AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to partner with Education New Zealand (ENZ) to deliver a customized version of the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC): an award-winning program that develops tangible skills essential to live, work, and make a real social impact around the world. ENZ is well known for supporting international education, by promoting New Zealand as a study abroad destination and supporting New Zealanders to study abroad.
The research-backed AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) has been used by more than 10,000 university, intern and language abroad students in 50 countries to help them develop their intercultural competence and global skills before, during and after their international programs.
Grant McPherson, CEO of ENZ, says that Education New Zealand is proud to be supporting this New Zealand pilot of AFS’s GCC and is looking forward to seeing the benefits it will bring the students who are taking part: “Being a global citizen is an excellent opportunity that will help young people prepare for a future and career spanning countries and cultures. The programme has been designed to support them to go out into an ever changing world, once it is safe to do so, with a range of skills that should help them thrive.”
“New Zealand schools are at the forefront of integrating global competence education to both their international and domestic students. The current travel restrictions should be no barrier to institutions continuing to offer high quality global competence education, wherever their students might be and AFS is very proud to be supporting them in this journey. By partnering with AFS to provide the Global Competence Certificate to students, ENZ demonstrate their continuous commitment to the New Zealand International Education Strategy and in particular ensuring that all students are equipped with key 21st century skills,” adds Melissa Liles, Chief Global Engagement Officer at AFS.
The AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) develops learners’ global competence before, during and after their international experience. The curriculum is delivered in 18 online modules supported by a Qualified Facilitator.
This ENZ endorsed pilot programme will be undertaken by 60 students from eight secondary schools located across the country. The student cohort is made up of international students in New Zealand and international students currently offshored enrolled to attend a New Zealand institution, as well as domestic students interested in learning about global issues. It will be supported by ten educators who have received professional development from AFS through the GCC Qualified Facilitator training to help the students reflect and further their online learning.
The schools currently involved are Aotea High School, Christ College, John Paul College, Kamo High School, Paraparaumu College, Rongotai High School, Te Puke High School, Glendowie College. Once the pilot is completed, ENZ and AFS will assess the pilot outcomes and look to roll it out to more New Zealand institutions.
Learn more about the AFS Global Competence Certificate program here.