In an AFS program, students do more than travel — they go on a learning journey that helps them develop as active global citizens. The AFS Student Learning Journey (SLJ) combines online and in-person learning at every step of an AFS 18- mobility program: before travel, while abroad, and upon return. This online course has been developed by AFS in collaboration with the Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice.
Before an AFS program: time to Discover
At the preparation stage of their program, students have access to AFS's global online learning platform where they are enrolled on an online course that complements the local group orientation sessions delivered in the sending country. The AFS SLJ Online Discover Course is designed to provide students with the initial knowledge, coping strategies and skills needed to have a meaningful intercultural experience and develop as active global citizens.
Students will:
- Explore the fundamentals of global citizenship, intercultural terms and tools that will help you further prepare for your experience
- Investigate key terms, concepts and approaches for social innovation that are important for active global citizens
- Become part of a global community and meet like-minded and diverse people.
Once students complete all Discover course online content modules, they receive a certificate of completion issued by AFS International indicating the knowledge and skills developed. They also have the opportunity to earn a digital badge certified by Credly.
Discover Course Content - about 5.5 hours total to complete
Unit 1: Foundations of Intercultural Learning and Global Citizenship
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Module 1: Active Global Citizenship
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Module 2: Understanding Culture, Understanding Ourselves
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Module 3: Stereotypes & Generalizations
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Module 4: A Tool for Suspending Judgment
Unit 2: Basis for Social Innovation & Changemaking
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Module 5: Introduction to Social Innovation
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Module 6: Creative Tools for Social Innovation
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Module 7: Connecting with Your Community
In addition to the content modules taken asynchronously, on students' own time, they are also invited to join three live online sessions: the AFS Student Global Meetup, Facilitated Dialogue Sessions #1, and Facilitated Dialogue Session #2. These sessions are guided by trained AFS facilitators and offer students a chance to review the content and connect with their global peers.