AFS Global You Changemaker Programme

Sign me up!

This is your chance to become an AFS Global You Changemaker and create your own Social Impact Project.

You will need an advanced written & verbal understanding of English language and in order to earn your Certificate you will have to:

Attend all 5 live sessions on Zoom with more peers from around the world.
Successfully complete all modules and activities in the online learning platform.
Successfully complete a social innovation prototype project.

To get started, submit your information here. We’ll review your application and if you are accepted, we will send you a link to make programme payment and finalize your enrolment.

AFS Global You™ Changemaker

A 12-week interactive virtual exchange programme for teens (ages 15-17) anywhere in the world, to develop global competence skills, create innovative social impact projects and earn certification from the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.

If you are curious about global issues; want to create positive social change in your community; interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, design, sustainable development or social justice– AFS Global You Changemaker is for you!

Learn with AFS + the University of Pennsylvania

We’ve combined AFS’ 75+ years of experience in intercultural learning with the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania’s expertise in social innovation and social impact to create this unique online programme.

Together with peers from all around the world, you’ll embark on a 12-week online journey which will equip you with tools to create and test out a social impact project in your community.

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Learn how to make a difference in your community!

Understand fundamentals of global citizenship, social impact, social innovation, design thinking and creative tools for innovation.
Practice researching your community and social impact issues.
Develop new ideas for meaningful social impact.
Turn your idea for change into a usable prototype, testing it in the real world.
Get feedback on your prototype by an official committee of evaluators from AFS and the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Develop self-awareness by reflecting on and understanding your own cultural identities and perspectives plus those of others.
Interact and engage in open dialogue with peers from around the world.
Examine intercultural issues and how they are fundamental to Changemaking.

Is the AFS Global You Changemaker Programme for you?

This is a global programme and it is 100% online. It is designed for students from ages 15 to 17 years old, who are looking to change their community and the world. If you:

are creative, curious and committed
would like to create a positive change in the world
want to develop your own social impact project
want to make connections with global peers around the world
have an advanced written and verbal understanding of English language

Then this programme is definitely for you.

Why do it?

In addition to getting new skills and abilities, you will:

Connect with peers your age from all around the world.

Dive deep into social impact and make a difference wherever you are in the world.

Learn from your fellow peers and their projects plus contribute your own.

Be supported by expert AFS and the Center for Social Impact Strategy facilitators along the way.

Get the Advanced Certificate on Global Citizenship for Social Impact from AFS and the the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, recognizing you for your hard work and learning.

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How does it work?

There are 18 go-at-your-own-speed online modules with videos and activities, a discussion forum to exchange ideas, as well as five live sessions where you will meet, connect and collaborate with peers from around the world, with guided learning from AFS and the University of Pennsylvania. After you enroll, you’ll be asked to indicate your desired days and times for the live sessions, so that we can do our best to accommodate your schedule and needs.

The programme takes 12 weeks total (about 2-3 hours each week) to complete. The programme is flexible and designed to fit around students’ busy schedules. Ready to join your global peers and get started!?

How long is the online course?

The program lasts 12 weeks total. There are 18 go-at-your-own-speed online modules with videos, activities, quizzes, and discussion forums as well as five live sessions where you can meet, connect and collaborate with peers from around the world. You’ll spend about 3 hours on the programme each week.

What are the age requirements for this programme?

When can I participate in this online course?

Do I need to understand or speak English?

What do I need to participate in this online course?

In addition to your creativity and desire to make an impact in the world, you will need:

A computer, smartphone or other digital device to access the programme content and forum.
An integrated webcam and mic for taking part in the online live sessions
A stable internet (wifi) connection.
Ability to record a final 3-5 minute video presentation (can be done on your phone or computer).
An advanced written & verbal understanding of English language.

Do I get a Certificate?

What do I need to accomplish in order to get the Certificate?

To earn your Certificate, you must:

Attend all 5 live sessions on Zoom with more peers from around the world,
Successfully complete all modules and activities in the online learning platform, including quizzes (you can retake the quizzes as many times as you need to achieve your goal—we want you to learn!),
Successfully complete a social innovation prototype project where you design and get feedback on an idea that can make a social impact.

I have completed the AFS Global You Adventurer, can I now take the Changemaker programme?

Will I get academic credit hours?

Help your teen unleash their creativity, develop a social impact project and become an AFS Global You Changemaker. If all requirements are successfully met, your teen will get the Advanced Certificate on Global Citizenship for Social Impact issued by AFS and the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

AFS has been transforming lives and developing active global citizens through our intercultural programmes for over 75 years.The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League University and one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Plus, your teen will have a fun and productive time while they help to make the world a better place for everyone.

Why did AFS partner with the University of Pennsylvania?

AFS and the University of Pennsylvania know that young people can change the world for the better. This is why we have partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s (Penn) Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS). We have partnered CSIS so that your teen can develop the knowledge and skills that let them practice social innovation skills and test out social projects in their community and measure their impact. They will use these abilities for life.