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 …

Alumni Update: Seo In-ho, South Korea

Alumni Update: Seo In-ho, South Korea

Seo In-ho participated in the Global UGRAD Program at the University of Southern Indiana  during the 2017/18 program year. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul recently featured his experience to mark the 30th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act (ADA); Seo In-ho is visually impaired and was directly impacted by ADA during his time on campus. He thoughtfully shares his story …

Making the Case for Cultural Exchange

Making the Case for Cultural Exchange

In September, the American Corner in Banja Luka hosted an event entitled “Why Cultural Exchange Programs are Important.” The director of the American Corner talked about all the exchange opportunities that students in Bosnia and Herzegovina have in the U.S., and I as a Global UGRAD Alumni Class Secretary for Bosnia and Herzegovina spoke more about the Global UGRAD Program. …

Becoming an American Educational Ambassador in Ukraine

Becoming an American Educational Ambassador in Ukraine

Sitting on the beach by the light blue sea watching the sunset, I suddenly realize that this beautiful view does not inspire me as much as my Global UGRAD experience. As a Global UGRAD alumna, I can say that those ten months of volunteering, traveling, and exploring a new system of education were tremendously important for my personal growth. While …

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

An Alumni Reunion Three Years in the Making

Abdessadeq, Sofiia, and Michelle met at Marymount University on August 23rd, 2016. We instantly clicked since that first day and our friendship has been flourishing ever since. Together, we got to experience what I’d call an authentic U.S. exchange experience as we shared memories not only on campus, but also while traveling along the East Coast and through the Midwest. …