Reflecting on her year in the United States, UGRAD student Dunja Lazic from Serbia shares advice for the new generation of UGRADs. Come without prejudice – you’re here to create your own experience, so don’t let stereotypes influence your opinion. If you don’t open your eyes, you won’t see. Don’t expect a world upside down – notice the differences and …
Sara Santini, a Serbian UGRAD studying at California State University- Monterey Bay (CSUMB), participated in her school’s production of the Vagina Monologues. She reflects on this experience and the impact it made on both her personally and emotionally. Hearing the title “Vagina Monologues” usually provokes interesting reactions in people. Some of them burst into laughter, awkwardly look away, or curiously …
World Learning is excited to announce that the Department of State Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund has published their list of finalists – and many Global UGRADs are among their ranks. UGRAD participants span 10 teams across 3 regions and are working on a variety of projects that address critical needs in their home countries. Make your vote count! Support your …
Sergio Venegas Gamboa (2011-12) was recently chosen by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica as it “alumni of the month” and featured in an article in the embassy’s bi-monthly alumni newsletter. During his UGRAD Program, Sergio learned not only about new cultures and manners of thinking, but also to believe in himself and reach for his dreams. After returning home, …
Indonesia Josefhine Chitra (2011-12) graduated in 2013 with the title of “Best Graduate.” She currently works as a communication consultant at Maverick, where she was promoted within nine months. She volunteers bi-weekly teaching at an alternative school for victims of expulsion and became a Model United Nations coach and English debate adjudicator. She recently coached a team of Indonesian students …
Leadership is a fundamental part of the Global UGRAD program. During our Re-entry Workshops we had a number of sessions dedicated to discussing leadership in a broader context. What does it mean to be a leader? What defines leadership? What are the different forms of leadership? Then, a few weeks after we had our Western Hemisphere students reflect upon the …
Niagara Falls, one of the greatest waterfalls in North America, attracts thousands of tourists every year. The most spontaneous falls in the world are located on the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of New York. Recently, my friends and I decided to visit Niagara Falls. We started our long road trip early in the morning: …
Ever since I was a kid I was amazed by science and discovering something new, doing things that no one had done before. I like when I can practically apply things that I learn in class. This is one of the main reasons that I chose to study agriculture, or to be specific, plant protection. I found it to be …
It was a cold and harsh winter Sunday when I was coming back from a long trip, exhausted and bored. Silently watching the other people with all of their expressed and non-expressed acts in the bus station, I noticed a middle-aged woman. She was very loud, she laughed and talked with everyone. Then she caught my eyes. We smiled at …
Before it all began It was a sunny day in mid-October 2012 when I heard about the Global UGRAD Program from a friend. I told him “Nah, it’s not for me,” but then he reminded me that United States of America had always been a dream country of mine. True, I agreed, yet I was still reluctant to apply for …