Global UGRADs Embrace American Culture

Global UGRADs Embrace American Culture

Global UGRADs are making the most of their time in the U.S., exploring local culture and building connections beyond the classroom. Here are some highlights from the spring 2025 semester. Jude Gabriel Espanol | Philippines | University of the Ozarks “I joined a 2-day trip camping in Jasper, Arkansas. We learned that Jasper is known for its breathtaking views and …

Current Student Spotlight: Honduras

Current Student Spotlight: Honduras

My name is Ilianne Zelaya Ramirez, and I am from Honduras. Whenever someone asks me about my Global UGRAD journey, I always like to highlight the butterfly effect: if I hadn’t been distracted from studying for my bacteriology exam in 2023 and started researching scholarship programs, I wouldn’t have had the experience to spend an entire semester in the United …

Alumni Spotlight: Nepal

Alumni Spotlight: Nepal

My name is Hitendra Jha, and I am from Nepal. I am a proud alum of the Global UGRAD Program, having studied in the United States during the fall 2022 semester. My journey as an exchange student at West Virginia University (WVU) was a turning point in my academic and personal life. I’ve always been an “outdoors” person; I’m passionate …

Host Feature: Central Methodist University

Host Feature: Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University (CMU) hosted 10 Global UGRAD students across the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. Dong Han, international admissions officer, kindly took the time to answer questions about UGRAD’s impact and life on the Fayette, Missouri campus. How have Global UGRADs impacted your campus and local community? The impact of Global UGRAD students on CMU and the surrounding …

Community Service Highlights

Community Service Highlights

Global UGRAD students are making a meaningful impact through community service activities across the country. From tutoring local youth and volunteering at food banks to participating in environmental cleanups and supporting local shelters, their volunteerism distinguishes them as UGRADs. Check out some inspiring highlights from our Spring 2025 cohort below! Hoang Bao Ngoc Nguyen | Vietnam | Xavier University of …

Local Adventures

Local Adventures

Experiencing America and its culture is a key component of the Global UGRAD Program. While traveling to famous tourist destinations across the country is a highlight, some of the UGRADs’ most memorable adventures are those in their host communities and states. Continue reading for a showcase of these local adventures! Daniel Arevalo | El Salvador | University of the Ozarks …

Alumni Spotlight: Egypt

Alumni Spotlight: Egypt

Hello, Global UGRADs! My name is Abdulrahman K. Ahmed, and I’m a medical doctor from Assiut University in Egypt. In spring 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to study at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, as a Global UGRAD exchange student through the U.S. Department of State. That semester fundamentally shaped the trajectory of my life – both professionally and …

Current Student Spotlight: Nepal

Current Student Spotlight: Nepal

My name is Bijay Regmi, and I am a Global UGRAD exchange student studying at North Central College (NCC) in Naperville, Illinois. During my spring break, I had the awesome opportunity to participate in a service trip to Loveland, Colorado through the NCC Breakaway program. Coming from Nepal, where community involvement is deeply valued, I was eager to experience how …

Alumni Spotlight: Cambodia

Alumni Spotlight: Cambodia

This month we’re proud to spotlight four Cambodian alumni who participated in the Global UGRAD Program in Fall 2023. In just over a year since returning home, they have made remarkable progress toward their goals, stepping up as mentors and leaders in their communities. It’s inspiring to see how their exchange experience continues to shape their journey and create lasting …

First Impressions from Spring 2025

First Impressions from Spring 2025

The Global UGRAD Spring 2025 cohort has arrived, diving headfirst into campus life and discovering the unique charm of their new communities. From novel weather to new flavors and impressive university facilities, their first weeks in the United States have been filled with enriching cultural experiences. As they embark on what promises to be a transformative semester, UGRAD students at …