Alumni , Fairleigh Dickinson University , Mozambique , Professional Development , Sub-Saharan Africa
Life can sometimes feel like a fight. From time to time we’re faced with punches, kicks, fish hooks or jabs, that come in the form of challenges, obstacles, and sometimes failures. Growing up in a low-income country, I made myself through education in our public schools, in a classroom with over 60 classmates, sometimes sitting on the floor or sharing …
Alumni , Azerbaijan , Eurasia
After Global UGRAD, the six of us – Sabina, Zeynab, Elgun, Maleyka, Sevda and I (Pasha) – met for the first time on a chilly October day to catch up with each other. Of course, our reunion had to be somewhere resembling the U.S. – Starbucks! We started sharing our impressions of the exchange program and what we’ve done since …
Academic Exchange , Academics , american connections , American Host Institutions , Bangladesh , Career , Florida Gulf Coast University , Professional Development , South Asia
While studying Disaster Science & Management and as a Global UGRAD student at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) this past semester, I had the amazing opportunity to present my research paper at the American Geophysical Union Conference 2018 in Washington, DC. I was requested to present at the largest geophysical conference where people from all over the world gather to …
Algeria , Alumni , Grand Valley State University
Each December we hear and repeat: “New Year, New Me” As if the old us is a ghost, that can no longer be We seek condolences in this “new year resolutions” symphony Forgetting how far we’ve come, abandoning ourselves with no sympathy We forget that our souls are so divine Souls that went through storms and crossed the lines All …
Alumni , East Asia and the Pacific , Philippines , Professional Development , Utica College
A Full Circle: Two Years of Paying it Forward Two years have passed since I received the Global UGRAD award from the Philippine Fulbright Commission and, although perhaps cliché, the program changed my life. In my opinion, Global UGRAD is unique because it is holistic. In addition to experiencing the rigor of U.S. coursework and the diversity of American culture, …
Academics , american connections , American Host Institutions , The U.S. Perspective
The Global UGRAD Program is currently accepting applications for host institutions! The Global UGRAD Program will support approximately 250 promising leaders from about 60 different countries during the 2019-20 academic year. Global UGRAD students add diversity to campuses and valuable perspectives in the classroom. World Learning is seeking a cadre of universities and colleges to host these dynamic students. Interested …
Academic Exchange , Academics , american connections , American Host Institutions , Bangladesh , Career , Diversity and Inclusion , Fayetteville University , Professional Development , South Asia
“Coming-out stories are always fascinating to listen to, but unfortunately I don’t have a gratifying coming out story to tell. I haven’t come out to my parents yet. I don’t know when I will.” I paused and took a deep breath. In a big hall, I was speaking in front of over 30 people. I had never been a speaker …
Academic Exchange , Alumni , Florida Gulf Coast University , Kosovo
In the vast and varied landscape of Florida I found true friendship. I met two girls from different corners of the world, one from Bangladesh, the other from Uzbekistan, and me from Kosovo. Our friendship started on Facebook a month before coming to the States. Fate was on our side to get chosen to study in Florida at Florida Gulf …
Academic Exchange , Bennett College , Community Service , Tajikistan
I spent my Global UGRAD exchange semester at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Due to my strong interest in migration, global development, and humanitarian assistance, I volunteered for the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program as a community mentor and English language tutor for a refugee family from Africa. By working for the Immigration and Refugee Program, I …
Latin America and the Caribbean , Middle East and North Africa
Josh Dei is joining the Global UGRAD team as a Program Associate for the Latin America & Middle East regions. Josh is currently working towards achieving an M.A. in Latin American & Hemispheric Studies from the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Originally from Pennsylvania, he completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Spanish from the University …