Name of the Event: Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
Place: United States
Last Date of Application: 15 December 2024
Link to Apply:
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is directed and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
A program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is an opportunity for exceptional young leaders from over 60 countries/areas to attend diverse colleges and universities across the United States for a semester of non-degree study and cultural exchange.
Each year, over 300 students are selected by U.S. Embassies and Fulbright Commissions to participate in the Global UGRAD Program through a competitive application process that considers leadership potential, academic promise, and community involvement.
During the exchange semester, Global UGRAD students live and learn on-campus alongside their American peers, complete 20 hours of community service, and enroll in full-time coursework including one U.S. Studies course.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Prospective applicants to the Global UGRAD Program must meet all of the following requirements-
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Have citizenship in at least one of the participating countries/areas.
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Be at least 18 years old by August of the relevant academic year. For example, if you are applying to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must be at least 18 years old by August 2025.
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Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at an accredited educational institution.
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Have at least one full academic year of undergraduate study remaining after May of the relevant academic year that you participate in the Global UGRAD Program. For example, if you are applying to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must have at least one full year of undergraduate study remaining after May 2026.
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Be able to communicate in English.
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Be committed to service in your community.
Costs covered by the Global UGRAD Program:
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pre-departure travel allowance,
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roundtrip,
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economy-class international airfare,
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tuition,
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required fees,
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on-campus housing,
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meals,
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required textbooks,
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a monthly maintenance stipend, and
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a limited health benefits program.
The program also covers costs related to participating in the End of Program Workshop in Washington, DC.
Application Process:
Prospective students must apply to participate in the Global UGRAD Program during the annual application cycle for the following academic year. The application opens on November 1st and closes on December 15th. Students applying in November/December 2024 would complete their exchange during the fall 2025 or spring 2026 term.