Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Woman I Admire

Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Woman I Admire

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Global UGRAD students reflected on women from all backgrounds and walks of life who have inspired them to pursue their dreams. Maureen Tejeda, Dominican Republic, University Houston-Victoria: The woman who has inspired me to continue pursuing my dreams is the best known as “RBG”, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of …

2018 Fall Semester Honor Roll

Once again, our Global UGRAD students have surpassed expectations. The fall academic semester participants connected with host communities through cultural events and volunteerism while at the same time immersing themselves in U.S. academic culture. All of our students are impressive; however, the following went above and beyond by making the Global UGRAD honor roll for the fall term with a …

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 …

Meet our New Teammate, Vitalie Diaconu

Meet our New Teammate, Vitalie Diaconu

Vitalie Diaconu joins the Global UGRAD team as the Program Officer for Eurasia and Central Asia. Originally from Moldova, Vitalie moved to the United States two years ago and worked with Eurasia Foundation, managing the Young Professionals Network program. Prior to that, he worked with the Permanent Mission of Moldova to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and …

Global UGRAD Participant Wins at the Hackathon

Global UGRAD Participant Wins at the Hackathon

My name is Javanshir Huseynli. I am a Global UGRAD scholarship recipient from Azerbaijan, and I’m currently studying Computer Science Engineering at the University of Alabama. In Azerbaijan, I am working towards an undergraduate degree in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering. The University of Alabama organized a Local Hack Day competition. I won the Best Solo Hack prize at the competition on …

Community Service: Rukhshona Sharipova

Community Service: Rukhshona Sharipova

I spent my Global UGRAD exchange semester at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Due to my strong interest in migration, global development, and humanitarian assistance, I volunteered for the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program as a community mentor and English language tutor for a refugee family from Africa. By working for the Immigration and Refugee Program, I …

ELT Students Enjoy Winter Break

ELT Students Enjoy Winter Break

Temirlan Tagaibaev, Kyrgzstan, Saginaw Valley State University During winter break I visited four different cities. My trip began in Chicago, proceeded to Boston, New York, and finished in Washington, D.C. It was the longest trip I ever had. In Chicago, I met many different people, including some Kyrgyz-Americans and ate some Kyrgyz food. I noticed that many people want to …

Summer Camp America in Tajikistan

Summer Camp America in Tajikistan

For the past three years, I spent my summer doing my favorite job: working with kids at Summer Camp America. This year, Summer Camp America was different. The application was open just for U.S. Government (USG)-sponsored programs alumni. Luckily, this year, I became a Global UGRAD alum and was accepted to participate. This year’s Summer Camp was in Sarband and Khovaling, Tajikistan. At Summer Camp …

Experiencing America: Thanksgiving

Experiencing America: Thanksgiving

This semester’s Global UGRAD students had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with their host communities, gathering with other international students as well as with American families. Enjoy these reflections by the Global UGRAD participants on their Thanksgiving experiences! Souksavanh Vongthongchit, Laos, St. Ambrose University “Thanksgiving is a special U.S. holiday when American people take this time to show thanks for …

Fall 2018 Site Visits

Fall 2018 Site Visits

The World Learning staff have been busy traveling coast to coast visiting current Global UGRAD students and university partners. Continue reading below to hear about their visits. Thank you to the universities and students for hosting us! Himani Reddy at Indiana State University and INTERLINK Himani visited Indiana State University (ISU) and INTERLINK—both first-time Global UGRAD partners located in Terre Haute, …