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 …

Current Student Spotlight: El Salvador & Albania

Current Student Spotlight: El Salvador & Albania

The Global UGRAD program opens doors for participants to pursue passions and causes important to them. This semester, two UGRADs have shared their personal experiences and represented their home countries in unique ways. Whether it is speaking at a fundraising event or co-starting a blog featuring international students, these students have taken advantage of opportunities during their Global UGRAD programs. …

Experiencing America: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Experiencing America: Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Now about halfway into their program, our Global UGRADs from Europe and Central Asia have had many opportunities to engage with their host communities. Their experiences have helped them gain insight into American life and build connections between their host communities and their communities back home. Check out some of their favorite experiences below! Dilnaz Imeramzayeva, Kazakhstan, SUNY – Plattsburgh:  On …

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 Gathering: Albania

Alumni Gathering: Albania

Once a UGRAD, always a UGRAD! On 20th of October, Albanian Global UGRAD alumni organized a meet-up. Although we have been talking with each other constantly, it was the first time that all of us, two generations (2016-17, 2017-18) of Global UGRADs in Albania, came together to share our own experiences in the U.S. We found many similarities in our …

All Hands on Deck! Stories of Community Service from Around the World – Part I

All Hands on Deck! Stories of Community Service from Around the World – Part I

Community service is an integral part of the Global UGRAD experience. Beyond being a program requirement, Global UGRAD participants embrace civic engagement as one of the most valuable, enjoyable, and rewarding parts of their semester in the U.S. As the spring semester students gear up to begin their own service activities, we would like to highlight the outstanding volunteer work …

From Where I Stand 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 of impact. The lessons learned and knowledge gained during the exchange live on as alumni share their stories and dedicate efforts to shine brightly in …

My Newest Hero

Erisa Murati, Albania, Kansas State University My last but most significant volunteering experience was on Saturday, December 3rd at the Lighthouse Clothes Closet and Food Pantry center, which offers free clothes and food packages for people in need. My responsibilities there were almost the same as the ones at Encore Shop, organizing food on the shelves, cleaning the food pantry, checking and picking up …