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 …

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: …

Halloween

Halloween

Many UGRADs experienced their first Halloween this year in the United States. Several students dressed up in costumes, attended parties and participated in Halloween-related activities. Elian Gonzalez, a student from Panama studying at Keuka College in Upstate New York, thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. “It was wonderful to celebrate Halloween for the first time in the USA,” Gonzalez said. “I shared …

Winter Break Travel, Part I

Winter Break Travel, Part I

Every year, English Language Training (ELT) students take advantage of their winter break to explore the United States and deepen their American connections. Please find excerpts from their adventures below (and stay tuned for part two of this series in February). Francisco Aquirre (Nicaragua) at Wright State University “We visited the United Nations. Our guide explained the different kinds of …

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

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

Last month, we published Part I of our 2019 From Where I Stand series, the Global UGRAD photo project that creatively shows what our alumni have accomplished since returning home. If you did not have a chance to read last month’s installment, you can find it here. We are thrilled to share even more stories of volunteerism, academics, and growth with you this month. …

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 …

My Person: Global UGRAD Students’ Closest Mentors and Friends

My Person: Global UGRAD Students’ Closest Mentors and Friends

It’s not easy leaving the familiarity of home to begin a new adventure in a foreign country. It takes courage, resilience, and a welcoming community. Luckily, our Global UGRAD students are adept at developing deep and lasting relationships with wonderful people who support and encourage them throughout this journey. Below, some students share with us a special someone who has …

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 …