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 …

Campus Visit: Emporia State University

Campus Visit: Emporia State University

In March, Sarah Halligan, Global UGRAD Program Officer, had the opportunity to visit Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. During this visit, she met the four Global UGRAD students studying at Emporia State this semester and explored the Emporia State campus. Emporia State has hosted Global UGRAD students since 2014, and the students currently attending are thoroughly enjoying their experience. …

Host Partner Feature: Boise State University

Host Partner Feature: Boise State University

This month, World Learning is excited to highlight long-time host partner Boise State University. Boise State hosted three Global UGRAD students in the Fall 2023 semester and is home to three more UGRADs this spring. Tim Randall, Coordinator for International Student Services, shared with World Learning how Boise State supports international students and helps Global UGRAD students find meaningful connections in …

Advice from Alumni

Advice from Alumni

The new year ushers in the arrival of new Global UGRAD participants for the spring semester. Participants consider so many important things as they begin their program, from scheduling classes to budgeting money to managing time. Who better to share advice on navigating this transition than Global UGRAD alumni? Minh Thu Nguyen | Vietnam | Northern Michigan University | Fall …

Alumni Spotlight: A Global UGRAD Mini-Reunion

Alumni Spotlight: A Global UGRAD Mini-Reunion

In the spirit of fostering lifelong connections and celebrating the diverse achievements of Global UGRAD alumni, Michelle Cerén (El Salvador), Sophia Pylypyuk (Ukraine), and Abdessadeq Ourkiya (Morocco), recently embarked on a reunion that transcended borders and cultures. All three were Global UGRAD participants at Marymount University in the Fall 2016 semester. In this collaborative article, they share about their experience …

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Each semester, Global UGRAD students across the United States complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service to fulfill their Global UGRAD program requirement. This fall, students embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their host communities by doing everything from volunteering at local charitable organizations to cleaning up local parks and gardens. Below are highlights from some of …

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 …