Global Learn & Share (GLS) is an immersive international leadership exchange program that connects Canadian co-operative and credit union professionals with co-operatives and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Rooted in co-operative principles, GLS is designed as an intentional leadership and learning experience — not exposure tourism — creating opportunities for meaningful peer learning, mentorship, and cross-cultural exchange.
Through workshops, site visits, mentorship exchanges, and dialogue with global co-operative leaders, participants deepen their understanding of international co-operative development while strengthening leadership skills, building lasting sector connections, and contributing to sustainable community impact.
Over 7–10 immersive days, participants will travel to a host country in Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean as part of an intentional exchange experience rooted in co-operative principles. Through Global Learn & Share, participants deepen their leadership capacity through peer learning, mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration with co-operative and credit union professionals from around the world.
Learn
Engage directly with co-operatives, credit unions, and community leaders through workshops, mentorship exchanges, site visits, and peer dialogue that deepen sector understanding, cultural competencies, and perspectives on global co-operative development.
Share
Contribute your own knowledge, experience, and leadership perspectives through meaningful professional exchange, helping strengthen host organizations while advancing shared co-operative values and sustainable community impact.
Unlock Opportunities for Learning & Sharing
How employees benefit
- Enhance Cultural Competence: Refine your soft skills, strengthen your understanding of the credit union sector, and explore global nuances.
- Social Responsibility: Fight poverty and make a lasting impact using the Credit Union/Co-operative model.
- (Re) discover the power of Co–ops and Credit Unions: Understand the uniqueness of your sector and how your organization is part of a global movement to make a difference.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Gain fresh ideas and strategies for your credit union by immersing yourself in diverse environments.
- Leadership Excellence: Strengthen your core competencies and maximize your impact.
How organizations benefit
By participating in the Global Learn and Share Program, you invest in your organization’s current and emerging leaders. This program empowers individuals to achieve:
- Personal Growth: Enhance resilience by navigating diverse landscapes, challenges, and triumphs.
- Meaningful Impact: Positively influence local communities.
- Global Perspective: Broaden horizons with exposure to diverse credit union models, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics.
- Elevate Your Organization’s Brand: Boost employee morale, retention, and establish your reputation as a forward-thinking institution valuing continuous learning and a global perspective.
Sending your employees to the Global Learn & Share Program allows your organization to embrace a professional development opportunity tailored to the credit union sector. It not only nurtures leadership skills and talent but also enhances employee satisfaction and retention.
