Earn Digital Badges Abroad
You're going abroad; now let’s show off what you learned!
Digital credentials are a great way to boost your professional profile or online resume and start networking as you connect your study abroad experience to your career goals. By adding Micro-credentials by WorldStrides to your social media or LinkedIn profile, you can stand out from the crowd by showing off specific skills and knowledge you acquired while abroad.
We are proud to offer the opportunity to earn up to four micro-credentials as part of your study abroad program at no additional cost.
How does it work?
Each micro-credential has a unique set of requirements that can be completed during or immediately following your study abroad experience. And in most cases, you’ll have up to 30 days after your program end date to complete credential requirements.
You’ll complete assignments and share your ideas through our Learning Management System, Schoology, which also allows you to communicate with resident staff, sign up for cultural activities and excursions, and complete your credential requirements. You will receive your login credentials approximately two weeks before your program start date.
All digital micro-credentials are issued via a third-party platform that allows for one-click sharing to LinkedIn, other social networks, and personal websites.
Have questions? Email us at credentials@worldstrides.com.
Which Micro-Credential is right for you?
WAYFINDER
You might be a wayfinder if…you’re adventurous, curious, and involved. Wayfinders actively participate in program activities and lean into historical and cultural knowledge during guided tours. By the program’s end, they know a lot about the customs, history, politics, and environment of their study site and region.
How to enroll:
You’ll automatically be registered for this badge, just by going abroad with us!
How to earn:
You can start earning points prior to departure by completing a Goal Setting Exercise we'll share with you two weeks before your program starts. During the on-site Bridging Cultures Orientation you’ll receive further instructions from your resident director about how to earn the minimum of 50 points. All Wayfinder points must be earned while you are abroad!
INTERCULTURALIST
You might be an interculturalist if…you’re comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone to embrace the new cultures around you. Do you imagine yourself living abroad in the future? Are you curious about what culture is and isn't? Do you enjoy self-reflection and want to pursue a practice of mindful travel? This micro-credential will help you reflect on processes of change abroad that may affect your perceptions of yourself, your culture, and the different beliefs and values held by those in your host country and elsewhere. Highly recommended for social science or humanities majors, as well as students interested in popular neuroscience, mindfulness, and other forms of self-exploration.
How to enroll:
Watch for pre-departure email announcements with a sign-up link. During on-site orientation, you’ll have another opportunity to add this micro-credential to your program and LMS account.
How to earn:
During your program and up to 30 days after, you’ll need to earn at least 50 points in the Interculturalist Course. Our expert instructors will help guide you along the way.
GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL
You might be a global professional if…you’re considering an international career or want to globalize your talent stack. Aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers Career Readiness Competencies, this micro-credential helps you connect your study abroad experience to employability and marketable skills. Assignments will help prepare you to showcase and talk about your time abroad with future employers. Highly recommended for any student that strives to incorporate their hands-on experiences into their résumé of professional skills, competencies, and career goals.
How to enroll:
Watch for pre-departure email announcements with a sign-up link. During on-site orientation, you’ll have another opportunity to add this micro-credential to your program and LMS account.
How to earn:
Same as for Interculturalist above.
CHOOSE EARTH
You might choose earth if…you want to cultivate habits that bring about a better world for all. This micro-credential will help you embrace behaviors associated with sustainable living, global thinking, and informed consumer choice. Inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the Choose Earth course modules are designed for students who want to make an impact as global citizens. Assignments and discussion prompts will challenge you to notice and analyze sustainable practices in your host community and adopt behaviors that reduce your carbon footprint. Recommended environmental activists committed to making a more just and equitable world, or anyone with an interest in sustainable travel and responsible lifestyles.
How to enroll:
Watch for pre-departure email announcements with a sign-up link. During on-site orientation, you’ll have another opportunity to add this micro-credential to your program and LMS account.
How to earn:
Same as for Interculturalist above.
Micro-Credentials in action
Meet Margo, a student from the University of South Florida, who recently studied in Seville, Spain and earned our Interculturalist and Global Professional badges while abroad. Hear how the assignments helped her connect with her study abroad program and reflect on her experience in a whole new way!