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. – …

Community Service Spotlight: Spring 2023

Community Service Spotlight: Spring 2023

As one of their program requirements, Global UGRAD participants complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service during their semester in the United States. For many students, this becomes one of the most meaningful and inspirational activities they take part in during the program. Continue reading for a selection of highlights from community service activities that participants completed in …

Host Partner Feature: University of Central Missouri

Host Partner Feature: University of Central Missouri

World Learning is excited to showcase the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in this month’s host partner feature! UCM is currently home to seven Global UGRAD participants: Medgunowsky Balthazar II Laguerre (Haiti), Qori Fadila (Indonesia), Sheila Jamal (Mozambique), Holman Castro (Nicaragua), Cheolmin Park (South Korea), Bibinyyaz Omarova (Turkmenistan), and Orest Matsiyevsky (Ukraine). Wesley Hobson, Coordinator of Exchange and Sponsored Programs at UCM, shared how …

Alumni Spotlight: Kosovo

Alumni Spotlight: Kosovo

My name is Sofije Zenuni and I am from Kosovo. I studied international business at Iliria College in Kosovo and I graduated in June 2020. I’m lucky to call myself an alumna of Global UGRAD 2020 at Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont. When I first applied for this scholarship, I had no doubt that there were better candidates who deserved …

Halloween

Halloween

Many UGRADs experienced their first Halloween this year in the United States. Several students dressed up in costumes, attended parties and participated in Halloween-related activities. Elian Gonzalez, a student from Panama studying at Keuka College in Upstate New York, thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. “It was wonderful to celebrate Halloween for the first time in the USA,” Gonzalez said. “I shared …

In the Classroom

In the Classroom

This fall, more than 150 Global UGRAD students are experiencing their first semester in American university classrooms. Whether it’s engaging in a new method of instruction, studying a new subject, or just learning in a new environment, UGRADs have been fully immersed in the academic component of their program. The emphasis on class discussion and participation is a big difference …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD 2022-2023 Fall Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD 2022-2023 Fall Students

We reached out to Global UGRAD students who are getting settled in on their new host campuses to learn about their first impressions. Please read through some of the amazing responses we received to get an idea of what is standing out to our students across the United States! Representing Thailand, Ratchanon Samosungnoen has a lot to say about Georgia …

Inspirational Women for International Women’s Day

Inspirational Women for International Women’s Day

With the beginning of National Women’s History Month in the United States and in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, current Global UGRAD students shared about women they believe have helped shape who they are today.   Adrian Reister Fernandez, Philippines, University of Maine “Meet the women who molded me to become who I am today! My Wonder WoMom …

April Online Engagement: Country Presentations and Public Speaking

April Online Engagement: Country Presentations and Public Speaking

In our fourth month of online engagement, Global UGRAD finalists saw the return of some of our popular series activities: our student-facilitated Country Presentations and our Speaker Series. This round of Country Presentations closed out with student presenters from three additional regions, and this edition of the Speaker Series, focused on public speaking, featured guest speaker Zoe Matthews. Country Presentations …