Local Adventures

Local Adventures

From a traditional powwow in Minnesota to a rodeo in Montana, Global UGRAD students have had experiences as unique as the communities in which they are living. Keep reading for a small sample of students’ activities outside of the classroom this fall. Mary Therese Catapang | Philippines | University of North Carolina, Greensboro “On October 28, Filipino American students and …

Alumni Spotlight: Georgia

Alumni Spotlight: Georgia

During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Global UGRAD Program welcomed 10 students from Georgia. As alumni, they have applied their experiences from the Global UGRAD Program to give back to their communities. This includes organizing a Career Development Camp in Georgia, funded by Gulf Georgia following the end of their Global UGRAD exchange. Project leader Zurab Shatirishvili, who studied at …

Campus Visit: Wilson College

Campus Visit: Wilson College

This past October, World Learning staff had the pleasure of visiting Global UGRAD host partner, Wilson College. Wilson College is a liberal arts institution in the small and rural town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1869 as one of the first women’s colleges in the United States, but began operating as a coeducational college in 2013. Global UGRAD …

Reflections on New Experiences

Reflections on New Experiences

Recently, as part of their Online Professional and Academic Learning Course (OPAL), Global UGRAD students participated in a local initiative or event surrounding inclusivity and belonging. Three students shared their reflections on new experiences, featured below. Daniela Plamadeala | Moldova | University of North Carolina – Wilmington “I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at the Cape Fear Latino Festival …

Welcoming the Fall Global UGRAD Cohort

Welcoming the Fall Global UGRAD Cohort

World Learning is pleased to welcome Global UGRAD participants from all across the world to the United States. The 2024-2025 cohort includes 330 students with 137 enrolled this semester. Representing 62 countries/areas, these students are hosted at 59 partner universities and colleges throughout the United States. All Global UGRAD participants attending the fall semester have arrived at their host campuses …

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 …

Community Service Highlights

Community Service Highlights

This semester, students have been working diligently to complete one of the Global UGRAD Program’s most meaningful requirements: community service. From supporting children in the foster care system to tagging sharks for important research, our students have served their host communities in a variety of ways. We are proud to feature a sample of some exceptional students’ volunteer experiences. Ajla …

Campus Visit: Emporia State University

Campus Visit: Emporia State University

In March, Sarah Halligan, Global UGRAD Program Officer, had the opportunity to visit Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. During this visit, she met the four Global UGRAD students studying at Emporia State this semester and explored the Emporia State campus. Emporia State has hosted Global UGRAD students since 2014, and the students currently attending are thoroughly enjoying their experience. …

Sports in the United States

Sports in the United States

Across the country Global UGRAD participants have been enjoying a wide range of sports activities, both on and off campus. For many, this is their first time watching or joining athletic activities typical of the United States. We asked students to describe their experiences, so read on to learn more! Mark Virgil Jamer | Philippines | Kent State University “This …