2026 AFS Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The program is open to individuals aged 18 and above who work as Formal Education Teachers, School Leaders/Administrators, or Non-Formal Educators and Advocates.

Participants who successfully fulfill all three phases of the program will earn the AFS Global Competence Certificate and a certificate of participation in the GCED Impact Forum.

The GCC 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 Global Up 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. The certification can represent your expertise in cross-cultural communication, inclusive pedagogy, and intercultural education.

No prior GCED experience is necessary, though applicants should demonstrate an action-oriented mindset and a commitment to integrating global perspectives into their educational contexts.

While both programs converge at the Global Citizen Summit, AFS GCED Connect is a 4-phase blended learning journey designed specifically for educators, school administrators, and education advocates (aged 18+) to complete the Global Up Educators certification and translate global competence and the AFS Educational Framework into classroom practice and policy. In contrast, the Regional AFS Youth Assembly (RYA) is a 3-day regional leadership conference designed for young leaders and changemakers (aged 16–35) focusing on youth-led SDG project incubation, masterclasses, and cross-border action tracks.

No. As both programs feature distinct, intensive schedules and structured learning phases, participants cannot enroll in both simultaneously. However, delegates from both events will unite on November 21, 2026, for cross-sector networking and collaboration during the joint Global Citizen Summit.

Yes. We offer discounts for participants affiliated with AFS Partner Schools with active Memoranda of Agreement (MOA).

If you are interested in establishing a partnership between your school and AFS Philippines, you may contact our team at [email protected].

Yes. Kindly coordinate with the AFS GCED Connect Secretariat at [email protected] for requests for letter of endorsements. Kindly specify your school head’s name in your inquiry.

Yes, active engagement and completion of all four phases are mandatory to successfully finish the track and qualify for certification. The participant cannot opt to attend only one or two phases of the GCED Connect.

No. Participants are required to commit to all four phases—the asynchronous online modules, Virtual Facilitated Dialogue Session (FDS),  in-person GCED Impact Forum, and Global Citizen Summit to maximize their GCED Connect experience.

The applicant may only receive access to the Global Up LMS platform once the AFS GCED Connect team verifies their payment for the registration fee.

Yes. Participants must complete the online modules by November 12, 2026 or before the virtual Facilitated Dialogue Session (FDS) on November 14, 2026 with the Global Up Qualified Facilitators.

Yes. The GCED Connect registration fee is priced at USD 200 for non-AFS Partner Schools (Early Bird Discount: USD 185; only until September 18, 2026) and USD 180 for AFS Partner School (Early Bird Discount: USD 165; only until September 18, 2026). You may check if you are associated with an AFS Partner School here.

Registration fee refunds are available within 48 hours of payment confirmation for a 100% full refund, or within 72 hours for a 50% refund, after which no refunds will be issued.

The applicant may use their school ID, certificate of employment, or an official endorsement letter signed by your school head/principal. 

The registration fee includes the Global Up Educators program fee, snacks, lunch, certificates, and other event materials for the GCED Impact Forum and Global Citizen Summit. The fee does not include the accommodation, transportation, or personal incidental expenses incurred during the in-person events at the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite campus. Participants are advised to arrange their own travel and lodging accommodations accordingly.

After submitting your pre-application form, you will receive a registration email containing a dedicated Google Form link specifically for uploading payment confirmation.

After submitting your pre-application form, you will receive an email containing your statement of account (SOA) and a dedicated Google Form link specifically for uploading your proof of payment.