Global UGRAD Alumni Connect in Malaysia

Global UGRAD Alumni Connect in Malaysia

This past July, the Global UGRAD team at World Learning planned and implemented the first international Global UGRAD alumni seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This three-day workshop provided alumni with networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and sessions on civic engagement and community project management. Fifty participants from all ten ASEAN member countries represented a wide array of professional backgrounds including …

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 …

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 …

What’s in Your Bag?

What’s in Your Bag?

As snow descends on much of the United States, the majority of the spring 2024 Global UGRAD students are busy unpacking their bags and settling into campus life for the semester, while others are finishing penultimate preparations in their home countries before their departure later this month. Equally important to all the new experiences each student will have in the …

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 …

Fall Fun

Fall Fun

As summer bids adieu and the vibrant colors of fall paint the landscape, there’s an undeniable magic that sweeps across the United States. For Global UGRADs, this season brings forth a variety of experiences unlike any other. The crisp air, the rustling leaves, and the pumpkin-spiced everything create an unforgettable immersion into the cultural richness of autumn in the United …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) is a space for risk-takers. Many Global UGRADs had seldom travelled outside their home countries; far fewer had ever stepped foot in the United States. Nonetheless, they arrived with open minds and enthusiasm, excited to experience both the beauty and the challenges in the semester ahead. Becoming entirely immersed in a new language, environment, …

Global UGRAD Bucket Lists

Global UGRAD Bucket Lists

Long before they arrive in the United States, Global UGRAD students spend countless hours contemplating what they hope to experience during their exchange program. Now that all the fall 2023 UGRAD participants are settling into life at their host institutions, World Learning asked them to list the things they most hope to do or experience during their time here. What …