Alumni Update: Jacky Salazar, Guatemala

Alumni Update: Jacky Salazar, Guatemala

From the moment I started my first class at American University, to the time we took the stage at the End of Program Summit in DC, and through my very last community service hour I felt this amazing experience made me grow both personally and professionally. Of course coming back to Guatemala was nerve-racking and I have to say it …

Alumni Edition: Where is my UGRAD Post Now?

Alumni Edition: Where is my UGRAD Post Now?

Johanny Amaya Melgar, Honduras, Global UGRAD 2015-16 at Emporia State University From where I stand today – at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras – I help to empower the most vulnerable youth in my community through English language, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. It’s incredible to see these youth actually smiling and dreaming of a better future, with them in it. …

All Hands on Deck! Stories of Community Service from Around the World – Part I

All Hands on Deck! Stories of Community Service from Around the World – Part I

Community service is an integral part of the Global UGRAD experience. Beyond being a program requirement, Global UGRAD participants embrace civic engagement as one of the most valuable, enjoyable, and rewarding parts of their semester in the U.S. As the spring semester students gear up to begin their own service activities, we would like to highlight the outstanding volunteer work …

Journey to the United States

Journey to the United States

The Journey Begins “When ‘Life is full of surprises’ meets with a ‘Dream comes true’ moment, things simply can’t get any better. Being able to participate in the Global UGRAD Program has been an experience of a lifetime! In Bangladesh, as soon as I completed my semester final exams, I was psyched and excited to prepare myself to board my flight to head …

From Where I Stand part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

One of our favorite sayings is “Once a UGRAD, always a UGRAD”. Even when the U.S. portion of the Global UGRAD experience is over, alumni are always a part of this big and talented family of impact. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in …

Alumni Update – Venezuela: Peace and Conflict Resolution

Emmanuel Davalillo Hidalgo, Global UGRAD 2013-2014, Venezuela After heading back home and finishing my degree in Political Science at the Universidad del Zulia in western Venezuela, I faced that burning question so many of us recent graduates face: “Well… Now what?” Only one thing seemed certain: I was not done learning. I first discovered the field of peace and conflict …