End of Program Workshop

End of Program Workshop

For many Global UGRAD alumni, the End of Program Workshop hosted in Washington, DC is one of the highlights of their Global UGRAD program. For the first time in three years, World Learning was able to host the workshop in person! Students arrived in Washington, DC on November 12 and began with a dinner featuring two student speakers, Lucy Khama Kalindekafe …

End of Program Workshop: Photo Contest

End of Program Workshop: Photo Contest

Last month, Global UGRADs from host campuses around the country gathered in Washington, DC for the first End of Program Workshop in three years. The workshop primarily focused on professional and leadership development, as well as team building. However, at the core of the workshop was an emphasis on cultivating a sense of community among these international exchange students. As …

Global UGRADs Take the Stage (Virtually)

Global UGRADs Take the Stage (Virtually)

Presenting spring 2020’s edition of Take the Stage! While we were unable to host our biannual Take the Stage show in person this year, some of our talented spring participants submitted videos of their performances representing their home countries and cultures. Check out this video compilation to see this past semester’s performances: In Order of Appearance Tajikistan: Sitora Sufijinova, Alisher Siddiqov, …

Becoming an American Educational Ambassador in Ukraine

Becoming an American Educational Ambassador in Ukraine

Sitting on the beach by the light blue sea watching the sunset, I suddenly realize that this beautiful view does not inspire me as much as my Global UGRAD experience. As a Global UGRAD alumna, I can say that those ten months of volunteering, traveling, and exploring a new system of education were tremendously important for my personal growth. While …

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

Abdessadeq, Sofiia, and Michelle met at Marymount University on August 23rd, 2016. We instantly clicked since that first day and our friendship has been flourishing ever since. Together, we got to experience what I’d call an authentic U.S. exchange experience as we shared memories not only on campus, but also while traveling along the East Coast and through the Midwest. …

Exploring America: Trip to the Canyons

Exploring America: Trip to the Canyons

Six international students from Ukraine, Germany, the UK, New Zealand, South Korea, and Pakistan decided to go on an absolutely wonderful adventure. It was a spontaneous decision and it took us 20 minutes to determine our itinerary, which included six National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley,  and the Arches. It was an extremely intense four day …

Community Service: Mariia Makarenko

Community Service: Mariia Makarenko

Volunteering is one of the most important parts of my life in the USA. While volunteering, I have an amazing opportunity to communicate with different people, share my culture, see American life from different perspectives, and most importantly, compare everything I see with the Ukrainian culture. I hope it will help me to overcome challenges in my community when I …