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 …

Partner Feature: Central Washington University

Partner Feature: Central Washington University

This month we are pleased to highlight our host partner, Central Washington University (CWU)! Rachel Gordon, International Partnerships Manager for the Office of International Studies & Programs at CWU, introduces herself and shares more about the exciting opportunities and programs available to international students at CWU.   How long have you been working at CWU? What is your role? I …

Reflections on the Virtual End of Program Summit

World Learning held its virtual End of Program (EoP) summit from November 8 -12. Global UGRAD students from all over the United States tuned into Zoom sessions hosted by facilitator Si Norton on topics ranging from building leadership capabilities to action planning/ community mapping. Traditionally held in Washington, DC, the virtual format of the summit served as a constant reminder …

Alumni Update: Seo In-ho, South Korea

Alumni Update: Seo In-ho, South Korea

Seo In-ho participated in the Global UGRAD Program at the University of Southern Indiana  during the 2017/18 program year. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul recently featured his experience to mark the 30th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act (ADA); Seo In-ho is visually impaired and was directly impacted by ADA during his time on campus. He thoughtfully shares his story …

Alumni Update: Cambodia

Alumni Update: Cambodia

I am very humbled and grateful to say that my life is not the only one that has changed after the Global UGRAD Program. Since June 2015 when I returned to my home country, Cambodia, I began to understand my purpose and my capability to make a substantial impact in my home community as a media practitioner. My academic experiences, …

Alumni Reflections: Advocating for Inclusion

Alumni Reflections: Advocating for Inclusion

I am an alumnus of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program where I attended the University of Southern Indiana in 2010. The Global UGRAD Program brought me out of my comfort zone. As a disabled person with limited independent living skills, I had to force myself to become self-reliant during the program. For instance, my first trip on my own, without …

Celebrating Inclusion on Campus

Celebrating Inclusion on Campus

As we prepare to celebrate Pride Week in June, World Learning is sharing students’ experiences throughout the semester observing inclusion on campus. World Learning’s Global UGRAD OPAL course module “Beyond Tolerance: Inclusion and Diversity Practices,” encourages students to attend an event or club meeting that serves as a space for minority students. Below are some welcoming spaces students discovered! Ali …

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 …

Alumni Reflections

Alumni Reflections

Studying in the U.S. as a Global UGRAD student has not only had an impact on my academic skills, but it has also expanded my career scope, perspectives, and increased my awareness. I enjoyed every single aspect of the program starting from community service to living with an American roommate. Even though it wouldn’t be accurate to call any country …