Global UGRAD Bucket Lists

Global UGRAD Bucket Lists

One month into their exchange program, Global UGRAD participants are hard at work setting ambitious goals to make the most of their semester. Now that they have familiarized themselves with campus and settled into life in the United States, they have begun to think about the events, activities, or objectives they hope to accomplish before they depart in May. As …

Alumni Spotlight: Mozambique

Alumni Spotlight: Mozambique

In this month’s alumni spotlight, World Learning is thrilled to highlight the remarkable efforts of three Global UGRAD alumni from Mozambique who are joining forces to establish an organization dedicated to promoting climate literacy within their homeland. Xana Maunze, a Global UGRAD participant from the 2017-2018 cohort who studied at Fairleigh Dickinson University, embarked on her journey toward sustainability during …

What’s in Your Bag?

What’s in Your Bag?

As snow descends on much of the United States, the majority of the spring 2024 Global UGRAD students are busy unpacking their bags and settling into campus life for the semester, while others are finishing penultimate preparations in their home countries before their departure later this month. Equally important to all the new experiences each student will have in the …

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 …

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Community Service Spotlight: Fall 2023

Each semester, Global UGRAD students across the United States complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service to fulfill their Global UGRAD program requirement. This fall, students embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their host communities by doing everything from volunteering at local charitable organizations to cleaning up local parks and gardens. Below are highlights from some of …

Alumni Spotlight: Zimbabwe

Alumni Spotlight: Zimbabwe

Hello UGRADs! My name is Sibonisiwe Ngubeni and I was privileged to represent my country, Zimbabwe, as a Global UGRAD student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in the spring semester of 2019. UTK, also known as Rocky Top, was packed with opportunities, hospitality, energy, tradition, green spaces, and quiet corners; a true breeding ground for thriving global changemakers. …

Campus Visits: Georgia College & State University and University of Mississippi

Campus Visits: Georgia College & State University and University of Mississippi

Georgia College & State University This September, Global UGRAD Program Officer, Melanie Winters, had the opportunity to visit Georgia College & State University (GCSU) in Milledgeville, Georgia. During the visit, Melanie was able to engage with GCSU staff, gain valuable insights into the university’s processes and student experiences, and meet with the Global UGRAD participants studying there this fall semester: …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Fall 2023 Students

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) is a space for risk-takers. Many Global UGRADs had seldom travelled outside their home countries; far fewer had ever stepped foot in the United States. Nonetheless, they arrived with open minds and enthusiasm, excited to experience both the beauty and the challenges in the semester ahead. Becoming entirely immersed in a new language, environment, …

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. – …