The State Department created the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) in 2011 to support alumni initiatives that promote shared values and innovative solutions to global challenges. The competition provides small grants to teams of past and current participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to carry out public service projects that utilize skills and knowledge they have gained through their exchange …
I initially wanted to start by saying “it is a dream come true…”, but I decided not to. Instead, I would like to start by saying, “I feel unspeakably blessed that some of my life milestones have been accomplished here in the land of dreams – the USA.” Using my cultural enrichment allowance and my savings (I am usually not …
Aleksandra Smrekar (Serbia) and Nikola Gudovic (Montenegro) are both studying for the year at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Soon after they arrived, they found an amazing opportunity to volunteer in their host community. Shortly after our arrival to the U.S., Nikola and I learned about ArtPrize in a rather unusual way. While waiting for all of …
March Madness is upon us! During this once-a-year craze that grips the nation, millions of people watch in earnest as their college basketball teams battle it out on the court. In the end, however, there can only be one! Officially, it is called “NCAA Men’s (or Women’s) Division 1 Basketball Championship”, but most refer to it colloquially as March Madness. …
As part of the World Learning alumni family we invite you to apply for an exciting training opportunity. The Alumni Engagement Initiative, supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, is a continuing education initiative that focuses on planning and implementing civic projects in your community. Through online videos, peer discussions and interactive assignments you will have the chance to turn theory into …
I would be the first to agree with the idea that the more you step out of your comfort zone, the more experiences you may accumulate. After a long week of hard work for the mid-term tests, I was excited to pack up and go to Kentucky to visit my friends in the U.S. whom I consider my third family! …
This past February, the University of Mississippi was once again in the national news. On February 17, the James Meredith statue, a civil rights marker of the first African American student at Ole Miss, was found defaced with a noose around its neck and draped with an old Georgia state flag, which has the Confederate symbol. Investigations soon began. The …
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia concluded on February 23rd, culminating in three weeks of international competition. The games were record setting in more ways than one: not only did an unprecedented 88 nations compete, but they also carried the highest price tag of any winter games to date – over $51 billion in total.
What would you do if you learned that someone you know is in trouble and you are miles away? Would you still be concerned? Would you still help? My answer is yes! When you want to help someone you do not think twice about reaching out, and the distance does not matter. The spark of volunteerism in you will push …
The Mid-Year Workshop in Washington, DC brought together 47 Global UGRAD students from Serbia and Montenegro. This three-day conference focused on students’ academic, professional, and leadership skills with an emphasis on networking, teambuilding, and action planning. During the workshop, the students visited a number of international and U.S. organizations working in their respective fields of study – the U.S. Department …