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

Black Badge Certified
Industry Benchmark

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

Study Abroad Program Certification

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.

Min. 100

A minimum of 100 students must successfully complete the program in order for the institution to qualify for the Certificate Badge. (One or multiple study-abroad locations.

Study Abroad Aggregated Data

Certified Badge

Annual Research Report
Advantages

The Global Competency Research Consortium (GCRC) brings together universities and study abroad programs to measure, document, and certify the professional, personal, and experiential competencies students develop abroad. The GCRC is a multi-country, ten-year longitudinal research initiative designed to better understand and measure the added value and long-term impact of study abroad programs.

It addresses a key question for parents, students, communities, and study abroad managers: How much will participating in a study abroad program actually improve a student’s career prospects?

Why become a member of this longitudinal research initiative?

  • Prove your program’s impact with measurable student competency outcomes.

  • Earn GCRC Certification for your university or study abroad program.

  • Add tangible value for students by giving them evidence of the skills they developed abroad.

  • Differentiate your programs with research-based, measurable outcomes.

  • Virtually zero marginal cost per student for participating partners.

A 10-YEAR LONGITUDINAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE FOR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
We are inviting institutions interested in contributing to this research agenda

Advantages

Go beyond a traditional study abroad certificate and academic credits. Give your students the opportunity to earn the Study Abroad Global Experience Certification,  an internationally recognized credential that validates the professional, personal, and global competencies they develop during their experience abroad.

Differentiate your program, increase its perceived value, and position it among the most competitive and innovative study abroad programs available.

20+

Expected Members for 2026-2027

Annual Insights and Data for Our Sponsors.

All participating institutions receive, at a minimum, this level of aggregated data and insight. Institutions seeking a deeper analysis may also request advanced statistical studies, including correlation analyses and ANOVA. We are happy to provide these additional customized research services for an additional fee.

The Research report
The Infographic

This illustrative infographic was created using Gemini Notebook AI and fictional institutional data to demonstrate how the findings and results included in our annual research report may be presented to our sponsors and partners.

ADVANTAGES AND MORE...

Benefits of Earning our Certification for Study Abroad Programs and Students

Study abroad must go beyond traditional approaches to prepare students for a globally connected economy. By stepping beyond basic coursework and tourism, modern programs emphasize hands-on research, cross-cultural competencies, and career-focused education to ensure lasting professional value.

More Applicants for your Study Abroad Program

Improved Study Abroad Program Reputation

Study Abroad Program Quality Improved

Attract top students by demonstrating the proven value of your study abroad experience to both students and their parents.

Proudly display your badge of honor and certification to appeal to shareholders, customers, and other business stakeholders of your Study Abroad Program.

An independent, third-party certification that verifies your students' growth in international competencies and validates the impact of their experiential learning abroad.