In 2014, AFS launched the Global Competence Certificate (GCC) as a pioneering experiment. Today, ten years later, the GCC has become a globally recognized virtual education solution and the foundation of all AFS digital learning initiatives. It has reached over 40,000 learners in more than 160 countries, and it continues to grow.
The GCC equips individuals with core skills needed to navigate differences, foster empathy, and collaborate across cultures — competencies that are vital in every sector, from education to business to community leadership.
This milestone is far more than a simple anniversary; it is a celebration of a Decade of Transformation that has left a profound footprint worldwide. It reaffirms our vital role in today’s world, where our educational goal of bridging differences is more critical than ever. By empowering learners to become engaged Active Global Citizens, we have built a legacy that energizes our commitment as we embark on the next chapter of our journey.
“We envision dramatically scaling our impact by meeting learners wherever they are to cultivate global competence and vital understanding worldwide.”
—Linda Stuart
Director of Global Education Innovation
AFS Intercultural Programs
What is the GCC?
The Global Competence Certificate is an award-winning, research-based virtual educational solution that equips youth, educators, professionals, and community leaders with essential global skills — critical thinking, open-mindedness, emotional agility, and intercultural communication. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: increasing self-awareness, recognizing the perspectives of others, managing emotional responses in unfamiliar contexts, and learning to bridge across differences.
To meet the needs of various learners, the GCC is delivered through the Global Up suite of programs , which includes six distinct versions adaptable for international experiences, undergraduate courses, professional development, classroom integration, or local community engagement.
What makes this program different? Real transformation.
We don’t just promise transformation; we prove it. Backed by robust research studies and assessments, the results are clear. For example, a landmark study from Purdue University validates these impressive results, documenting how learners shift from a monocultural mindset to a more global one by gaining an average of 8 to 13 points on the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
This data confirms what over 1,000 Qualified Facilitators see firsthand: participants leave the program more self-aware, with greater emotional intelligence, and more receptive to different perspectives — the core educational goals of the curriculum. They gain the confidence and capacity to become change agents in their communities and workplaces. This is Global Citizenship in action.
And now, we’re proud to share our Impact Report and Anniversary Video, not just as a celebration, but as an open invitation to become part of our mission.
What can you expect from our Impact Report?
In honor of this 10-year journey, our new report is now publicly available. Educators, policymakers, funders, and organizations worldwide will find in this document clear evidence of how investing in global competence can empower individuals and strengthen institutions.
The stories and data captured illustrate why the GCC matters: it is more than a program. It is a platform for equity in global education, reaching people who might otherwise never access high-quality intercultural learning.
The publication highlights key statistics on the program’s legacy, a timeline of the GCC’s development, and showcases our valued partners and sponsors through testimonials and acknowledgments.
The Voices of the GCC
The story of the Global Competence Certificate (GCC) goes beyond numbers; it has always been about people, connection, and impact.
We invite you to hear directly from the passionate founders, global partners, and visionary leaders who have made the GCC a powerful force. Watch now to see why the GCC is not just a certificate but a true catalyst for change—and understand why we’re only just getting started:
Why implement the GCC at your organization?
Because transformation matters. The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) provides a field-tested, adaptable framework for your students, employees, or community. When you partner with us, you gain:
- A proven model for tangible outcomes: the program’s effectiveness is validated by research studies and over 100 institutions worldwide using it.
- Scalable and adaptable solutions: the GCC can be easily deployed and customized for your specific needs.
- Expert guidance and support: the GCC is an experience guided by a global network of over 1,000 Qualified Facilitators and supported by a robust pedagogical framework.
The future is intercultural, and the next decade begins now. The challenges of our time are clear, and so is the solution: equipping people with the know-how to navigate cultural differences.
We invite you to be part of this movement. Discover how Global Up programs can help your institution or organization unlock the future of global competence.
Join us in our mission to create a more just and peaceful world by fostering Active Global Citizens worldwide. Contact us at [email protected].