AFS Intercultural Programs invites high school educators from around the world to apply for an exciting virtual professional development opportunity: the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program. Through the generous support of the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, 300 teachers will be selected to participate—at no cost—in an international training initiative designed to build global competence and intercultural teaching skills.
Participants in this 8-month, flexible online program will work toward earning the AFS Global Competence Certificate, which equips educators with tools and strategies to foster global citizenship in their classrooms and communities. Participants of the program can expect:
- Global Up Educators, a 6-week virtual learning certification which includes self-paced video modules, facilitated live sessions, discussion forums and quizzes.
- An Educator Toolkit with step-by-step instructions for lesson plans, learning goals, discussion guides, activity sheets, and all supporting materials.
- Tools for self-reflection and connection with teachers in a global community to share experiences and best practices.
- The opportunity to get international recognition for a social impact project developed by students with their teachers’ guidance for the 2026 Cyril Taylor Young Leaders Awards.
“Participating in the AFS program was truly transformative. I gained a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, developed lifelong friendships, and grew more confident and adaptable. The experience broadened my perspective, taught me empathy and inspired me to be a more active global citizen. I highly recommend it to everyone.”
—Teacher from Trinidad and Tobago (2024-25 AFS Effect+ program participant)
Regardless of your subject area, the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program is designed to strengthen your ability to navigate and support culturally diverse learning environments. Through the program, educators will enhance their cultural self-awareness, deepen their empathy for other perspectives, and gain practical strategies for creating inclusive, globally minded classrooms.
Participants will also explore essential topics in Global Citizenship Education, including core concepts and teaching approaches that can inspire students to become more engaged, informed global citizens.
Interested teachers can apply via this form by Wednesday, 8 October, 2025. All educators will be notified of their acceptance by late October 2025 via email.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Must currently serve as a high school (secondary) teacher for 14-18-year-old students.
- Proficiency/Fluency in English to communicate with teachers from other countries in discussion forums and dialogue sessions (written content and video modules are also available in Spanish),
- Commit to taking part in the following program activities between 1 November, 2025 and 6 June, 2026:
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- Complete the Global Up Educators program including viewing all video modules, reading articles, taking brief quizzes, sharing in the online discussion forum, and joining 75% of the facilitated live sessions (~2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks between 1 November, 2025 and 21 March 2026, depending on cohort)
- Use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit with your students (between January 2026-June 2026)
- Join opportunities for engaging with peers in virtual communities of practice (flexible, depending on your needs and interest between January and June 2026).
“I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any school committed to preparing students for the complexities of today’s world. It’s more than an educational initiative, it’s a transformative experience that empowers young people to lead with compassion, think globally, and act responsibly in their communities and beyond.”
—Teacher from Ghana (2024-25 AFS Effect+ program participant)
For more information, please contact Dylan Peterson ([email protected]), Effect + for the Classroom Project Coordinator at AFS Intercultural Programs.