Host Partner Feature: University of Central Missouri

Host Partner Feature: University of Central Missouri

World Learning is excited to showcase the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in this month’s host partner feature! UCM is currently home to seven Global UGRAD participants: Medgunowsky Balthazar II Laguerre (Haiti), Qori Fadila (Indonesia), Sheila Jamal (Mozambique), Holman Castro (Nicaragua), Cheolmin Park (South Korea), Bibinyyaz Omarova (Turkmenistan), and Orest Matsiyevsky (Ukraine). Wesley Hobson, Coordinator of Exchange and Sponsored Programs at UCM, shared how …

Host Site Visit: University of Wyoming

Host Site Visit: University of Wyoming

This spring, World Learning will visit four Global UGRAD host campuses across the country. Visiting partner universities and colleges affords World Learning staff the opportunity to get an ‘on-the-ground’ experience and meet university staff and students in person. This month, Global UGRAD program officer, Jordan Ferrick, visited the University of Wyoming – home of the Cowboys! The University of Wyoming (UW) is …

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Spring 2023 Students

First Impressions from Global UGRAD Spring 2023 Students

Global UGRAD students are settling into the Spring 2023 semester at various host colleges and universities across the country. We reached out to students to learn about their first impressions of campus life, courses, and U.S culture. For many, this is their first time in the United States, or even outside of their home countries. We’re sharing some of the things …

Building Bridges Through Exchange

Building Bridges Through Exchange

One of the goals of the Global UGRAD Program is to “facilitate opportunities for students to establish social networks with U.S. host institutions and local communities”. There are a few ways the Global UGRAD students achieve this goal including through community service, friendship, and meeting with professors. The Global UGRAD Program requires the students to complete 20 hours of community …

My Second Family: How Friendship Families Impact Worldviews

My Second Family: How Friendship Families Impact Worldviews

At many universities across the United States, Global UGRAD students have been able to participate in Friendship Family programs. Whether through group trips together or cooking traditional meals, these types of programs are a great opportunity for students to share their culture with Americans outside of campus and to learn about their community in unique ways. Continue reading to see …

Discovering Connections to my Homeland at California State University San Marcos

Discovering Connections to my Homeland at California State University San Marcos

My name is Victoria, I was born twenty-one years ago in the Republic of Tuva, a remote native community in Russia. And twenty-five years ago, in Sweden, Tuva Liisa Victoria was born. Fate has brought us together in San Marcos, California. I didn’t believe in fate before, but after our meeting, I know that everything is not a coincidence in …

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 …

My Second Family: the Impact of Friendship Families

My Second Family: the Impact of Friendship Families

Many Global UGRAD host universities provide amazing opportunities for Global UGRAD students to engage with their host communities. One such example are friendship family programs, where international students are paired with local families for an exchange of culture, friendship, and fun. Please continue reading to hear more about the positive impact these types of exchanges have on both student and …