Alumni Spotlight: Kosovo

Alumni Spotlight: Kosovo

My name is Sofije Zenuni and I am from Kosovo. I studied international business at Iliria College in Kosovo and I graduated in June 2020. I’m lucky to call myself an alumna of Global UGRAD 2020 at Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont. When I first applied for this scholarship, I had no doubt that there were better candidates who deserved …

Community Service Spotlight

Community Service Spotlight

Community service is an integral part of the Global UGRAD program. Students are required to complete at least 20 hours of community service as a way to give back and build meaningful connections in their local communities. Every student is engaged in interesting and inspirational service; keep reading to learn more about a selection of three students’ unique volunteering experiences. …

Student Cultural Presentations

Student Cultural Presentations

Our Global UGRAD students have been busy showcasing their home countries at cultural events from fashion shows, to dances, to presentations. Please enjoy these pictures and stories from some of those events. “These are photos from the multicultural fashion show that took place on March 5th, 2022. This is my first time walking the runway in a fashion show. I’m very …

Study Tips from Global UGRAD Students

Study Tips from Global UGRAD Students

Midterm exams are around the corner, and, for some students, this can be a very stressful time of the semester. There is an endless number of resources available online and on campuses to help reduce test anxiety. Here, our Global UGRAD students offer some study tips and tricks. “I do have two study tips: always listen and take notes during …

First Impressions: Spring 2022

First Impressions: Spring 2022

With the spring semester fully kicked off at all of our host universities across the United States, Global UGRADs have had a chance to get settled in and make first impressions! There are so many new sights to see and experiences to be had, it is always enlightening to hear directly from participants about what stands out as unique at …

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 …

Celebrating Inclusion on Campus

Celebrating Inclusion on Campus

As we prepare to celebrate Pride Week in June, World Learning is sharing students’ experiences throughout the semester observing inclusion on campus. World Learning’s Global UGRAD OPAL course module “Beyond Tolerance: Inclusion and Diversity Practices,” encourages students to attend an event or club meeting that serves as a space for minority students. Below are some welcoming spaces students discovered! Ali …

Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Woman I Admire

Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Woman I Admire

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Global UGRAD students reflected on women from all backgrounds and walks of life who have inspired them to pursue their dreams. Maureen Tejeda, Dominican Republic, University Houston-Victoria: The woman who has inspired me to continue pursuing my dreams is the best known as “RBG”, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of …

Alumni Edition: Where is my UGRAD Post Now?

Alumni Edition: Where is my UGRAD Post Now?

Johanny Amaya Melgar, Honduras, Global UGRAD 2015-16 at Emporia State University From where I stand today – at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras – I help to empower the most vulnerable youth in my community through English language, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. It’s incredible to see these youth actually smiling and dreaming of a better future, with them in it. …

Getting a Jump-Start on Community Service!

Getting a Jump-Start on Community Service!

The Global UGRAD students complete a minimum of 20 hours community service during their academic semester in the United States. While many are just beginning to think about how they’d like to spend their time volunteering, others have already started! Here is Aarif Badarny’s (Israel) account of his first experience doing community service near his host campus, Castleton University. On …