NEW ORLEANS, La. - NAFSA: Association of International Educators announced today that the International Education Professional Certificate (IEPC) program is now available. The IEPC combines NAFSA’s International Education Professional Competencies™, the scalable and flexible learning experience provided by Common Purpose, and the broad industry reach of Times Higher Education (THE) to deliver the sector’s first professional certificate program. Since the partnership was announced in London earlier this month, more than 400 international educators from across the globe have registered interest in the course.
“Providing a certificate program to guide the professional development of international educators from all over the world at all stages of their career has been a long-held goal of NAFSA’s,” said Fanta Aw, NAFSA executive director and CEO. “The partnership with THE and Common Purpose made it possible to offer a high-quality, on-demand learning experience for our growing and evolving field. It is gratifying to see the sector respond in such a positive way to a program that we’re very proud of.”
The certificate course is grouped into four packages of three modules each, aligned to the framework provided by NAFSA’s 12 core competencies. The first package available for purchase is “decision-making” and is geared toward new professionals, including recent graduates and professionals transitioning from other fields. The other three packages address compliance care, inclusive programs, and agile leadership.
“Through active engagement with the sector, we've recognized the need for a course designed by and for international education professionals,” said Times Higher Education’s chief development officer, Patrick Hayes. “This course aims to equip them with essential knowledge and skills to progress in their careers, wherever they are in the world. It is a genuine partnership among three dedicated organizations, renowned globally across the higher education sector, combining their strengths to create a transformative program benefiting both professionals and the students they serve.”
Learners can expect training on topics including how to responsibly allocate fiscal resources in pursuit of innovative internationalization; how to design and deliver inclusive and accessible programs, and how to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
“The launch of the International Education Professional Certificate marks an important milestone in our commitment to fostering inclusive learning through global collaboration and partnership,” said Adirupa Sengupta, group chief executive, Common Purpose Charitable Trust. “The enthusiastic response from the sector underscores the program's value and our shared dedication to advancing the field of international education.”
Courses for high-potential and senior professionals will be brought online in the coming months. Incentives are available for group purchases and for registering for the full 12-module course. Upon successful completion of the self-paced program, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
More information, including pricing and purchasing details, is available at NAFSA.org.
About NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Serving more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Visit us at nafsa.org/press. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on behalf of international education, visit nafsa.org/takeaction. Resources to guide our members on regulatory issues can be found at nafsa.org/reginfo.
About Common Purpose
Common Purpose delivers transformative learning experiences for individuals and organizations who want to make a difference in their worlds, and the world around them. Established over 35 years ago, they have over 125,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit Common Purpose: Lead with a Difference.
About Times Higher Education
Empowering higher education by combining data and expertise within a global platform, Times Higher Education helps universities deliver transformative impact for people, places and the planet. We connect the world’s higher education community, facilitate the flow of ideas and talent, and help academics and students fulfill their potential. We are proud to support universities, and believe that together we will build a better, more sustainable future. For more information visit Times Higher Education or find us on X: @timeshighered @THEworldunirank or LinkedIn.