Alumni Update: Ransi Karunarathna, Sri Lanka

Alumni Update: Ransi Karunarathna, Sri Lanka

The Global UGRAD Program was a transformative experience, because I had the chance to explore U.S. diversity and culture. For me, traveling is more than simply seeing another place; it is an opportunity to learn about and reflect on my experiences. Although I have traveled to and studied in many international cities, the United Nations headquarter in New York City …

Global UGRAD Students Celebrate Black History

Global UGRAD Students Celebrate Black History

With the start of Black History Month this February, we asked Global UGRAD participants to reflect on their experiences learning about African American history and culture while in the United States. Check out a sampling of these reflections below: Worawit Dumklang, Thailand, Maryville College On January 20th, 2020, I attended a silent march as a part of the Martin Luther …

Alumni Update: Fabiola Castillo, Nicaragua

Alumni Update: Fabiola Castillo, Nicaragua

Thinking that it is 2020 already still impresses me. I turn back and realize it’s been two years now since my experience as an exchange student in the United States with the Global UGRAD Program and many things have changed since then. In 2018, I came back to my country full of new ideas and motivation. After finishing my degree …

Lunar New Year Across U.S. Campuses

Lunar New Year Across U.S. Campuses

  “At Maryville College, we celebrated Chinese New Year with Lucky Lion Dancers on January 16, 2020. The celebration was held by Study Abroad Ambassadors. I wanted to participate in the event because people believe that if you watch the Lucky Lion Dancers, it will brush away bad things from last year and bring you good luck this year. I …

First Impressions: Spring 2020

First Impressions: Spring 2020

With the spring semester well underway, the Global UGRAD students have been sharing their first impressions of the U.S. and the campuses they are calling home for the next several months. Check out how their experiences have been going so far! Reggy Katigbak, the Philippines, University of Nevada-Reno Although we have a lot of activities/requirements per course, I am really …