Building students’ global competence through a blended learning platform

COVID-19 has not deterred students from continuing their international experience online and making new connections across the world.

Despite having their AFS Intercultural Programmes cut short due to the pandemic, thousands of young students in 46 countries including Malaysia, have been utilising the international youth exchange organisation’s newly launched free online platform to transcend physical borders.

Formerly known as the American Field Service, AFS empowers young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills.

Its chief global engagement officer Melissa Liles said the new virtual learning platform gives young people ongoing support and learning during the crisis.

The practical, youth-friendly online tool is a special edition of the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) blended learning programme.

It provides AFS study abroad students – whether they have returned to their home countries early or remained in their host community – with a moderated educational platform to process their experiences and continue their intercultural learning journeys.

The programme includes content on coping during crisis, navigating ambiguity, developing resilience, being flexible, and connecting across differences.

“This crisis presents an opportunity for young people to learn from a moment of extraordinary shared global interconnectedness.

“We help our students understand in real time what it means to be a responsible citizen of the world,” she said, adding that the GCC forum has seen more than 60,000 interactions in its first week of operation.

“So far, over 4,000 students are using the tool, with more enrolling each week.”

Noting that every student should have access to global learning opportunities, AFS Intercultural Programmes president and CEO Daniel Obst said AFS was proud to provide meaningful learning through the GCC.

“This crisis highlights how intertwined our futures and fates are.

Becoming an active global citizen is no longer a nice-to-have concept; it’s an urgent need.

“Young people understand this better than most.”

The research-backed AFS 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 programmes.

For details, visit afs.org/certificate.