Connecting Classrooms, Communities, and the World – The Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century
The world of higher education is changing rapidly, and the Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century (GHEA21) is at the forefront. Formerly known as the Open Society University Network (OSUN), this global network of universities and higher-education institutions brings together students and faculty from across continents, uniting them around a shared mission: to foster academic freedom, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration.
GHEA21 is more than a network of schools. It is a community, a platform, and a movement that seeks to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges – from climate change and social inequality to human rights and sustainable development. By connecting classrooms, projects, and lectures across borders, the alliance creates opportunities for both students and faculty to learn, teach, and collaborate on a truly global scale.
Opportunities for Students
For students, GHEA21 opens doors to a world of learning, leadership, and practical experience
- Online Courses & Network Collaborative Courses (NCCs): Students can enroll in fully online courses or co-taught NCCs that connect peers from multiple partner universities. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, and some international courses can even be added to their diploma, providing both recognition and academic credit
- Academic Certificates / Micro‑credentials: Curated clusters of courses allow students to earn credentials in areas such as civic engagement, global humanities, human rights, and sustainability, showcasing expertise and initiative beyond the classroom
- Bard Global Degree Program: For students facing barriers to higher education, GHEA21 offers fully online AA or BA degrees through Bard College, creating access to a globally recognized liberal arts education
- Global Engagement Fellows: This year-long, student-led program enables participants to design and implement community projects, building leadership, project management, and civic engagement skills along the way
- Monthly Workshops: Interactive workshops, held regularly across the network, focus on practical skills, collaboration, and global awareness
- Virtual Student Leadership Conference: A two-day international conference that brings students together to explore leadership, teamwork, and global civic engagement
- Get Engaged Conference: Held annually in a different city each year, this in-person event gathers students from around the world to tackle global challenges, exchange ideas, and build networks
- Public Lectures & Network Activities: GHEA21 offers students the chance to participate in forums, discussions, and cross-campus initiatives that broaden perspectives and deepen connections across the network
Through these programs, students gain skills, experiences, and connections that prepare them to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally
Opportunities for Faculty & Staff
GHEA21 offers faculty and staff a range of professional development, teaching, and collaborative opportunities designed to expand the reach and impact of higher education
- Teach Online Courses or NCCs: Faculty can develop and teach courses in collaboration with colleagues at partner institutions, often with development funding. Priority is given to courses that contribute to Academic Certificates, ensuring alignment with global learning goals. More information
- Certificate in Global Pedagogy (GHEA21): This micro-credential program helps faculty enhance student-centered teaching, incorporate global perspectives, and develop inclusive classroom practices. More information
- Faculty Mobility & Fellowships: GHEA21 supports multiple faculty mobility options, including:
- Junior Faculty Development Fellowships
- Visiting Faculty Fellowships (semester or full-year)
- Short-Term Visiting Modules
- Sabbaticals focused on global learning
- Network Professorships across partner institutions
- Digital & Pedagogical Resources: Faculty have access to open teaching materials, online tools, and resources to support hybrid, online, and globally-connected classrooms
Through these opportunities, faculty can innovate, collaborate, and contribute to a vibrant international academic community
Why GHEA21 Matters
GHEA21 is not simply a network of universities-it is a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem. It connects students and faculty in ways that foster global citizenship, intercultural competence, and actionable skills. By participating, students gain experiences that enrich their academic journey and prepare them for real-world impact. Faculty, meanwhile, have the chance to enhance pedagogy, expand professional networks, and influence the next generation of globally minded leaders
Join GHEA21 today and take part in shaping the future of higher education
Stay in touch!
GHEA21 EHU Coordinator