Alumni Reunion: From Central Asia to Central America

Alumni Reunion: From Central Asia to Central America

My name is Nursuluu, and I am a Global UGRAD alumna from Kyrgyzstan. This year I graduated university in Kyrgyzstan, and I am currently working for a youth NGO called Novi Ritm as a Project Coordinator. I have also been volunteering with the MediAct project, which has youth workshops in three different countries, and one of those countries is El Salvador. …

Alumni Update: Philippines

Alumni Update: Philippines

It’s easy to take for granted the moments that we can effortlessly capture using a camera. The other day I stumbled upon a forgotten roll of photos from my Global UGRAD experience in 2016. Those photos are precious not only because my friends and I are in them, but also because they remind me how much my life changed since …

What Does it Mean to be American?

What Does it Mean to be American?

As a part of the intercultural competency section of the Online Professional and Academic Learning (OPAL) course, Global UGRADs are encouraged to interview an American and reflect on the responses. Students noted similar themes during their discussions —individual freedom, patriotism, multiculturalism, race relations, work ethic, and family ties. Interview responses and reflections varied widely and covered a lot of ground, …

Making the Case for Cultural Exchange

Making the Case for Cultural Exchange

In September, the American Corner in Banja Luka hosted an event entitled “Why Cultural Exchange Programs are Important.” The director of the American Corner talked about all the exchange opportunities that students in Bosnia and Herzegovina have in the U.S., and I as a Global UGRAD Alumni Class Secretary for Bosnia and Herzegovina spoke more about the Global UGRAD Program. …

Discovering Connections to my Homeland at California State University San Marcos

Discovering Connections to my Homeland at California State University San Marcos

My name is Victoria, I was born twenty-one years ago in the Republic of Tuva, a remote native community in Russia. And twenty-five years ago, in Sweden, Tuva Liisa Victoria was born. Fate has brought us together in San Marcos, California. I didn’t believe in fate before, but after our meeting, I know that everything is not a coincidence in …

Global UGRAD Student Spotlight: Hadyatulloi Azimzoda

Global UGRAD Student Spotlight: Hadyatulloi Azimzoda

World Learning is proud to feature in this month’s Global Gazette the story of Hadyatulloi Azimzoda. Hadyatulloi is a 2019-2020 Global UGRAD participant from Tajikistan studying at Georgia State College and University who was featured prominently in an article on his host university’s website. As the semester progresses, we are thrilled to be showcasing the experiences, goals, and accomplishments of Global …

Fall 2019 Community Service Spotlight

Fall 2019 Community Service Spotlight

Throughout their semester in the United States, students on the Global UGRAD Program become increasingly involved in their host communities through a variety of volunteer activities. Here are some highlights from community service events that they have completed so far! I would like to share my volunteering experience with the Islamic Center of Victoria, Texas. I had the pleasure to …