What shapes who we are? Is it the grades we achieve, or the things we learn? Or is it what we learn about ourselves both inside and outside the classroom?
At NIST International School in Bangkok, education extends far beyond academic achievement. As a school committed to nurturing globally minded, compassionate, and action-oriented individuals, NIST is proud to be the only school in Thailand to offer the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) a unique and transformative credential that celebrates students’ character and the experiences that nurture their global citizenship.
The GCD is an optional diploma that complements NIST’s existing academic programs, such as the IB Diploma Programme, the International Award, and the school’s extensive service learning program. It provides students with the opportunity to reflect on how they are living out the values of global citizenship through leadership, service, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Rather than focusing solely on academic results, the GCD recognizes the lived experiences and perspectives that shape who students are becoming.
A Framework for Real-World Impact
The core of the GCD is global understanding, intercultural communication, and community engagement—because these elements are essential for thriving in an increasingly interconnected world. In a time when empathy and cultural fluency are more important than ever, the GCD encourages students to move beyond the classroom and connect with diverse communities and global issues.
Within their selection from the other 12 GCD competencies, students submit evidence of their participation in significant experiences, alongside personal reflections that highlight their growth and impact. Whether volunteering with local partners, leading initiatives, exploring identity through art, or collaborating across cultures, each entry represents a student’s commitment to making a meaningful difference.
At NIST, many students find that their GCD journey aligns with the school’s broader mission to inspire individuals to achieve their potential and create a better world. The diploma gives structure and recognition to passions such as sustainability, mental health advocacy, and social justice—many of which grow into long-term projects that extend beyond school.
Global Connections Through the GCD UP
As part of a global consortium of 12 schools across 6 continents offering the GCD, NIST students also take part in cross-campus collaborations like the GCD UP. These shared experiences provide powerful opportunities for intercultural learning and global connection.
This year, a group of NIST students visited our partner school in Nanjing International School, China to participate in the GCD UP. By engaging with Chinese history and culture with peers from other GCD schools, our students gained new insights into their own identities and values. They visited historic sites, collaborated on projects, and connected through shared meals and stories.
More than just a trip, the experience offered a deeper understanding of different worldviews and sparked lifelong friendships that will shape how these students move through the world. With GCD schools located across continents, these in-person exchanges create a rare and valuable opportunity for students to see global citizenship in action.
Student-Led, Personally Meaningful
One of the most impactful aspects of the GCD is that students take the lead in driving it forward. Students choose experiences that are meaningful to them. This fosters ownership, self-awareness, and authentic storytelling. Through this journey, students not only develop skills like empathy, critical thinking, and intercultural competence but also create a portfolio that reflects who they are as people, not just students. Our teachers support GCD students through workshops, and mentoring, in collaboration with our dedicated Student Steering Committee that helps guide others in their journey of growth and reflection.
Recognition That Matters
The GCD is more than a credential as it’s a declaration of values, action, and hope. NIST graduates who earn the GCD leave with a strong sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their role in a global society. They are ready not only for university but for the challenges and responsibilities of the world beyond.