have personal health and travel insurance.

Are students supervised at all times?

Yes. During program hours and residential stays, supervision is continuous.

Structured free time is permitted in small groups within clearly defined boundaries.

Who are the instructors?

The program is led by founder Diya Kanoria, an experienced international educator with degrees from the University of Cambridge, Duke University, and University College London.

She is joined by Myrto Vandersee, a facilitator specialising in environmental science and sustainability.

Students also engage with guest experts and partner organisations throughout the program.

What if my child has dietary restrictions?

Dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

Is travel environmentally responsible?

We are mindful of our footprint and can support families in arranging carbon offset solutions for travel.

Ready to become a Gaia Changemaker?

Spend 3 unforgettable weeks in Zurich, Prague, and the Swiss Alps—building leadership, confidence, and future-ready skills through real-world sustainability experiences.

Pre-Register 2027