Every year, universities invest millions in study abroad, but how do you actually prove its impact? Stop saying your programs change lives. Start proving it

Sponsoring Contribution
The GCRC

How can universities and study abroad programs systematically measure and demonstrate the global and international competencies students develop through international education?

Measuring and Certifying Global Competence in Higher Education

A ten-year international research initiative bringing together leading universities and study abroad programs to measure, document, and certify cross-cultural learning outcomes at scale.

10-Year

Aggregated Data International Research Consortium.

Free Pilot

Global Network Platform Launch free pilot for up to 500 students during Spring 2027

20+

Institutions expectd for the period 2026-2027

Research Methodology
GCRC Online Platform
A sleek modern tablet displaying a clean analytics dashboard with colorful charts, student competency scores, and a world map, shot in soft natural light on a light gray desk.
A sleek modern tablet displaying a clean analytics dashboard with colorful charts, student competency scores, and a world map, shot in soft natural light on a light gray desk.
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GLOBAL ONLINE PLATFORM

Measure the Impact of Your Study Abroad

Every year, universities invest millions in study abroad, but how do you actually prove its impact?

We've developed the world's first evidence-based certification that scientifically measures the professional, personal, and intercultural competencies students gain during their international experience. Through simple pre- and post-program assessments, students receive a recognized Global Experience Certification, while your institution gains powerful analytics, benchmarking reports, and independent evidence of program effectiveness. Strengthen accreditation, enhance recruitment, and demonstrate measurable outcomes—not just student satisfaction.

Stop saying your programs change lives. Start proving it.

Short Video

Study abroad is one of the few educational investments that continues to generate returns throughout a graduate's career. Research consistently shows that international experiences enhance critical professional skills—including adaptability, intercultural communication, problem-solving, confidence, resilience, and leadership—which are increasingly valued by employers in a global economy. The Institute of International Education (IIE) found that nearly 90% of study abroad alumni reported that their experience helped them develop valuable job skills, while the British Council (2013) observed that internationally mobile students were significantly more likely to secure graduate-level employment and less likely to experience long-term unemployment. In addition, a meta-analysis by Varela (2017) concluded that studying abroad produces significant improvements in intercultural competence, one of the strongest predictors of success in international careers. Together, these findings suggest that study abroad provides long-term career advantages that extend well beyond graduation.

NAFSA, in partnership with labor market analytics firm Emsi (now Lightcast), found that more than 31 million U.S. job openings require skills commonly developed through study abroad, demonstrating the growing labor market value of international experience.

Global Experience Certification, a certification that demonstrates your study abroad program's commitment to developing globally competent graduatess

Guaranteed technically and by scientific community

9

Sections measuring international competencies

100%

Accurate, Engaging and Self Administered

100+

Cited in U.S. Media

Certification for 1-3 years

The certification process for GCRC members is fast, simple, and secure. Before departure, each student receives a unique confidential access code to complete a set of brief online questionnaires that establish a baseline of their international and professional competencies. At the end of the study abroad program, students complete a second assessment to measure changes in those competencies. The results are analyzed to identify individual and program-level improvements, and all findings are presented in confidential reports available only to the authorized participants and institutions.