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 …

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 …

Inclusion on Campus

Inclusion on Campus

To be an effective leader, it is important to challenge one’s assumptions of others and create spaces where traditionally silenced groups are given an opportunity to be heard. As part of World Learning’s Global UGRAD OPAL course module “Beyond Tolerance: Inclusion and Diversity Practices,” students were requested to attend an event or club meeting that serves as a space for …

Friendships: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Friendships: Looking Back and Looking Forward

When first arriving in the United States, it can be hard to breakthrough those superficial boundaries and develop deep connections with Americans. Of course as our Global UGRAD students have found, the effort is always worth it. Each semester our students forge beautiful, rewarding friendships. Now, as another semester comes to an end, and our Global UGRAD students wave goodbye …

Haiti Alumni Update by Widens Pierre

Haiti Alumni Update by Widens Pierre

The lives of exchange alumni have innumerable, adventurous golden opportunities to grab – they only need to start adapting their imagination to the concrete world, and then make their aspirations become a reality. Global UGRAD participants have always received the necessary skills to be effective enough to empower many marginalized places in the world. Particularly, their presence is crucial for …