Global Undergraduate Exchange Program : Global UGRAD (Fully-funded to USA)

Program Overview

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) offers young leaders from around the world an opportunity to study in the United States, develop critical professional skills, and experience American culture firsthand. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by World Learning, this program empowers participants with the tools they need to excel in their professions and communities upon returning home.

Since its inception in 2008, over 2,500 students have benefited from Global UGRAD, with many alumni advancing to prestigious opportunities like Fulbright grants, international internships, and impactful roles in their home countries. Participants leave the program not only with enhanced academic knowledge but also with a deepened understanding of U.S. culture and values, positioning them as global leaders and change-makers.

Key Details:

• Countries Served: Global (see list below)
• Program Duration: November 18, 2015 – March 30, 2025
• Funding: Sponsored by the U.S. Government through the U.S. Department of State
• Contact: exchangeprograms@worldlearning.org

Note: For students from Pakistan, the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program is administered separately. Please contact the Fulbright Commission in Pakistan at undergraduate@usefp.org for more information.

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Program Goals

The Global UGRAD Program is designed to:

1. Promote Mutual Understanding: Foster connections between people in the United States and other nations, enhancing cross-cultural relationships.
2. Advance Academic and Leadership Skills: Equip students with competencies in academics, leadership, and professional development.
3. Strengthen Career Readiness: Provide tools for participants to pursue future academic and career goals.
4. Encourage Cultural Exchange: Deepen students’ understanding of U.S. culture through direct experience.
5. Build Lasting Connections: Facilitate networks between participants, U.S. host institutions, and local communities.
6. Empower Civic Engagement: Inspire students to engage positively in civic life in their own communities and globally.

Eligible Countries Participants come from a wide range of countries, including but not limited to the following:

• Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, North Macedonia, Palestinian Territories (West Bank), Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

Alumni Success Stories Global UGRAD alumni have gone on to make meaningful contributions worldwide. Through the program’s focus on community service, students have collectively logged thousands of volunteer hours in the U.S., impacting communities and gaining hands-on experience in civic engagement.

How to Apply To learn more about the application process and program eligibility, visit the Global UGRAD website.

To learn more and apply, please visit the Global UGRAD website.

For highlights from the Global UGRAD Program, visit our newsletter, the Global Gazette.

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Additional Resources

• Interactive Program Highlights: Explore program videos, alumni stories, and participant testimonials.
• Global Gazette: Stay up-to-date with stories and news from Global UGRAD participants and alumni.
• Media Coverage: Discover more about Global UGRAD’s impact through press releases and stories from local U.S. universities hosting students.

Related Organizations Global UGRAD is part of the World Learning, Inc. family, which includes The Experiment in International Living and the School for International Training, both dedicated to people-to-people exchanges and global education.

For further inquiries or to connect with program alumni, reach out to World Learning at exchangeprograms@worldlearning.org.