Academic Exchange , Alumni , Professional Development
One of the most memorable activities for Global UGRAD students is the End of Program (EoP) Workshop held in Washington, DC. The spring 2024 workshop took place from April 3rd through April 6th and brought together the spring cohort of 162 students from 53 countries. After arriving in the nation’s capital, students were greeted by World Learning staff and gathered …
Academic Exchange , Academics , american connections , Countries , End of Program Worshop , Kansas State University , Kent State University , St. Norbert
What is one word to describe the final night of the End of Program Workshop? Celebration! A well-known Global UGRAD tradition, the photo contest is the perfect way for students to share the best snapshots of their exchange experience. Students were asked to submit photos of their best memories in the following categories: American Experiences, Community Service, School Spirit, Sharing …
Academic Exchange , Alumni , Community Service , End of Program Worshop , Kenya , North Central College , Professional Development
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 …
Alumni , American Host Institutions , Delta State University , El Salvador , Experiencing America , Kenya , Laos , Mississippi Valley State University , Spring Break , Tajikistan , West Liberty University , Wright State University
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 …
Albania , Community Service , Florida Gulf Coast University , Guatemala , Kansas State University , Maryville College , Vietnam
This semester, students have been working diligently to complete one of the Global UGRAD Program’s most meaningful requirements: community service. From supporting children in the foster care system to tagging sharks for important research, our students have served their host communities in a variety of ways. We are proud to feature a sample of some exceptional students’ volunteer experiences. Ajla …
Alumni , Experiencing America , Kyrgyzstan , Professional Development , Wayne State University
“Once a UGRAD, always a UGRAD!” This statement resonates deeply with me and many others who have had the privilege of participating in the Global UGRAD Program. My name is Aigerim Kurmanbekova, and as a proud Wayne State Warrior representing Kyrgyzstan at Wayne State University during the fall semester of 2019, I have come to understand the profound impact this …
Algeria , Alumni , Emporia State University , Papua New Guinea , Philippines , Ukraine
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. …
Alumni , Cambodia , Florida Gulf Coast University , Guatemala , Kent State University , Kosovo , Philippines , San Francisco State University
Across the country Global UGRAD participants have been enjoying a wide range of sports activities, both on and off campus. For many, this is their first time watching or joining athletic activities typical of the United States. We asked students to describe their experiences, so read on to learn more! Mark Virgil Jamer | Philippines | Kent State University “This …
Academic Exchange , Academics , american connections , American Host Institutions , Bluefield State University , El Salvador , Experiencing America , Host Feature , Laos , Malaysia
This February, Global UGRAD Program Officer Melanie Winters and Senior Program Associate Cameron Teaney had the pleasure of visiting Bluefield State University (BSU) in Bluefield, West Virginia. During this visit they toured BSU’s campus and met with the friendly and hospitable staff supporting the four Global UGRAD students studying there this semester. BSU is one of only two Historically Black …
Academic Exchange , Alumni , Experiencing America , Professional Development , Sri Lanka , University of Maine
Greetings from the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka! I am Hashini de Silva, a Global UGRAD who studied social sciences at the University of Maine (UMaine) in the fall semester of 2023. As the only UGRAD that semester coming from the humble roots of Sri Lanka, an island nation trying to pave its path in an illustrious world, …