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, …

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 …

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 …

Fall 2019 Photo Contest Winners

Fall 2019 Photo Contest Winners

Check out the winners of the Global UGRAD Fall 2019 Photo Contest! This semester’s categories were: American Experiences, Community Service, Best School Spirit, Sharing Culture, and Best Halloween Costume. American Experiences Community Service Best School Spirit Sharing Culture Best Halloween Costume

Lessons I Learned While Living in the USA

Lessons I Learned While Living in the USA

An exchange semester is a dream for many and it’s for that reason I was the happiest because I was living all my fantasies. Though with each new experience, I had a lesson in life. Without further ado, here’re what a semester in the U.S. has taught me: I May Not Understand Something, but I Learned to Accept Just because …

ELT Students Enjoy Winter Break

ELT Students Enjoy Winter Break

Temirlan Tagaibaev, Kyrgzstan, Saginaw Valley State University During winter break I visited four different cities. My trip began in Chicago, proceeded to Boston, New York, and finished in Washington, D.C. It was the longest trip I ever had. In Chicago, I met many different people, including some Kyrgyz-Americans and ate some Kyrgyz food. I noticed that many people want to …

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 …

From Where I Stand 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 of impact. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in …