This year like no other has reminded us of the power of human connection and how much we can learn from one another—so on November 6, 2021, come together with other globally minded educators from across the country to collaborate at the annual EF Global Education Symposium. During this event, interact with thought leaders from around the world through unique virtual experiences as you learn how to integrate global perspectives into your curriculum and explore ways to provide your students with experiential learning opportunities. You’ll also connect with a community of educators and organizations who will provide valuable tools and resources to help you prepare your students for their futures in an interconnected world.
2021 EF Global Education Symposium
The Power of Human Connection:
Building a Global Community
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Apply Now
This year like no other has reminded us of the power of human connection and how much we can learn from one another—so on November 6, 2021, come together with other globally minded educators from the secondary and higher education space to collaborate at the annual EF Global Education Symposium.
During this event, interact with global thought leaders as we explore the role that global competence, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and inclusion and equity of access play in life-long and travel-based learning experiences.
Event details
In-person event location:
EF Center Boston
2 Education Circle
Cambridge, MA 02141
Virtual event:
Details to come.
Program
Specific details will become available closer to the event.
October
- Pre-conference virtual workshop on global competence hosted by World Savvy
Friday, November 5
- Evening welcome events for virtual and in-person participants. Mingle with EF staff and fellow educators who share your passion for educational travel.
Saturday, November 6
- Welcome
- Keynote address from Dana Mortenson, Co-Founder and CEO of World Savvy
- Session 1: Connecting Underserved Students with Educational Travel Abroad: Using Research and Data to Increase Access
- Explore research and data around the impact of travel on students and discover ways to support increased access to these opportunities.
- Lunch: Connection and conversation
- Session 2: Connecting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Student Engagement
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In interactive workshops led by thought leaders such as the Forum on Education Abroad, the United Nations Foundation, and the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development in Peru, explore more deeply the UN Sustainable Development Goals and techniques for engaging learners in meaningful ways both locally and abroad.
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- Session 3: Connecting Travel-Based Learning and the Classroom
- Join some of EF’s unique partners, such as the Anne Frank House, the Nobel Prize Museum, and the Harvard Think Tank on Global Education, as they take you inside the inspiring work of their organizations and help you explore connections between travel-based learning and the classroom.
- Guided Reflection and Discussion
- Synthesize your takeaways from the day through personal reflection and discussion with other participants in order to return to your learning community ready to take action.
- Closing remarks
Sunday, November 7
- Free time in Boston and return home for in-person attendees
*Schedule and speakers are subject to change without prior notice.
Professional learning outcomes
The Global Education Symposium is a unique opportunity for:
- Professional networking
- Expand your professional network as you exchange ideas and collaborate with globally minded educators.
- Educational innovation
- Gain insight into best practices in global education through expert-led presentations, workshops, and discussions.
- Cultural exploration
- Deepen your global perspective through interactive sessions with student-focused international organizations from around the world.
- Action
- Create next steps to support embedding global perspectives and travel-based learning into your school community.
Professional learning hours/points
A certificate for eight professional learning hours is available by attending the pre-conference workshop and full virtual or in-person event and emailing a two-page reflection to education.department@ef.com.
Click here for a Professional Learning Synopsis that you may submit to your school or district along with your certificate.
In-person and virtual options available
EF will offer simultaneous in-person and live virtual participation options this year. All aspiring attendees are required to submit a scholarship application to attend -- which should only take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Click here for a Professional Learning Synopsis that you may submit to your school or district along with your certificate.
Please note: all in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend. If your scholarship application is accepted, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination upon registration confirmation.
Scholarship details
Attendance at the event—both virtual and in-person—is reserved for scholarship recipients only. Recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to the growth of global education initiatives within their school community and must currently be working with students at the middle school, high school, or college level. The scholarship includes virtual or in-person admission to the event on Saturday, November 6, and for those selected to attend in person, it also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, select meals, and all travel taxes and fees. In-person attendees should plan to arrive in Boston on Friday, November 5 and depart on Sunday, November 7.
Eligibility
Educators currently working with students at the middle school, high school, or college level are eligible to apply. In addition to the online application, applicants must complete an interview with an EF representative. Participation of school or district “teams” is encouraged, however, each applicant must individually complete an online application and an interview with an EF representative. Applications will also be accepted from individual secondary or post-secondary educators who are not applying as part of a school or district ”team.”
* EF reserves the right in its sole discretion to offer in-person participation to select applicants based on their application, personal preference, and other factors.
Interested in attending? Apply now!
Please complete the following if you are applying as part of a school or district “team.” (Optional, if applying individually)
Co-applicant name and email #2
Co-applicant name and email #3
I would prefer to participate in person on the EF campus in Boston, Massachusetts. (In-person participants must be fully vaccinated and will fly into Boston on Friday, Nov. 5, and depart on Sunday, Nov. 7).
I would prefer to participate virtually (all day Saturday only).
I would be willing to participate either in person or virtually.
Your EF representative will reach out to confirm a specific day and time after submission of this portion of the application.
By submitting this application, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.
“This event granted me the opportunity to get outside my geographic area, communicate with others in my field, and experience things from other countries.”
David, teacher from Pennsylvania
“EF did an amazing job putting this event together; the quality of the speakers and the relevancy of the presentations was stunning.”
Amanda, administrator from Missouri
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of molding our students into global citizens, and now I have the tools to do so!”
Janna, teacher from Georgia
“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this truly outstanding event!”
Dennis, administrator from Texas
“While travel is the main experience I've had with EF, the focus of this weekend reiterates the Education First mindset.”
Greg, administrator from South Carolina
