From Where I Stand 2019 Part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

From Where I Stand 2019 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. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in their home …

Celebrating the Lunar New Year Across the U.S.!

Celebrating the Lunar New Year Across the U.S.!

Zihan Xu, China, Emporia State University: The year of the pig in the lunar calendar has just come. This is my first time spending the Spring Festival away from family and friends. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for Chinese people. This is when families reunite to enjoy meals and conversations. No matter how far people are from their …

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2019 Application is Open!

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2019 Application is Open!

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a U.S. Department of State initiative that provides grant money to alumni who want to carry out projects in their home communities. Since its inception, AEIF has supported over 300 alumni-led initiatives worldwide. AEIF has reached millions of people through training, awareness campaigns, and leadership initiatives. In 2018, out of more than 1,300 project …

Global UGRAD Students Participate in Celebrating Black History

Global UGRAD Students Participate in Celebrating Black History

February is Black History Month – a time set aside to collect, preserve, and celebrate the accomplishments of black Americans across all fields. This month we are pleased to share reflections from two Global UGRAD participants on African American history. Madeline Hernandez, Nicaragua, Emporia State University: On January 21st in Emporia, Kansas, many students, including me, commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. …

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. …

For the Love of Language

This month’s Global Gazette shines a light on Global UGRAD students who have embarked on learning multiple languages. Far from being content with mono-, bi- or even trilingualism, here are a few examples of Global UGRAD students who push themselves towards learning new languages. Leila Pyreva, Russia, University of Wisconsin Green Bay I have never thought about learning languages as my main …

Alumni Update – Costa Rica

Alumni Update – Costa Rica

 My Journey to the United Nations  Jean Pierre Mora Casasola (Costa Rica), Global UGRAD 2014-2015, Emporia State University That awkward moment when you are asked to write down your goals on a piece of paper. No matter if they are short, medium or long term goals, the truth is that we do not always know where we are going. This situation …