Alumni Spotlight: Paraguay

Alumni Spotlight: Paraguay

Over the past several months, Global UGRAD alumni from Paraguay have been busy spreading the word about the program. Alumni spanning several cohorts have gathered on multiple occasions to raise awareness about Global UGRAD amongst prospective applicants and future program participants. Silvia Alvarenga, who completed her exchange semester at SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall of 2022, summarized these events and …

Advice from Alumni

Advice from Alumni

The new year ushers in the arrival of new Global UGRAD participants for the spring semester. Participants consider so many important things as they begin their program, from scheduling classes to budgeting money to managing time. Who better to share advice on navigating this transition than Global UGRAD alumni? Minh Thu Nguyen | Vietnam | Northern Michigan University | Fall …

End of Program: Photo Contest Winners

End of Program: Photo Contest Winners

In the weeks leading up to this fall’s End of Program Workshop, Global UGRAD participants submitted photos to the UGRAD Photo Contest that culminated at the workshop in Washington, D.C. Participants could submit one photo for each of the following five categories: American Experiences, Fall Fun, Sharing Culture, School Spirit, and Community Service. Submissions had to be photos participants had …

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Each semester, Global UGRAD students across the United States complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service to fulfill their Global UGRAD program requirement. This fall, students embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their host communities by doing everything from volunteering at local charitable organizations to cleaning up local parks and gardens. Below are highlights from some of …

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2022

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2022

As part of their program requirements, Global UGRADs complete at least 20 hours of community service. While at first, this might seem like another requirement to complete, this often ends up being the highlight and most meaningful part of the program for many of the participants. Below are several highlights from community service events that current UGRADs have completed so …

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! …

International Education Week

Across the United States last week (and for much of November!), campuses and organizations celebrated International Education Week (IEW) with a variety of events, workshops, and festivals designed to increase awareness about the benefits of cultural exchange and learning about different peoples, places, and practices. IEW is jointly sponsored each year by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. …

Arriving on Campus

Arriving on Campus

This August, the Global UGRAD 2020-2021 cohort was very busy making their long-awaited trips to their U.S. host universities! We are so excited to welcome all of the Global UGRADs to the United States and look forward to watching the positive impact they make on their local and university communities. In anticipation of arrivals, we asked the Global UGRADs about …

Experiencing America: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Experiencing America: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Now about halfway into their program, our Global UGRADs from Europe and Central Asia have had many opportunities to engage with their host communities. Their experiences have helped them gain insight into American life and build connections between their host communities and their communities back home. Check out some of their favorite experiences below! Dilnaz Imeramzayeva, Kazakhstan, SUNY – Plattsburgh:  On …