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 …

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 …

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

Abdessadeq, Sofiia, and Michelle met at Marymount University on August 23rd, 2016. We instantly clicked since that first day and our friendship has been flourishing ever since. Together, we got to experience what I’d call an authentic U.S. exchange experience as we shared memories not only on campus, but also while traveling along the East Coast and through the Midwest. …

From Where I Stand 2019 Part II | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

From Where I Stand 2019 Part II | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

Last month, we published Part I of our 2019 From Where I Stand series, the Global UGRAD photo project that creatively shows what our alumni have accomplished since returning home. If you did not have a chance to read last month’s installment, you can find it here. We are thrilled to share even more stories of volunteerism, academics, and growth with you this month. …

From Where I Stand 2019 Part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

From Where I Stand 2019 Part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

One of our favorite sayings is “Once a UGRAD, always a UGRAD.” Even when the U.S. portion of the Global UGRAD experience is over, alumni are always a part of this big and talented family. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in their home …

Democracy in Action

Democracy in Action

As the U.S. mid-term elections are just around the corner, Global UGRAD students are also participating in democracy by running for office at their host universities and registering people to vote! Kenza Beladel from Morocco at the University of the Incarnate Word Kenza was recently elected as the Senator of International Students for the Student Government Association. As Senator, Kenza …

Morocco Alumni Update: A Modern Life Tinged of Ancient by Ikbale Bouziane

Morocco has been inhabited by the Amazigh, also known as the Berber ethnic group, since at least 5,000 years ago. It was a part of Mauretania, a region in the ancient Maghreb that stretched from today’s Algeria westwards to the Atlantic covering the northern part of Morocco and its Atlas mountains. By the 7th century, the land was conquered by …

U.S. Academic Culture: A Firsthand Reflection by Hasna El Asri

U.S. Academic Culture: A Firsthand Reflection by Hasna El Asri

The only truth I used to hold in my mind about the U.S. academic system was its ranking among the first globally. Today, I am experiencing this truth through my own personal perspective. I finally stepped into the American classroom and gained the greatest insight into what is truly called the U.S. academic system. As a Global UGRAD exchange student …