Winter Holidays and Celebrations

Winter Holidays and Celebrations

This month, we asked our 2020-2021 Global UGRAD finalists to share a bit about winter celebrations in their home countries. While the holidays throughout this year have been very different, read on to learn more about how this time of year is traditionally celebrated across the world. Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar, Philippines Dubbed as the longest yuletide celebration in the …

Virtual ELT Responses: American Society and the Meaning of Freedom

Virtual ELT Responses: American Society and the Meaning of Freedom

Our Virtual English Language Training students recently completed the first module of their online English courses. These past few weeks, Global UGRADs have examined historical figures and cultural movements to discuss what freedom means in the United States, in their home communities, and to us as individuals. Meet George Washington Carver by Aigerim Myrzakhmet (Kazakhstan) I was amazed and inspired by …

From Where I Stand: September 2020 Edition

From Where I Stand: September 2020 Edition

Last month, we published the first part of the 2020 From Where I Stand series. This annual project highlights the achievements of alumni since completing the Global UGRAD Program. If you missed last month’s edition, you can still find it here. We’re excited to share even more stories below! Gabriela Elizabeth Guzman Sanchez, Guatemala, Rochester Institute of Technology, Global UGRAD …

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, …

Fall 2019 First Impressions

Fall 2019 First Impressions

The fall 2019 semester is off to a great start. Now that the Global UGRAD students have had the chance to settle into their new homes for the next few months, here is a glance at some students’ first impressions! Daniil Gurgurov, Moldova, Murray State University: I have lived on campus for three weeks already and I have only positive …

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 …

Alumni Update: Rosely Meredith, Guatemala

Alumni Update: Rosely Meredith, Guatemala

My name is Rosely Maurín Arana Meredith and I was a Global UGRAD participant in 2013. I had the amazing opportunity to study at Murray State University in Kentucky. Since that time, I feel part of a wonderful group of people whose values and desires have always been to help others in different areas with the tools learned through the …

The Impact of Diverse Community Service Experiences

The Impact of Diverse Community Service Experiences

I have been in the U.S.A. for 8 months and I have had amazing experiences. One of the most important things that I have done in my life is community service. Through all this time I have realized that students who get involved in community service not only help others, but also expand their abilities, develop empathy, leadership skills, problem-solving, …

Alumni Update: Jacky Salazar, Guatemala

Alumni Update: Jacky Salazar, Guatemala

From the moment I started my first class at American University, to the time we took the stage at the End of Program Summit in DC, and through my very last community service hour I felt this amazing experience made me grow both personally and professionally. Of course coming back to Guatemala was nerve-racking and I have to say it …