First Impressions from Fall 2024

First Impressions from Fall 2024

Global UGRAD participants have settled into their new campuses after arriving last month. Whether it’s the size of the supermarkets or the American expressions and mannerisms, our students experience many cultural differences during their first few weeks in the United States. We’ve captured some thoughts and feelings about how this exchange program has surprised some of our students and how …

What’s in Your Bag?

What’s in Your Bag?

Every semester, a new cohort of UGRAD students arrives in the United States, excited to begin the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Global UGRAD Program. While they will spend the coming months exploring a new country and meeting new people, they will also retain their connections to their homes in a variety of ways. Despite limited space in their suitcases, UGRAD …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) is a space for risk-takers. Many Global UGRADs had seldom travelled outside their home countries; far fewer had ever stepped foot in the United States. Nonetheless, they arrived with open minds and enthusiasm, excited to experience both the beauty and the challenges in the semester ahead. Becoming entirely immersed in a new language, environment, …

Local Adventures

Local Adventures

As Global UGRAD students arrive at their universities across the United States, they are not only introduced to a new campus and other students, but also to the local community that surrounds them. Beyond the lecture halls and textbooks, Global UGRADs are discovering the beauty of their new homes, one local adventure at a time. From hiking the trails of the …

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

  Minnesota State University Mankato This semester, Global UGRAD Program Officer Sarah Halligan had the opportunity to visit Minnesota State University (MNSU) Mankato. It was an opportunity to meet with various departments within the university and also meet the five students who attended MNSU Mankato this spring: Abdoulaye Hali Aboubacar (Niger), Ayu Silvia (Indonesia), Khamla Invongkham (Laos), Sharon Colindres (Honduras), and …

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

During last month’s End of Program Workshop, the winning images of the Global UGRAD photo contest were featured during the final dinner celebration. The World Learning team received an overwhelming number of photos from participants this semester, and as is tradition, the team selected a few favorites! – Hali Abdoulaye Aboubacar (Niger, Minnesota State University Mankato) roasting marshmallows with friends. – …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Spring 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Spring 2023 Students

Global UGRAD students are settling into the Spring 2023 semester at various host colleges and universities across the country. We reached out to students to learn about their first impressions of campus life, courses, and U.S culture. For many, this is their first time in the United States, or even outside of their home countries. We’re sharing some of the things …

Spring 2023 Host Institution Partners

Spring 2023 Host Institution Partners

The Global UGRAD Program would not be a success without the dedicated partnership of over 80 universities across the United States each academic year. Through the rigorous host application and selection process, World Learning gains new insights into the unique culture and diverse academic strengths that each university or college offers. This semester, World Learning is proud to partner with …

In the Classroom

In the Classroom

This fall, more than 150 Global UGRAD students are experiencing their first semester in American university classrooms. Whether it’s engaging in a new method of instruction, studying a new subject, or just learning in a new environment, UGRADs have been fully immersed in the academic component of their program. The emphasis on class discussion and participation is a big difference …

Local Adventures

Local Adventures

Many Global UGRAD students are planning trips for fall break, but this week we asked them to share about anything they’ve done locally, from walking around campus to heading out into the local community to learn more about where they are living this semester. Below, you can hear from them in their own words about their local adventures. Hi everyone! …