AFS Global You Changemaker

Develop your social impact project and create positive social change in your community, with certification from the University of Pennsylvania Center for Social Impact Strategy.

Apply for a scholarship now

AFS Global You™ Changemaker

A 12-week interactive virtual exchange program for young people 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, or are interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, design, sustainable development, or social justice, AFS Global You Changemaker is for you!

Take a look at the program trailer:

In 2025, AFS will provide 10 full scholarships for the Changemaker program for candidates according to the criteria below:

Applicants to the AFS Scholarships in Vietnam must meet all of the following criteria outlined:

  • Nationality/Citizenship or Country of Legal Residence – Vietnam
  • Age – 15-18 years old by the start of the program
  • Language – English (ability to communicate/interact)
  • Diversity – Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of the population, particularly young women, underrepresented populations, and students with financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply
  • School – Attending a high school (not graduated)
  • Interest – Interest in global citizenship competencies. Curiosity and willingness to interact with new cultures
  • Previous experiences with AFS – Only candidates who have NOT previously obtained the AFS Global Competence Certificate or participated in an AFS Global Up or Global STEM program before can apply for this scholarship.

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 program.

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.

When you successfully complete the program requirements, you’ll receive the Advanced Certificate on Global Citizenship for Social Impact issued by AFS and the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Is the AFS Global You Changemaker Program for you?

This is a global program and it is 100% online. It’s designed for young people who are looking to change their community and the world. We offer cohorts to teens (ages 15-18). 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 program is for you.

Why do it?

In addition to getting new skills and abilities, you will:
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Connect with global peers from diverse backgrounds.

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

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

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

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

What does the program include?

There are 18 go-at-your-own-speed online modules with videos and activities, a discussion forum to exchange ideas, as well as six 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 program takes 12 weeks total (about 2-3 hours each week) to complete. The program is flexible and designed to fit around students’ busy schedules. At the end of your course, you’ll earn the Advanced Certificate on Global Citizenship for Social Impact issued by AFS and the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible scholarship candidates must comply with the following criteria:

  • Vietnamese nationality or residence permit.
  • Age between 15 and 18 years old by the start of the program
  • Ability to communicate/interact in English
  • Talented young people from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of the population, particularly young women, underrepresented populations, and students with financial need, are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Currently attending a high school.
  • Interest in global citizenship competencies. Curiosity and willingness to interact with new cultures.
  • Previous experiences with AFS – Only candidates who have NOT previously obtained the AFS Global Competence Certificate or participated in an AFS Global Up or Global STEM program before can apply for this scholarship.

Information for Parents

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 programs 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 help young people 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.