Spotlight
Highlights from the ACT international community including academic updates, event recaps, testimonials, and more!
ACT Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) Program Receives Updated ACE Credit Recommendations
The GAC program has earned renewed ACE credit recommendations through 2028, with 58 transferable credits across 20 courses—including first-time recognition for future-ready skills like entrepreneurship and social-emotional learning.
AES Education Tours in China: Connecting Students to Global Universities
In April 2025, ACT Education Solutions hosted two successful university tours across China, connecting 2,800+ students with 50+ global institutions. Discover how these events opened doors to study abroad—and how you can join future tours.
Highlights of 2024 ACT GAC Asia Summit and Education Fair
At the end of October 2024, the ACT GAC Asia Summit and International Education Fair gathered hundreds of stakeholders from across Asia in Shanghai, China, to discuss pressing issues in international education and support students on their educational journeys.
GAC Partner University – University of Missouri
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a major, comprehensive research university, and one of only 35 public U.S. universities to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities.
Testimonials
“One of the most significant impacts the GAC program bestowed upon us was the cultivation of robust study skills and effective learning habits.”
Ms. Yenny Lajanto, Principal of Teach Indonesia School (TIS), Indonesia
“The GAC program is not just a curriculum; it’s a journey that equips our students with essential tools for success in their future universities.”
Ms. Ana Papic, Director of Studies, Dongguan Hanlin Experimental School, China
“From the perspective of teaching and learning, GAC is the best suit for the university preparation in terms of syllabus, assessments design and its approaches for diverse students and cultures especially for non-English speaking students.”
Ms. Su Myat Htet, teacher, Royal Academic Institute, Myanmar
“The GAC program gave me essential skills for my success. Its curriculum prepared me for professional challenges. To current students, utilize this resource fully. The skills you learn are invaluable.”
Ms. Tiffany Ramadhani, GAC alumni from Indonesia.
“Studying the GAC program has been an emotional rollercoaster that has undoubtedly helped me grow as a person while bettering my abilities in multiple fields.”
José Miguel Rubio Merio, student at Colegio Euro Texcoco, Mexico
“The GAC program is different from other programs. It cultivates independent learning, team spirit, and research skills.”
Huang Liming, GAC graduate at Nanjing Jinling High School, China
“Attending the GAC course is one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey as the benefits and experiences gained during the course have been far-reaching and impactful, preparing me thoroughly for the university life and beyond.”
Sai Woon Tip, GAC graduate at Royal Academic Institute, Myanmar
ACT Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) Program Receives Updated ACE Credit Recommendations
ACT is pleased to announce that the American Council on Education (ACE) has completed its review of the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program, renewing its college credit recommendations for all 20 submitted courses, as seen here. These recommendations, valid through May 31, 2028, affirm the GAC curriculum’s alignment with U.S. higher education standards and support credit transfer for students at universities.
Key Highlights of the ACE Review
- 58 recommended credits across 20 GAC courses, all applicable to lower-division baccalaureate degree programs.
- First-time credit recommendations for the GAC’s new holistic education courses, including:
- Social Emotional Learning through Project-based Learning
- Education and Career Navigation: Finding Your Pathways
- Project-based Learning and Research Methods
- Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship
- Continued recognition of the GAC’s core academic courses in English, independent study skills, and communication.
The ACE review underscores the GAC program’s rigor, engagement, and alignment with postsecondary curricula, providing external validation of its value as a competency-based international college preparation program.
Benefits for Universities and Students
The updated ACE credit recommendations:
- Support university credit transfer decisions, facilitating smoother admissions for GAC graduates.
- Offer potential cost savings for students by reducing the time and tuition needed to complete a degree.
- Highlight the GAC’s unique strengths in preparing international students with future-ready skills, blending academic excellence with project-based and social-emotional learning.
ACE Reviewers’ Positive Feedback
The ACE faculty review team noted:
“The course learning outcomes, content, and assessments are aligned within the courses and with similar courses offered at post-secondary institutions. Each course employs a variety of assessments to provide learners with multiple ways to demonstrate their learning. The robust assessments measure learning at the various levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, and in a few of the courses, the review team mentioned that the courses almost met the minimum for upper-division credit recommendations.”
Additionally, reviewers praised the program’s engaging instructional methods, detailed learner and instructor guides, and well-structured rubrics that ensure consistent grading.
In mid-April, our ACT Education Solutions (AES) team in Shanghai successfully hosted two dynamic education tours across China, engaging GAC Approved Teaching Centers (ATCs) and prospective partner schools. These events connected students with leading global universities while introducing the upcoming ACT enhancements.
Exploring Global Opportunities
Both tours featured an engaging ACT Passport activity, where students collected stamps from university booths by speaking with admissions representatives, turning exploration into a fun, rewarding experience! Students explored study destinations like the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Singapore, and beyond, gaining insights into admissions, scholarships, and career opportunities.
ACT x Udentity China High School Tour (April 13-18)
- Route: 11 high schools across Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Qingdao, Yantai, Harbin and Shanghai
- Highlight: Boutique-style fairs with in-person and virtual university booths
- Universities: 14 institutions from 6 countries
- Participants: 800+ students and parents
2025 ACT Spring International Education Fair (April 14-18)
- Route: 9 schools across Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Beijing
- Highlight: Large-scale fairs with expert panels on study abroad trends
- Universities: 40+ institutions from 13 countries
- Participants: 2000+ students and parents
Why These Tours Matter
✓ For Students & Parents: Direct access to university reps for personalized admissions guidance.
✓ For High Schools: Strengthened ties between classrooms and global higher education.
✓ For Universities: Efficient recruitment across multiple high-achieving Chinese schools.
What Participants Are Saying
Students gained clarity on studying abroad, while university reps appreciated the streamlined, high-impact format. Teachers and school leaders also praised the events for fostering meaningful connections.
Here’s feedback from one participating school:
“The 2025 High School Tour was truly an outstanding experience…offering students valuable insights into university options and career pathways. The organization was seamless… The university representatives were approachable...making it easy for students to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations…We are grateful to have been part of this event and look forward to future collaborations…”
Join Us in the Next One!
We’re expanding our upcoming tours and welcome:
- Universities: Boost visibility among GAC students and high-achieving applicants.
- Schools: Host a tour stop to bring global opportunities to your students.
- Students & Parents: Attend to explore study abroad pathways.
Submit a Contact Us form to:
- Learn about becoming a GAC Partner University.
- Attend or host a future tour.