At the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG), service learning is an opportunity for students to transform what they know into meaningful community action that matters. As a leading non-profit international school in China, AISG empowers students to become changemakers through real-world experiences that foster empathy, leadership, and global citizenship.

Empowered by the Global Citizenship Education (GCED) program, AISG students design and lead service projects that address real needs both in Guangzhou and around the world. These student-led initiatives are a powerful expression of The AISG Impact in motion: an inquiry-driven IB Continuum School approach that leads to innovation, service that sparks leadership, and learning that impacts lives both locally and globally.

From healthcare advocacy to educational equity, AISG students are building a legacy of impact - one project at a time. One powerful example is the work of Grade 11 student Zoe, who has taken on a leadership role in the Global Issues Network (GIN). What began as a “just” a commitment has grown into a mission-driven passion, grounded in empathy, action, and connection.

Through organizing home visits and GIN trips, Zoe and her peers have connected directly with underserved communities, learning just how impactful small actions can be.

“Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts and building relationships with the students has been truly heart-warming,” says Zoe. “[GIN] has evolved into a rewarding commitment that has allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.”

Willard Mou, who currently leads Connect for Cancer, is another GCED changemaker. Motivated by personal loss and a drive to make a difference, Willard launched a multi-faceted awareness campaign focused on cancer prevention, patient support, and education. His team has collaborated with hospitals, hosted fundraising events, and built platforms for advocacy. It’s service learning that’s research-based, strategic, and a way to make an impact in the community. 

Both projects are part of the GCED experience, a signature of AISG’s student-led learning model. This program invites students to design impact-driven initiatives that reflect their passions and the needs of their community. It’s where voice, choice, and ownership are encouraged and inspired. 

Service learning is embedded into academics, into the classroom, into the curriculum. At AISG, it’s a vital pathway for students to learn, and grow. 

These projects exemplify what The AISG Impact stands for: transformational learning that leads to visible, lasting change. Students are mentored by expert faculty, supported by a mission-driven school culture, and inspired to pursue ideas that matter. In doing so, they develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose that stays with them long after graduation. This is what it means to be future-ready for life. 

AISG’s commitment to turning knowledge into action is what sets it apart in the international education landscape. Here, service is identity-shaping. Impact is intentional. And leadership starts now. “Service has shown me the power of compassion and that one (young) person's conviction can ignite collective action.” - Willard Mou, Grade 11

When students are given the freedom to lead and the support to grow, they learn about the world and they make meaningful change.