Sports in the United States

Sports in the United States

Across the country Global UGRAD participants have been enjoying a wide range of sports activities, both on and off campus. For many, this is their first time watching or joining athletic activities typical of the United States. We asked students to describe their experiences, so read on to learn more! Mark Virgil Jamer | Philippines | Kent State University “This …

Alumni Spotlight: Guatemala

Alumni Spotlight: Guatemala

Hello, I am Jacky Salazar, a UGRAD alum from Guatemala who attended American University in the spring semester of 2017. The Global UGRAD Program is a life-changing experience that fosters both professional and personal growth in each and every participant. It also allows you to be part of a family that extends across countries and cohorts. My experiences as a …

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

Host Site Visits: Minnesota State University Mankato & Missouri State University

  Minnesota State University Mankato This semester, Global UGRAD Program Officer Sarah Halligan had the opportunity to visit Minnesota State University (MNSU) Mankato. It was an opportunity to meet with various departments within the university and also meet the five students who attended MNSU Mankato this spring: Abdoulaye Hali Aboubacar (Niger), Ayu Silvia (Indonesia), Khamla Invongkham (Laos), Sharon Colindres (Honduras), and …

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

End of Program Workshop Photo Contest

During last month’s End of Program Workshop, the winning images of the Global UGRAD photo contest were featured during the final dinner celebration. The World Learning team received an overwhelming number of photos from participants this semester, and as is tradition, the team selected a few favorites! – Hali Abdoulaye Aboubacar (Niger, Minnesota State University Mankato) roasting marshmallows with friends. – …

From one cohort to the next: Advice from alumni for new UGRADs

From one cohort to the next: Advice from alumni for new UGRADs

The new year ushers in a new group of UGRAD students, arriving at various universities around the United States for the spring semester. Who better to give advice to the new arrivals than those who just completed their program weeks ago? Money and financial planning were common themes throughout the advice from recent alumni. Langelihle Moyo, an alumnus from Zimbabwe …

Alumni Update – Guatemala

Alumni Update – Guatemala

On August 18th I will commemorate 2 years since my arrival for the wonderful Global UGRAD adventure. These past years after I came back have been quite challenging, but with all the knowledge and experience obtained during the exchange program I have been able to overcome any adversity and open myself for new horizons. Reflecting about the program I realized …

Alumni Update – Raul del Valle (Guatemala)

Alumni Update – Raul del Valle (Guatemala)

Since Sunday, December 15th of 2019, the date I “concluded” my participation in the Global UGRAD Program at American University in D.C., life has been a roller coaster of emotions. I mention “concluded” inside quotation marks because I truly believe that when someone becomes a Global UGRAD, they will forever be a Global UGRAD. After the program I came back …

Winter Holidays and Celebrations

Winter Holidays and Celebrations

This month, we asked our 2020-2021 Global UGRAD finalists to share a bit about winter celebrations in their home countries. While the holidays throughout this year have been very different, read on to learn more about how this time of year is traditionally celebrated across the world. Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar, Philippines Dubbed as the longest yuletide celebration in the …

Virtual ELT Responses: American Society and the Meaning of Freedom

Virtual ELT Responses: American Society and the Meaning of Freedom

Our Virtual English Language Training students recently completed the first module of their online English courses. These past few weeks, Global UGRADs have examined historical figures and cultural movements to discuss what freedom means in the United States, in their home communities, and to us as individuals. Meet George Washington Carver by Aigerim Myrzakhmet (Kazakhstan) I was amazed and inspired by …

From Where I Stand: September 2020 Edition

From Where I Stand: September 2020 Edition

Last month, we published the first part of the 2020 From Where I Stand series. This annual project highlights the achievements of alumni since completing the Global UGRAD Program. If you missed last month’s edition, you can still find it here. We’re excited to share even more stories below! Gabriela Elizabeth Guzman Sanchez, Guatemala, Rochester Institute of Technology, Global UGRAD …