Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, also known as Global UGRAD, is a prestigious scholarship initiative that provides outstanding undergraduate students from various countries with an opportunity to study for one semester in the United States. This non-degree, full-time program encompasses academic study, community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment.
Administered by World Learning on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Global UGRAD opens doors for approximately 250 students each year, fostering global understanding and cooperation.
What’s on Offer:
Through Global UGRAD, selected students have the privilege to study at over 70 diverse colleges and universities across the United States. The program caters to students from a wide range of academic fields, providing them with a chance to explore their interests and broaden their knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this life-changing opportunity, applicants must meet certain criteria. They should be over 18 years old and citizens of participating countries, currently residing in their home country.
Additionally, they must be enrolled as undergraduate students in good standing at accredited universities, with at least one semester remaining after the conclusion of the UGRAD program. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, and English language training is available for some finalists.
Participants should be able to begin their studies in the United States either in August 2023 or January 2024, as deferrals are not allowed. Moreover, they must be eligible to receive and maintain the J-1 student exchange visa required for the program and should be cleared by a physician to participate. Commitment to returning to their home country upon completion of the program is also required.
Application Process:
While applications are currently closed, interested students can apply through the U.S. Embassy (Public Affairs Section) or Fulbright Commission in their home country when the application period opens. The deadline for the next round of applications is December 15, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to visit the official scholarship website provided below for access to the application form and detailed information on how to apply.
Scholarship Inclusions:
Host institutions play an integral role in the success of the Global UGRAD Program by demonstrating significant cost-sharing commitments. This may include offering in-state tuition rates instead of out-of-state rates, housing waivers, substantial tuition discounts or scholarships, and reductions in housing and fees. The scholarship covers one academic semester, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their studies and cultural experiences.
Conclusion:
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) presents a unique opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from participating countries to enrich their academic journey with a semester of non-degree study in the United States.
The program’s focus on community service, professional development, and cultural exchange fosters global citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact in their home countries and beyond. For more information and future application opportunities, students are encouraged to visit the official website and seize this chance to embark on an unforgettable educational adventure.