First Impressions from Fall 2024

First Impressions from Fall 2024

Global UGRAD participants have settled into their new campuses after arriving last month. Whether it’s the size of the supermarkets or the American expressions and mannerisms, our students experience many cultural differences during their first few weeks in the United States. We’ve captured some thoughts and feelings about how this exchange program has surprised some of our students and how …

What’s in Your Bag?

What’s in Your Bag?

Every semester, a new cohort of UGRAD students arrives in the United States, excited to begin the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Global UGRAD Program. While they will spend the coming months exploring a new country and meeting new people, they will also retain their connections to their homes in a variety of ways. Despite limited space in their suitcases, UGRAD …

Current Student Spotlight: Kenya

Current Student Spotlight: Kenya

Hello, my name is Ian Adipo, and I am from Kenya. Global UGRAD is an enriching experience that I have long wanted to be a part of. My dreams came true in January 2023, when I was selected for an interview out of hundreds of applicants. After successfully interviewing, I moved on to the next phase and completed my TOEFL …

Travel and Adventures

Travel and Adventures

Throughout the semester, Global UGRAD students have used their weekends and spring break to explore cities and regions across the United States. From Chicago to Los Angeles to New York City, Global UGRADs have visited many popular cities as well as a number of sites off the beaten path. Below are some stories and highlights that Global UGRADs have shared …

What’s in Your Bag?

What’s in Your Bag?

As snow descends on much of the United States, the majority of the spring 2024 Global UGRAD students are busy unpacking their bags and settling into campus life for the semester, while others are finishing penultimate preparations in their home countries before their departure later this month. Equally important to all the new experiences each student will have in the …

Campus Visits: Georgia College & State University and University of Mississippi

Campus Visits: Georgia College & State University and University of Mississippi

Georgia College & State University This September, Global UGRAD Program Officer, Melanie Winters, had the opportunity to visit Georgia College & State University (GCSU) in Milledgeville, Georgia. During the visit, Melanie was able to engage with GCSU staff, gain valuable insights into the university’s processes and student experiences, and meet with the Global UGRAD participants studying there this fall semester: …

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 …

Winter Break Travel, Part I

Winter Break Travel, Part I

Every year, English Language Training (ELT) students take advantage of their winter break to explore the United States and deepen their American connections. Please find excerpts from their adventures below (and stay tuned for part two of this series in February). Francisco Aquirre (Nicaragua) at Wright State University “We visited the United Nations. Our guide explained the different kinds of …

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 …