Global Up now integral part of a top-tier
Venezuelan higher education institution
AFS Venezuela is excited to announce a new partnership with Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB), one of the country’s leading academic institutions.
This collaboration will integrate the AFS Global Up program and the Global Competence Certificate (GCC) into the university’s academic and student life, providing a robust framework for developing essential intercultural skills.
Directly supporting UCAB’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and globally relevant education, the initiative will equip faculty, staff and the next generation of Venezuelan professionals with the tools to thrive in an interconnected world, fostering the resilience, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving skills that are especially crucial in the current times.
A collaboration built on experience
This partnership was made possible through a coordinated effort between the AFS Venezuela National Office and the dedicated, long-serving volunteers of the Caracas chapter.
These volunteers, with their extensive experience and deep understanding of the local context, were instrumental in identifying this opportunity and building the foundational relationship with the university. Their practical knowledge and commitment to the AFS mission allowed for a productive dialogue with UCAB, ensuring that the proposed programs would effectively meet the specific needs of its students and faculty.
This initiative stands as a clear example of how the synergy between staff and professional, experienced local volunteers can lead to meaningful and sustainable institutional partnerships.
From left to right: Claudia Rojas, (AFS Venezuela volunteer, Caracas), Arturo Peraza Celis, S.J. (Rector, UCAB), Nevenka Vilchez (National Director, AFS Venezuela) and Keyla Colmenares (Director of Internationalization, UCAB).
The AFS Global Competence Certificate at UCAB
At the core of this partnership is a key program of the AFS portfolio: the Global Up suite, which enables participants to earn the Global Competence Certificate (GCC). This is a blended educational journey developed by AFS over the last decade and implemented for over 40,000 learners worldwide.
The program is designed to foster tangible power skills through a combination of self-paced online modules, interactive forums, and dialogue sessions conducted by trained facilitators.
The curriculum guides participants through four key areas of development: building self-awareness, developing empathy for others, managing emotional responses in unfamiliar situations, and learning to bridge differences.
For the UCAB community, this means a direct opportunity to gain and practice skills that are critical for success across all fields of study, from engineering to social sciences. The program provides a valuable framework for students, faculty and staff to translate their academic knowledge into practical abilities for cross-cultural collaboration.
Developing in-demand global skills
The introduction of these programs at UCAB is particularly relevant in a current interconnected and complex world. In an environment that requires empathy, resilience, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving, intercultural skills are considered a necessity.
The ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, understand different perspectives, and navigate ambiguity are vital for personal and professional growth.
This partnership provides an accessible way to develop a global mindset and build these competencies. It prepares participants to engage with global networks, contribute to local solutions, and become individuals capable of fostering dialogue and understanding regardless of their field or background.
A shared commitment to holistic education
This collaboration is founded on a shared commitment to academic excellence and the development of well-rounded individuals. Universidad Católica Andrés Bello has a long-standing reputation for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on social responsibility. AFS programs such as Global Up align directly with this mission by providing a practical, skills-based component that complements the university’s instruction and own programming.
We are confident this partnership will be instrumental in advancing UCAB’s mission and to form professionals who are not only technically proficient but also globally minded, thereby enriching the entire student experience.
The AFS team extends its appreciation to the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello leadership team for their confidence in this project. We thank Rector Arturo Peraza Celis, S.J., and the Director of the Secretariado de Internacionalización, Keyla Colmenares, for their vision and commitment to bringing this important educational opportunity to their faculty, staff and student body. We look forward to working together to build a successful and impactful program.
We invite our entire AFS network across Venezuela and other Latin American countries —alumni, volunteers, and friends—to follow this exciting journey.
Institutions in Venezuela interested in continuing this dialogue and exploring how Global Up and the GCC can support their students are welcome to contact: [email protected]
About Global Up
The AFS Global Up programs are a series of award-winning digital education programs that have supported over 40,000 learners worldwide. With versions tailored for students, educators, and professionals, Global Up is a key tool for organizations committed to fostering global competence. To learn more or request a demo, please visit globalup.com.
About AFS
AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. To learn more visit afs.org