Alumni Spotlight: Zimbabwe

Alumni Spotlight: Zimbabwe

Hi all, I’m Leonard Mushunje, a Fall 2021 Global UGRAD student from Zimbabwe. I recently graduated from Midlands State University with a distinction in Mathematics and Statistics. When I was selected as a Global UGRAD finalist and was placed at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, I had mixed feelings. On reflection, being a Global UGRAD student was one of …

Virtual End-of-Program Workshop & Take the Stage!

Virtual End-of-Program Workshop & Take the Stage!

This month, World Learning held its virtual End-of-Program Workshop for current Global UGRAD participants. Global UGRAD participants joined from across the United States to participate in daily sessions hosted primarily by facilitator Si Norton, as well as Tim Rivera (Senior Advisor for Innovation and Strategy at World Learning). Topics ranged from diversity, equity, and inclusion to action planning and community …

Alumni Update: Zimbabwe

Alumni Update: Zimbabwe

Hello, this is Michael Mbulelo Ncube from Zimbabwe. I was a Global UGRAD student in the fall of 2019, and I studied at Georgia College and State University. Ever since I got back home, I’ve hit the ground running. From my time in the U.S., I was incredibly inspired by the infrastructural development of the U.S. public education system, particularly …

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 …

My Second Family: How Friendship Families Impact Worldviews

My Second Family: How Friendship Families Impact Worldviews

At many universities across the United States, Global UGRAD students have been able to participate in Friendship Family programs. Whether through group trips together or cooking traditional meals, these types of programs are a great opportunity for students to share their culture with Americans outside of campus and to learn about their community in unique ways. Continue reading to see …

Fall 2019 Photo Contest Winners

Fall 2019 Photo Contest Winners

Check out the winners of the Global UGRAD Fall 2019 Photo Contest! This semester’s categories were: American Experiences, Community Service, Best School Spirit, Sharing Culture, and Best Halloween Costume. American Experiences Community Service Best School Spirit Sharing Culture Best Halloween Costume

Global UGRAD Students Reflect on Thanksgiving

Global UGRAD Students Reflect on Thanksgiving

This November, many of the Global UGRAD students had the opportunity to experience their first Thanksgiving. Below you can read some of their reflections about spending the day with friends, university staff, and their friendship families! This year instead of repeating Season 5 episode 1 from Friends “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” I had the opportunity to experience it …

Fall 2019 Community Service Spotlight

Fall 2019 Community Service Spotlight

Throughout their semester in the United States, students on the Global UGRAD Program become increasingly involved in their host communities through a variety of volunteer activities. Here are some highlights from community service events that they have completed so far! I would like to share my volunteering experience with the Islamic Center of Victoria, Texas. I had the pleasure to …