Advice from Alumni

Advice from Alumni

The new year ushers in the arrival of new Global UGRAD participants for the spring semester. Participants consider so many important things as they begin their program, from scheduling classes to budgeting money to managing time. Who better to share advice on navigating this transition than Global UGRAD alumni? Minh Thu Nguyen | Vietnam | Northern Michigan University | Fall …

End of Program: Photo Contest Winners

End of Program: Photo Contest Winners

In the weeks leading up to this fall’s End of Program Workshop, Global UGRAD participants submitted photos to the UGRAD Photo Contest that culminated at the workshop in Washington, D.C. Participants could submit one photo for each of the following five categories: American Experiences, Fall Fun, Sharing Culture, School Spirit, and Community Service. Submissions had to be photos participants had …

From Where I Stand 2019 Part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

From Where I Stand 2019 Part I | The Global UGRAD Photojournalism Project

One of our favorite sayings is “Once a UGRAD, always a UGRAD.” Even when the U.S. portion of the Global UGRAD experience is over, alumni are always a part of this big and talented family. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in their home …

First Look: Community Service

First Look: Community Service

Global UGRAD students are required to complete at least 20 hours of community service while they are in the United States. Admirably, many students have already starting volunteering in their local host community. Read below about the volunteering experiences written by current 2018-19 Global UGRAD students: Oudom Von from Cambodia at the University of Missouri-St. Louis “I have always been continuously …

Friendships: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Friendships: Looking Back and Looking Forward

When first arriving in the United States, it can be hard to breakthrough those superficial boundaries and develop deep connections with Americans. Of course as our Global UGRAD students have found, the effort is always worth it. Each semester our students forge beautiful, rewarding friendships. Now, as another semester comes to an end, and our Global UGRAD students wave goodbye …

For the Love of Language

This month’s Global Gazette shines a light on Global UGRAD students who have embarked on learning multiple languages. Far from being content with mono-, bi- or even trilingualism, here are a few examples of Global UGRAD students who push themselves towards learning new languages. Leila Pyreva, Russia, University of Wisconsin Green Bay I have never thought about learning languages as my main …

From Where I Stand Part II – the Global UGRAD photojournalism project

From Where I Stand Part II – the Global UGRAD photojournalism project

Ani Khachatryan, Armenia, University of Memphis, Global UGRAD 2016-17 After spending four exciting months in the U.S., I went back to Armenia with valuable and unforgettable experiences and reunited with my friends and family. Since then I have finished a Data Science program and have received a professional certificate from Microsoft. Right now, I am in Boston, MA doing an awesome …

Journey to the United States

Journey to the United States

The Journey Begins “When ‘Life is full of surprises’ meets with a ‘Dream comes true’ moment, things simply can’t get any better. Being able to participate in the Global UGRAD Program has been an experience of a lifetime! In Bangladesh, as soon as I completed my semester final exams, I was psyched and excited to prepare myself to board my flight to head …