Spotlight on Current Students

Spotlight on Current Students

Global UGRAD students have the opportunity to pursue both their passions and a wide range of new interests throughout their semester in the United States, including participating in pitch competitions, producing media for their host institutions, and having quintessential American experiences. The three students featured in this article represent a small sample of the achievements and unique experiences shared by …

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 …

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 …

Alumni Spotlight: Guatemala

Alumni Spotlight: Guatemala

Hello, I am Jacky Salazar, a UGRAD alum from Guatemala who attended American University in the spring semester of 2017. The Global UGRAD Program is a life-changing experience that fosters both professional and personal growth in each and every participant. It also allows you to be part of a family that extends across countries and cohorts. My experiences as a …

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

  Minnesota State University Mankato This semester, Global UGRAD Program Officer Sarah Halligan had the opportunity to visit Minnesota State University (MNSU) Mankato. It was an opportunity to meet with various departments within the university and also meet the five students who attended MNSU Mankato this spring: Abdoulaye Hali Aboubacar (Niger), Ayu Silvia (Indonesia), Khamla Invongkham (Laos), Sharon Colindres (Honduras), and …

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

During last month’s End of Program Workshop, the winning images of the Global UGRAD photo contest were featured during the final dinner celebration. The World Learning team received an overwhelming number of photos from participants this semester, and as is tradition, the team selected a few favorites! – Hali Abdoulaye Aboubacar (Niger, Minnesota State University Mankato) roasting marshmallows with friends. – …

From one cohort to the next: Advice from alumni for new UGRADs

From one cohort to the next: Advice from alumni for new UGRADs

The new year ushers in a new group of UGRAD students, arriving at various universities around the United States for the spring semester. Who better to give advice to the new arrivals than those who just completed their program weeks ago? Money and financial planning were common themes throughout the advice from recent alumni. Langelihle Moyo, an alumnus from Zimbabwe …

Alumni Update – Guatemala

Alumni Update – Guatemala

On August 18th I will commemorate 2 years since my arrival for the wonderful Global UGRAD adventure. These past years after I came back have been quite challenging, but with all the knowledge and experience obtained during the exchange program I have been able to overcome any adversity and open myself for new horizons. Reflecting about the program I realized …

Alumni Update – Raul del Valle (Guatemala)

Alumni Update – Raul del Valle (Guatemala)

Since Sunday, December 15th of 2019, the date I “concluded” my participation in the Global UGRAD Program at American University in D.C., life has been a roller coaster of emotions. I mention “concluded” inside quotation marks because I truly believe that when someone becomes a Global UGRAD, they will forever be a Global UGRAD. After the program I came back …