NESA UGRAD Re-Entry Workshop
World Learning partnered with the University of Utah to host this year’s NESA UGRAD Re-Entry Workshop in Salt Lake City. All eighty-one participants spent April 1st-4th engaging in seminars, discussions and activities aimed at better preparing them for life after UGRAD.
Students reconnected with friends across the program on the first night of the workshop through a dinner hosted by the University of Utah, which culminated in an inspirational speech by three-time Paralympic gold medalist, Muffy Davis, reminding us all not just to survive, but to ‘Surthrive’! The dinner also included speeches from Pearl (Nigeria, Northwest College) and Muhammad (India, Emporia State University). Afterwards, participants posed for pictures with Muffy Davis and her gold medals.
The workshop programming included several sessions that focused on personal strengths, goal setting and reverse culture shock. Additionally, participants reinforced their commitment to community service by preparing and planting a community garden, the food from which will provide for refugee families who have recently arrived in Salt Lake City. The students learned more about the Western U.S. by visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah and enjoyed a picturesque sunset while learning about Alumni Resources from U.S. Department of State Program Officer, Jamie Sharp. Learning more about how to work with others and trying lots of new activities such as archery, cycling, and rock climbing, UGRADs spent a day at a former Olympic venue at Park City, the National Ability Center. After returning from Park City, participants were treated to traditional Native American dance by the Little Feathers dance group, as well as a workshop certificate ceremony and unique performances by UGRAD students at Open Mic Night.
Overall, the re-entry workshop provided NESA participants with a vast amount of resources to help them prepare for life in their home countries, as well as long lasting-memories with good friends, both new and old.