First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) is a space for risk-takers. Many Global UGRADs had seldom travelled outside their home countries; far fewer had ever stepped foot in the United States. Nonetheless, they arrived with open minds and enthusiasm, excited to experience both the beauty and the challenges in the semester ahead. Becoming entirely immersed in a new language, environment, …

Local Adventures

Local Adventures

As Global UGRAD students arrive at their universities across the United States, they are not only introduced to a new campus and other students, but also to the local community that surrounds them. Beyond the lecture halls and textbooks, Global UGRADs are discovering the beauty of their new homes, one local adventure at a time. From hiking the trails of the …

Host Partner Feature: Western Washington University

Host Partner Feature: Western Washington University

This month, World Learning is thrilled to spotlight Western Washington University (WWU), which is located in Bellingham, Washington. To shed light on WWU’s commitment to international students, World Learning reached out to Richard Bruce, Director of International Student & Scholar Services, who has played a pivotal role in supporting Global UGRAD participants. Let’s dive into the conversation with Richard to …

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan

Hello! My name is Lina AlSarayreh, from Amman, Jordan. I am an alum of the Global UGRAD 2022/2023 Exchange Program and attended Portland State University (PSU) during the fall 2022 semester. Having to return home after such an enriching exchange program experience and readjust to my old routine was quite difficult at first. I was still overwhelmed by all the …

What Global UGRADs Are Bringing to the U.S.

What Global UGRADs Are Bringing to the U.S.

By now, more than half of the students have moved into their dorms while the rest are eagerly sorting their items and packing their luggage in preparation for the journey to the United States. Though they have limited space in their suitcases, Global UGRADs always make room for items that are meaningful to them. They may bring things that serve …

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 …

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 …

End of Program Workshop: Photo Contest

End of Program Workshop: Photo Contest

Last month, Global UGRADs from host campuses around the country gathered in Washington, DC for the first End of Program Workshop in three years. The workshop primarily focused on professional and leadership development, as well as team building. However, at the core of the workshop was an emphasis on cultivating a sense of community among these international exchange students. As …

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2022

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2022

As part of their program requirements, Global UGRADs complete at least 20 hours of community service. While at first, this might seem like another requirement to complete, this often ends up being the highlight and most meaningful part of the program for many of the participants. Below are several highlights from community service events that current UGRADs have completed so …