Campus Activities and Events
While Global UGRAD participants gain meaningful insights from their coursework, their exchange experience extends beyond the classroom. Read on to learn about some of the exciting and enriching activities offered by their host campuses.
Anesu Bunhu | Zimbabwe | SUNY Plattsburgh
“I went snow tubing at Titus Mountain with my fellow UGRADs. The event was hosted by the SUNY Plattsburgh Student Association. It was a blast. The university is located in the northern part of America, so our host city tends to be very cold! With that in mind, it would have been a crime leaving Plattsburgh without doing any winter activities or having any winter experiences. Fun fact: snow tubes can move as fast as 20-30 mph!”
Urick Yautakey | Papua New Guinea | University of Central Missouri
“The University of Central Missouri’s English Language Institute hosted an engaging Q&A session with former Missouri State Senator David Pearce. He shared valuable insights into state government operations, including how policies are developed, the legislative process, and the challenges and responsibilities of public service. One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of civic engagement and staying informed about government decisions that impact our communities. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from someone with firsthand experience in shaping public policy. Events like these remind us of the importance of being proactive citizens of our country and broadened our understanding of how American government functions.”
Fidelya Fredelina | Indonesia | University of Wisconsin – Stout
“UW-Stout has many student organizations that host fun events, like Thursday Night Out by Blue Devils Productions. Every Thursday night, this organization hosts music, comedy, or a movie night. One Thursday, they held a comedy show featuring Feraz Ozel, and I attended with another UGRAD student. That time in the semester was particularly tough for me – all of my assignments were due that week, but I (reluctantly) decided to take a break by going to the show. It was only an hour long but it felt like the fun lasted forever. Feraz’s performance was so good, and I forgot about my burdens for a while. I love that Stout has these fun events because life isn’t always about grinding on assignments, tests, or work. This new experience serves as a reminder that life isn’t limited to my professional or academic success.”
Jose Pineda Andrade | Honduras | Southeast Missouri State University
“The Campus Life and Event Services Office at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) hosted the Carpe Diem event to help students learn about different countries. I created and presented a display about my home country, Honduras. My display included pictures and information about Honduran culture, history, traditional foods, and popular tourist destinations like Roatán and Copán Ruinas. Many students were curious and excited to learn more about Honduras, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to represent my culture. Student life at SEMO encourages involvement, connection, and personal growth outside the classroom. Getting involved on campus can help you feel more connected and supported as a student, and I learned the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone to try new things and meet new people.”