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 …

Local Adventures

Local Adventures

As we approach the mid-point of the semester, Global UGRADs across the United States have become acquainted with their new homes and settled into campus life. Now comfortable at their host universities, many have set off to explore their local communities. Global UGRADs are discovering every part of the United States; from Maine to Georgia, New Hampshire to California, their …

Reflections on the Virtual End of Program Summit

World Learning held its virtual End of Program (EoP) summit from November 8 -12. Global UGRAD students from all over the United States tuned into Zoom sessions hosted by facilitator Si Norton on topics ranging from building leadership capabilities to action planning/ community mapping. Traditionally held in Washington, DC, the virtual format of the summit served as a constant reminder …

Fall 2019 End of Program Summit

Fall 2019 End of Program Summit

This past November, the World Learning team was thrilled to welcome 127 students from 59 countries for the End of Program Summit in Washington, DC. They traveled from universities across the United States to participate in leadership development seminars, network with one another, and explore the city. Highlights included a visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and …

Global UGRAD Students Reflect on Thanksgiving

Global UGRAD Students Reflect on Thanksgiving

This November, many of the Global UGRAD students had the opportunity to experience their first Thanksgiving. Below you can read some of their reflections about spending the day with friends, university staff, and their friendship families! This year instead of repeating Season 5 episode 1 from Friends “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” I had the opportunity to experience it …

Fall 2019 First Impressions

Fall 2019 First Impressions

The fall 2019 semester is off to a great start. Now that the Global UGRAD students have had the chance to settle into their new homes for the next few months, here is a glance at some students’ first impressions! Daniil Gurgurov, Moldova, Murray State University: I have lived on campus for three weeks already and I have only positive …

Costa Rica Trip with Castleton University Chorale

Costa Rica Trip with Castleton University Chorale

Studying at Castleton University has been a very enriching experience for me. I remember the orientation day when other new students and I were encouraged to be involved in on-campus activities by Victoria Angis (Associate Dean of Students) saying, “This is a university with many opportunities for you to be successful, come out of your comfort zone and do new …

#EoPinDC: Global UGRAD Spring End-of-Program Summit

#EoPinDC: Global UGRAD Spring End-of-Program Summit

Each academic semester, it is always an exciting time when we welcome Global UGRAD participants to Washington, DC for our End of Program Summit (for social media fans, #EoPinDC). Earlier this month, from March 31st-April 4th, 134 students from over 50 countries attending 40 different universities around the U.S. converged on our nation’s capital for four unforgettable days of learning. …

Making Connections Through Religion  

Making Connections Through Religion  

Doni Rizki Akbar, Indonesia, Indiana State University: I have two local families around my campus who really care about me. One family is Muslim and the other is Christian, and they are both like my host families. The first is the Alam family. They are a Bangladeshi-American family who have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years. There …