UGRAD Alumnus from Serbia, Jelena Bulajic, was recently featured as one of two portrait artists in the CNN program “Ones to Watch”. On her UGRAD program, Jelena studied art at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her talent was undeniable even then as she was featured in local newspapers for her artistry. World Learning is proud to count such an accomplished artist …
It is important to set aside time to reflect on the experiences that give our lives meaning. The UGRAD students are asked to complete small “reflection” assignments throughout their time on the program, and the topic for the month of October is ‘Goals’. Hnin NuNu Luin, a UGRAD student at Missouri State University, put it best by noting that “achieving …
On October 4th, many UGRAD students found themselves celebrating the important holiday of Eid al-Adha away from their families – some for the first time in their lives. Being far from home did not stop them from bringing the festivities to their host communities. Students sought out Muslim communities in their new towns to celebrate the holiday. Other students celebrated …
One of the first things a UGRAD student does after settling into their host community is find community service opportunities. In a new place and culture this can be daunting, but UGRAD students never fail to impress us with their ingenuity and dedication. This year is no different. Our UGRAD students have already found impressive volunteer opportunities to give back in …
Flags are powerful symbols. While simple in design – usually consisting of a few colors and a basic pattern – they nonetheless have inherent power. The reason is obvious; they represent something far greater than themselves. Flags represent a nation, and by extent they represent the people of that nation. Flags tell a story of their history, culture and ideology. Rooted …
By Mihajlo Novakovic (Serbia, UGRAD 2013-2014, Tennessee Technological University) It was during my very first week on another continent and I can say I was in a completely different world. We went to the welcome session for international students and afterwards, we were all given the opportunity to apply online for a friendship family to complement our American experience. Nevertheless, …
As the cooler breeze of October sweeps through the United States, so does the mighty current of school spirit. For many Americans, fall means one thing: the start of football season. Campus culture takes on a new vibrancy as athletes don their shoulder pads and helmets and take to the field. UGRAD students are also feeling school pride and sporting their …
During the last week of October, World Learning staff members Jessica Mead and Roya Zahed will be at the NAFSA Regional Conferences in Jackson, Mississippi and Albany, New York respectively. If you or another representative from your university will be attending one of these conferences and would like to meet with Jessica or Roya, please send an email to the …
On August 13th, 2012, I embarked on the adventure that has changed my life completely: I officially started the UGRAD program. I landed on U.S. soil as a proud UGRADer from Haiti and attended the University of Southern Indiana, which rapidly became my second home. I focused my studies mainly on entrepreneurship and communication. One of my goals from the …
Maniphet Phengsavatdy (Bic) is working as an intern in the External Affairs sector at the World Bank. She has been participating in many community service activities, namely the English Tutoring Class, where she volunteered as a coordinator and tutor; AEIF’s College Majors Guidebook & Web project, where she is volunteering in a data collection team; and Dare to Dream Project, …